Thin Lizzy: Bad Reputation [VERTIGO]

Why you'll love it

This Vertigo reissue is pressed in Germany and comes with a printed inner sleeve. Bad Reputation has "Dancing in the Moonlight," one of Phil Lynott's most loved songs, and the twin-guitar fire that led straight into Live and Dangerous.

This edition

• Printed inner sleeve
• Pressed in Germany
• Lyrics included

About the album

There's a Toronto connection hiding in this one. Thin Lizzy made Bad Reputation with producer Tony Visconti, and when Phil Lynott and Scott Gorham decided two songs needed Brian Robertson's lead guitar after all, Robertson flew to Toronto to record his solos.

Gorham carries most of the guitar load, and he and Robertson trade leads together on "That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart." "Soldier of Fortune" opens in grand style, the title track rumbles on Brian Downey's drums, "Opium Trail" and "Killer Without a Cause" get Robertson's searing solos, and "Dancing in the Moonlight" slides in with a sax line and an easy, summery charm. "Southbound" and "Dear Lord" show Lynott's softer, more romantic side, and "Downtown Sundown" adds a little late-night jazz to the mix. Visconti's production gives the whole thing a clean, punchy shine.

Gorham later said the band had to pull it together, and they did, then took these songs on the road for the tour that fed their classic live album. A few days in Toronto, and suddenly everything works; we've long suspected the city has that effect.

Also at Kops: more Thin Lizzy on vinyl · browse Rock

Tracklist

Listen

On Vertigo (cat# 0802639), a reissue of the 1977 album.