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Vagabonds of the Western World

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*** 2010 2CD DELUXE EDITION Review ***

To my knowledge this troubled 'DELUXE EDITION' (Decca 984 194-9) has had no less than 7 release dates - May, July and November of 2007 were first cited, then January, February and April of 2008 - and now it finally arrives Monday 18 October 2010 without the tiniest bit of fanfare. It has a 2007 Copyright date on the rear so it's effectively been delayed three and a half years. But has it been worth the wait - yes absolutely. But to the considerable details first...

DISC 1 - Decca 984 195-0 (77:52 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 8 are their 3rd album "Vagabonds Of The Western World" released 21 September 1973 in the UK on Decca SKL 5170.
(It was released as London XPS 636 in the USA, but contained a very-slightly edited version of "Little Girl In Bloom"; it's the full UK version that is used here)

Tracks 9 and 10 are their 2nd UK 7" single from May 1973, "Randolph's Tango" and "Broken Dreams". Both tracks on Decca F 13402 were non-album at the time.
(Note: the version of "Randolph's Tango" that is used here is known as the 'Full Version' at 3:49 minutes - the promo-only 7" edit at 2:25 minutes is Track 17)

Tracks 11 and 12 are their 3rd UK 7" single and the first to feature a track off the album. "The Rocker" was issued as a 7" single in the UK in November 1973 on Decca F 13467 and is an edited version (2:41 as opposed to the album's 5:12 minutes). It was backed with another non-album Phil Lynott track, the jaunty "Here I Go Again".

Track 13, "Cruising In The Lizzymobile" is non-album also. It's correct title is "A Ride In The Lizzy Mobile" and is a genuine Thin Lizzy vinyl rarity as it was only ever issued on the B-side of the 7" GERMAN release of "The Rocker". Its CD debut first came on the "Vagabonds Kings Warriors Angels " 4CD box set in 2001. Its rare picture sleeve is reproduced in the booklet.

Tracks 14 and 15 are from the GARY MOORE period of Thin Lizzy. "Little Darling" (featuring superb brass arrangements by Fiachra French) was originally issued 11 April 1974 in the UK as a 7" SINGLE-ONLY release on Decca F 13574 (it's B-side "Buffalo Girl" is on the 2010 remaster of "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage"). "Sitamoia" first turned up in August 1976 as an exclusive track on the compilation LP "Remembering Part 1" on Decca SKL 5249 and was also later issued on a UK 3-track 7" EP in January 1978 on Decca F 13748.

Track 16 is the 'December 1977 Overdubbed & Remixed Version' of "Slow Blues" which features Gary Moore on Guitar and Keyboards (it's released for the first time on CD here).

Tracks 17 and 18 are the UK 'Radio Promotional Edited Versions' of "Randolph's Tango" (2:25 minutes) and "Whisky In The Jar" (3:43 minutes)
[Note: "Whisky In The Jar" and its non-album B-side "Black Boys On The Corner" are on the 2010 CD remaster of "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage"].

DISC 2 - Decca 984 195-1 (64:02 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 5 are a "BBC Radio 1 In Concert" (recorded live 26 July 1973 at the Golders Green Hippodrome in London)

Tracks 6 and 7 are a "BBC Radio 1 John Peel Session" (recorded 31 July 1973)

Track 8 is a "BBC Radio 1 Rock On Session" (recorded 26 February 1974)

Tracks 9 to 12 are a "BBC Radio Bob Harris Session" (recorded 6 March 1974)

Track 13 is a "BBC Radio 1 John Peel Session" (recorded 4 April 1974)

[Notes: tracks 5 and 12, "Suicide" and "Showdown" feature Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson]

PACKAGING:
There isn't a plastic wrap like previous Deluxe Editions, instead there's a similar-looking 'Deluxe Edition' paper band running around the entire double digipak at the bottom and you have to cut it from sealed to open the side. Both inner flaps contain the lyrics and black & white session photos that were on either side of the rare insert that came with original UK LPs. The "Legend Of The Vagabond" story on the rear cover of the album artwork is reproduced too and the 16-page booklet has a detailed assessment of the album and the band's history to that point by compiler and noted writer MARK POWELL. The power trio of Phil Lynott, Eric Bell and Brian Downey are also pictured.

The iconic and especially commissioned artwork of Dublin artist Jim Fitzpatrick (a theme followed through to Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox and Black Rose) is fully displayed. Fitzpatrick's artwork was steeped in romantic Gaelic folklore and he was kind of Ireland's answer to England's Roger Dean (Yes, Badger, Greenslade album sleeves). Fitzpatrick and Lynott were lifetime friends and he produced over 250 pieces of art for Lizzy and Phil.

SOUND:
The original 1991 CD reissue has been sounding decidedly dated for decades, the 2001 box set versions were an improvement, but these 2007 polish-ups are subtly wonderful. I've raved about PASCHAL BYRNE'S work before (see my reviews for "Ain't No Saint" the 4CD John Martyn box set and "Blues From Laurel Canyon" by John Mayall), and this set is no different. The first generation tapes have been remastered - not too brash - fantastic presence - each track a revelation. As a rabid fan of this album since a spotty teenager in Dublin, to hear these tracks punch above the belt like this is a genuine thrill. As the blistering slide guitar work of Eric Bell opens "Mama Nature Said", you can at last hear the organ work of JAN SCHELHAAS in the background (ex Gary Moore band, later with Caravan & Camel) and the clarity of Downey's drumming on "Gonna Creep Up On You" is awesome. The rather silly Kid Jensen talking track "The Hero & The Madmen" is probably the album's worst offence (whether it sounds good or not), but Eric Bell's truly fantastic guitar work on the full version of "The Rocker" still astonishes (lyrics above).

CONTENT:
The previously unreleased remake of "Slow Blues" is OK, but you can't help but feel that something already good should have been left well enough alone. The single edits and very cool non-album B-sides are a huge bonus and the BBC sound quality is ace throughout. But what I wasn't prepared for was the quality of the live stuff on Disc 2. Powell's liner notes describe the July 1973 Hippodrome set as 'blistering' and he's not joking - absolutely on fire, Eric Bell comes out doing an almost note for note version of "The Rocker" that is stunning. And it's also great to hear live versions of "Sitamoia" and "Little Darling" at last sounding so alive. Speaking of which - although it doesn't say in the liner notes, I'd swear the incredible guitar work between tracks 9 and 13 (especially on the unbelievably good "Black Boys On The Corner") - is Gary Moore.

To sum up - die-hard fans may have a lot of it already, but the improved sound will be a big draw. The 8-track album by itself may not tempt many newcomers, but for me the huge amount of truly excellent bonus material make it yet another 2010 'Reissue Of The Year'.

God bless you Phillip Paris Lynott wherever you may be ("...bippin' and boppin' and telling a dirty joke or two...") - and what a band.

PS: The last compilation album touching on the 1971-1974 period of Thin Lizzy was called "The Continuing Saga Of The Ageing Orphans" released in the UK in 1979 on Decca SKL 5298. Of it's 11 tracks, 3 were untouched cuts off the "Vagabonds Of The Western World" album - "Mama Nature Said", "The Hero And The Madman" and "Vagabond Of The Western World". But the other 8 tracks were December 1977 remixes and remakes of old Decca material. They contained contributions from Gary Moore and Midge Ure. The purchase of this Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds..." AND the '2010' extended editions of their debut "Thin Lizzy" and their 2nd album "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" will finally allow fans to acquire the missing 8 tracks and sequence the entire album. See also my separate reviews for those discs...

PPS: nothing for years, then like buses, 3 turn up at the same time - Lizzy fans should note that the UK sees no less than 3 Deluxe Editions turn up on 24 Jan 2011 - "Jailbreak", "Johnny The Fox" and "Live And Dangerous"

(Update 11/30/05)

Vagabonds of the Western World.

Short and sweet update here. This album is tops. So much so in the six years since the previous review its become #1 on my Lizzy list. While the very first album is #2. "Thunder & Lightning" has moved down to #3.

Why? Through getting older, appreciating differing styles and vibes. Vagabonds holds up on multiple levels and shines. The first album also is a textured thoughtful effort and deserves praise. Thunder and Lightning is great for what it is. The diversity is missing though from that release, and it doesn't have as much heart.

So in short, get this album. You'll be shining the spotlight on an album us fans know as flat-out divine.

-end update-

This LP is the last album to feature the original Thin Lizzy line-up of Phil Lynott, Eric Bell and Brian Downey.

Recorded in 1973, and released with high hopes of hitting it big, Lizzy put out this album to lukewarm interest and sales. Not long after the release of this album, guitarist Eric Bell burned out and left Lynott and Downey to pick up the pieces. .. and the rest is history from there..

Musically, this LP consisted of many great songs and has aged among the best in the Lizzy catalog. There simply isn't a bad song on the album. Some of the more notible are "The Rocker," which became a perennial live favorite of the band, "Vagabonds of the Western World," "Little Girl in Bloom" and the newly added B-side for the CD reissue showcasing Lynott's strutting: "Black Boys on the Corner."

This LP was Thin Lizzy putting all they had into the music and taking risks. Its passionate, high energy and distinctive. For that, with Eric Bell's unique guitar playing and sound, it ranks up there as my #2 favorite Lizzy CD behind "Thunder and Lightning."

Don't waste any time. Just buy this. You are a Thin Lizzy fan and this is why. The last LP with Eric Bell and it should be had by you. He is a master and why he left is a mystery to me. Check out the solo on "The Hero And The Madman". You'll be hooked. Phil Lynott is not only a great singer and composer but a very good bass player as well. Very evident on this. Brian Downey is always right on. They are an awesome trio to say the least. "Slow Blues" and "The Rocker" are among the best of any Thin Lizzy tracks anywhere. "Little Girl In Bloom" , "Gonna Creep Up On You", it just goes on and on. There is only one track I skip. You'll be able to tell which one. Although I love the 4th album "Night Life" I think it took awhile for the band to gain the momentum lost after this one. I don't think even "Fighting" was quite as good. It's right up there with "Jailbreak" if you ask me. Buy it.

I agree with the previous reviews that there is not a bad song on this CD. I have had this CD for 7 years and the interesting thing is my personal favorites. When I purchased it, I would always listen to Mama Nature Said, The Hero and the Madman, The Rocker and Whisky in the Jar. Now when I listen to it(and I'm not listening to the entire CD) I always go to a different set of songs(Slow Blues, Black Boys on the Corner and Randolph's Tango). If you are familiar with Metallica's cover of Whisky in the Jar, you need to do yourself a favor and listen to the original.

Back in '73 I'd never heard of Thin Lizzy, but pitchers of their records were in record stores over in Europe & music rags featured ads for something called Tales of [or from] a Blue Orphanage: they were popular on the continent.

In the home where I worked, there in Germany, the 16 year old with the muscular dystrophy had me put the record on the turntable. His big head bobbed over his withered body.

Wow! Whiskey in the Jar, Little Girl in Bloom, even Hero & the Madman: why wasn't this stuff on the college radio station? When I departed for the US of A & home, the kid gave me that record.

So, 30+ years later, after I reduced the vinyl to pops, crackles, & fuzz, I bought the CD: don't know where those extree songs are from, but Whiskey in the Jar(oh), My Mama Nature, Song for While I'm Away remain fiery stuff. (Whiskey in the Jar sounds like some 13th-century Meistersaenger ode & it is.) By the time T.L. was on radio, Lynott sounded like Springsteen & was a couple years from dead.

Nope, can't go wrong with Vagabonds: tura lura lura lye.

Boasting both the definitive Jim Fitzpatrick cover and a diverse lineup of outstanding compositions, "Vagabonds" is easily one of Thin Lizzy's three finest studio albums ("Black Rose" and "Bad Reputation" fill out that triumvirate for this listener). Suffering at times from spare production values, the album still offers a testament to the band's instrumental virtuosity: under-appreciated guitarist Eric Bell is a particular standout, displaying a range running from Beck-like eruptions on "Black Boys..." and "The Rocker," to gritty, authentic blues breaks on "Slow Blues" and "Broken Dreams," to an astonishing pseudo-flamenco feature on "Randolph's Tango." He was also the only credible slide player in Lizzy's axeman pantheon, as "Mama Nature Said" illustrates. "Vagabonds" also displays, to fine advantage, Philip Lynott's uncanny way with a lyric. Lynott also came into his own as a vocalist on this album, after his occasionally dodgy performances on the band's first two platters. The title track and "Gonna Creep Up On You" beg to be covered by a contemporary act (Metallica recently released a cover of the Lizzy-fied "Whisky in the Jar"). "Vagabonds," paired with "Black Rose," offers a forthright homage to Lizzy's Irish origins. Fans of later Lizzy sometimes find the offerings of proto-Lizzy to be sketchy and diffuse. However, any fan who likes the 1981 album "Renegade" should give "Vagabonds" a listen. The earlier disc displays the same diversity of approach as the latter, and the band's musical vision is much more successful (in my opinion) on "Vagabonds."

Most everybody remembers Thin Lizzy as a first-rate hard-rock arena band (not in the US, however, where they usually opened bills), and indeed the runaway success of "The Boys Are Back In Town" pointed them in the direction of metal for the whole second half of their career, culminating in THUNDER & LIGHTNING, their swan song as well as their heaviest-ever recording. Few people, however, are aware of how eclectic a band Lizzy were in their early period, as a trio with the sadly-neglected Eric Bell on guitar. Although rough'n'ready hard rock was always part of the Lizzy menu, the first three albums (on Deram) are notable for the many beautiful and touching ballads, to say nothing of the idiosyncratic Celtic folk-blues that was the true core of Phil Lynott's songwriting gift. These Deram albums, all remastered for CD with bonus tracks, offer more than a look at a great band's larval stages - they stand on their own as documents of Lynott & Lizzy at their most creative and audacious. VAGABOND is their overall third, recorded at that juncture when their musicianship had caught up with their sky-high confidence, resulting in razor-sharp & compelling stormers like 'Gonna Creep Up On You' and the unforgettable title track, but even better are the calmer moments: the heartbreaking timeless beauty of 'Little Girl in Bloom' and 'Song for While I'm Away', the gently striding 'Slow Blues' and 'Randolph's Tango' and the emotional power and simplicity of 'Whiskey In The Jar' and 'Hero and the Madman'. (I was pleased to see Metallica covering 'Whiskey' until it dawned on me that now and forever it will probably be thought a Metallica song!) Nick Tauber's production skillfuly adapts to whichever stylistic hat the band is wearing on a particular track; the happy result is one of 70s rock's least-known great albums. From here came the departure of Bell, the addition of the twin guitars of Scott Gorham & Brian Robertson, the move to a major label and eventual international success. And well-deserved, too: those major-label albums were terrific. But, without Eric around, they seldom soared quite this high again.

Pretty much the ultimate example of Thin Lizzy's genius is THIS album, because it covers so much variety and talent from the band.

You have the bluesy, funky rock of "Mama Nature Said", the cool funky beats and SMOKIN' guitar playin' of "The Hero and the Madman", and even more funkiness and blues with "Slow Blues". However, those are NOT your typical blues and funky kind of songs- these are creative in a way that make them distinct to Thin Lizzy's style. NOT ordinary songs!

"The Rocker" has some magnificent guitar playing at the end, "Gonna Creep Up on You" reminds me of an energetic pop band such as Sweet or Slade, and "A Song for While I'm Away" just has a very pretty melody.

Let's buy this great album, though personally, the first two Thin Lizzy albums are my favorite. I recommend the debut album first because there's something REALLY special about that one! Must be the diversity and creativity. However, this is one fantastic album too.

In the fall of 1972, Thin Lizzy gambled on recording an Irish folk and recorded their first major hit, the classic "Whisky in the Jar". This driving version of the song was a curious selection for a single, but from its memorable intro to its "here I am in prison" conclusion, the song created a new market for the struggling band. With renewed confidence they recorded their album `Vagabonds of the Western World' which was released in September 1973. The record marked a turning point in the band's career for a number of reasons. It was their last record for Decca, the final bow for Eric Bell as their lead guitarist and hence their last as a power trio. `Vagabonds' was supposed to make or break the band but instead it did neither. It did however force Lynott and Downey to regroup before expanding on their legend. The lp is very much a hit or miss affair. While it is marked improvement from the previous album, it is still not one of the classics as a whole that the band would later turn out in abundance. Highlights for me would include "The Rocker", one of the key tracks of Lizzy's career and their future encore number. It is a barnstorming tale of Lynott bravado as only Philip can voice, and revealed one of his most successful characters, the barroom brawler/heartbreaker supreme. "Vagabonds of the Western World" is another play on Celtic mythology that Lynott did so well with its magnificent "tura loora loora loroli" intro and powerhouse "blue eyes" chorus, an absolute stunner!! For me the most memorable highlight of album #3 is "Little Girl in Bloom", one of Philip Lynott' most emotional vocals and quite possibly the man's most beautiful poetic accomplishment, a gifted songwriter at the peak of his powers. "Gonna Creep Up on You" is a great metal track, the music seems to stalk you as well. The rest of `Vagabonds' is fair but not great although I love Eric Bell's solo on "Hero and the Madman" though the song is very odd. Two lame blues tunes and a so so ballad wrap up this good but not great LP. As an added bonus on CD, "Whiskey" is included along with "Randolph's Tango" which was the other non-lp single of 1973. Special note, "Whiskey's" B side, "Black Boys on the Corner", which is an absolutely brilliant hard rock song is here as well. "What you doin' man?" "Teddy boy you got to roll" "Let me tell you the story of a vagabond"!!

Their last album as a trio, and before the twin guitar attack was born, Vagabonds of the Western World finds Thin Lizzy going for a harder edged sound, immediately noticeable on the twangy blues rock of "Mama Nature Said." "The Hero and the Madman" follows, and is a very unique track that reminds one of cliffhanger dependent television series, and balances a funky, subdued rock n' roll with a creative vocal approach on the story told by the lyrics.

These two hard rockers set the stage for "Slow Blues," which (as the title suggests) slows things down a bit, with some funky guitar and soulful singing, before "The Rocker" picks it back up (Oh, how I do love rock songs ABOUT rockin'!). This is really a great track, and probably the album highlight.

Traditional Irish song "Whisky in the Jar" makes an appearance, given a more rockin' treatment by Lizzy, with some strong guitar work that makes it an easy favorite, and the album closes on a very cool, bluesy number "Broken Dreams," that is yet another highlight.

Overall, it's a strong album that showcases Lizzy's ability to really rock out in a period before their sound became solidified. Good stuff!