Artist: THIN LIZZY
Album: JOHNNY THE FOX REMASTERED (CD)

Year: 1977/ 1996
Media type: CD

Johnny the Fox is the seventh studio album by Irish band Thin Lizzy, released in 1976 (see 1976 in music). This album was written and recorded while bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott was recovering from a bout of hepatitis that put him off the road halfway through the Jailbreak tour. "Don't Believe A Word" was a British hit single. The track "Johnny the Fox Meets Jimmy the Weed" features on the Ultimate Breaks And Beats series.

As a concept album, JOHNNY THE FOX has too murky a theme to be considered a true success. As a rock album, it stands with the best of Thin Lizzy's work. Released during the band's peak years (the mid- to late '70s), the album is highlighted by the twin guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson and Lynott's own songwriting. Although his romantic artistic ambitions often outreached his hard rock grasp, the songs here (taken one by one) reveal a more focused craftsman.

The overall tone of the album is looser--funkier even--than on any previous Thin Lizzy effort. Of course, the only successful single was the predictable pounding of "Don't Believe a Word," but there are richer and unexpected highlights scattered throughout. The gentle strains of "Borderline" reveal a melodic grace not usually associated with the band. The easy roll of "Old Flame" likewise unearths heart-on-your-sleeve romanticism; and this from a guy who's better known for casual dismissals such as "if that chick don't want to know, forget her," from the band's signature song, "The Boys are Back in Town."

Import remastered reissue of 1976 album. 10 tracks including 'Borderline' & 'Massacre'. Mercury Records.

TRACKLIST:

"Johnny" (Lynott) – 4:26
"Rocky" (Downey, Gorham, Lynott) – 3:42
"Borderline" (Lynott, Robertson) – 4:35
"Don't Believe a Word" (Lynott) – 2:18
"Fools Gold" (Lynott) – 3:51
"Johnny the Fox Meets Jimmy the Weed" (Downey, Gorham, Lynott) – 3:43
"Old Flame" (Lynott) – 3:10
"Massacre" (Downey, Gorham, Lynott) – 3:01
"Sweet Marie" (Gorham, Lynott) – 3:58
"Boogie Woogie Dance" (Lynott) – 3:07

LINE-UP:

Brian Downey - drums, percussion
Scott Gorham - lead guitar, guitars
Phil Lynott - bass, vocals, acoustic guitar
Brian Robertson - lead guitar, guitars

With:
Fiachra Trench - String arrangements, bass
Phil Collins - percussion
Kim Beacon - Backing vocals