Thin Lizzy – Vagabonds of the Western World (1973, illustrated by Jim Fitzpatrick)ĭublin artist Jim Fitzpatrick was introduced to Philip Lynott in Neary’s pub, in Dublin’s city centre, by Lynott’s friend and Thin Lizzy tour manager, Frank Murray (who would subsequently manage The Pogues). Stephen’s Green”) directly references the back cover image by Dublin photographer Roy Esmond of Thin Lizzy doing exactly that. A lyric from the title track, meanwhile, (“the boys posed, standing in St. Some of the album’s tracks also reference the suggested simplicity of the album cover: “Sarah” (the first of two Lynott-composed songs of the same title) was written for Lynott’s Dublin-based grandmother, in whose house he lived for much of his childhood. The title of Thin Lizzy’s second album, meanwhile, referenced previous bands for Lynott (Orphanage) and Bell (Shades of Blue). The evocative sepia-tinted cover image of three shoeless waifs (originally titled Street Urchins at Lambeth, by Paul Martin) was clearly intended to represent vocalist Philip Lynott, guitarist Eric Bell, and drummer Brian Downey. Thin Lizzy – Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972, design by Decca in-house cover art photograph by Radio Times Hulton Picture Library) “The work of our department,” wrote David Wedgbury in the preface to his photography book, As Years Go By – the 60s Revolution at British Decca, “did much to establish and influence the emerging art of pop photography.” The back cover photography is attributed to Jennifer Edwards (although Dublin photographer Roy Esmond’s uncredited work is also featured). He died suddenly in 1998, aged 61, having photographed 1960s music talent that would change pop culture forever. Wedgbury quickly gravitated towards art design for the label, and then creative studio manager. The appealing fisheye lens cover image was taken by David Wedgbury, the first staff photographer to be employed by Decca. Thin Lizzy signed with Decca Records on December 1, 1970, and within five months their debut album was released. The second side, however, is comprised almost entirely of bland filler, such as "Having a Good Time," "Didn't I," and "Hey You." While it's not their worst album (that "honor" would go to their next studio album, 1981's Renegade), Chinatown should have been a lot better, especially coming off such a stellar release as Black Rose.Thin Lizzy – Thin Lizzy (1971, design by Decca in-house cover art photograph by David Wedgbury) The first side contains the best material: the anthemic "We Will Be Strong," the pop perfection of "Sweetheart," the obviously autobiographical drug tale of "Sugar Blues," plus the British hit singles "Killer on the Loose" and the title track. And since producer Tony Visconti was not on board again, the lively production that played such a prominent part in the success of their past few releases was noticeably absent. Also, leader Phil Lynott and guitarist Scott Gorham were indulging heavily in hard drugs by this point, which was obviously taking its toll. Guitarist Gary Moore was a major reason for the predecessor's success, but he quit during the subsequent tour (eventually replaced by ex- Pink Floyd touring guitarist Snowy White). While Thin Lizzy's previous release, Black Rose, was a focused, inspired hard rock masterwork, its follow-up, 1980's Chinatown, was a letdown.
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