It's the former that often gets overlooked, and it's this era that is celebrated on this brand new reimagining. Working alongside original guitarist Eric Bell, producer and mixer Richard Whittaker has used the original tapes, vocals and instrumentation from recordings made between 1971 and 1973 for the basis of this project, with brand new acoustic guitar parts from Bell.
Offering a new perspective on the band's iconic sound, the album strips the trio bare, with the tracks reimagined in an intimate, unplugged style. Right from the start, you can hear how the raw, emotional core of songs like the jaunty 'Mama Nature Said' and the of-the-era psychedelia of 'A Song For While I'm Away' shine in the acoustic setting.
Reworking the arrangements and removing Brian Downey's drum parts completely in some places with acoustic guitars and subtle percussion guiding the way, these tracks are revealed in a new light. What’s most striking however, is how it highlights the strength of the band’s song writing, and the beautiful poetry of Phil Lynott, as well as his astonishing vocal delivery.
Highlights include a subline 'Eire', a whimsical 'Dublin', and an almost Andy Williams-esque, dramatic 'Slow Blues', which thankfully retain Bell's electric lead lines which drip with emotion. There's also an interesting take on this line-up's best-known song, 'Whisky in the Jar' which adds some funky new drum parts.
'Acoustic Sessions' offers an introspective take on Thin Lizzy’s earliest days. It’s an album that invites listeners to experience the band’s earliest works in a new light, showing the versatility of their music and allowing the emotional depth of their lyrics to shine through.
'Acoustic Sessions' is available now.