live animals features:
Live Animals!
THIN LIZZY - "Live And Dangerous", 1978 (Warner Bros.)
THE SKINNY-The title says it all. Probably one of the most classic live hard rock albums of all time. It really doesn't get any better than this gem. I challenge anyone to name me one better. 'Live And Dangerous' was recorded during the band's 1977 and 1978 tours that was arguably their pinnacle. The record consists of the classic LIZZY lineup that featured Brian "Robbo" Robertson along mainstay Scott Gorham. Things open up with a crushing version of "Jailbreak" after which Phil Lynott delivers his "...is there any of the girls in the audience that would like a little more Irish in them?" spiel, setting the tone. It's here on this slab that the band really perfected their signature twin harmony guitar leads. It also proved that Phil Lynott was one of the greatest and most unique front men of all time. The Van Morrison vocal style, coupled with Lemmy Kilminster swagger was a huge part of the band's identity. Tracks like "Emerald", "Massacre" and "Warrior" were mere examples of how punishing this live band was. This is Robertson's finest moment and is the record that made me fall in love with his playing. His soul, feel and aggression was the perfect contrast to Gorham's smooth, laid-back approach. If you only have room in your collection for one LIZZY album, this is the one to get.
After this disc, Robertson left the band. LIZZY continued to put out fine records, but I felt that something was missing without him. If you hear or see any live footage from the Gary Moore or Snowy White eras, you may notice that something just doesn't gel. Listen to the versions of "Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed", "The Cowboy Song" or "Are You Ready" off this record and you'll know what I'm talking about. There was so much chemistry in this lineup that the band never regained. The tandem guitar team of Robertson/Gorham was one of the greatest of all time and 'Live And Dangerous' shows why.
THE "RAISE YOUR LIGHTER MOMENT": There are too many to mention, but I will try to condense it down to a few examples. "Rosalie/Cowgirl's Song": Robbo's opening riff demonstrates that Bob Seger's version couldn't touch it. "The Cowboy Song": This was basically the anthem that showed Phil's emotive side coupled with those trademark harmonies. Finally, "Still In Love With You" is probably the greatest hard rock ballad of all time. For slow melodic rockers, it doesn't get any better than this. Pure emotion just pours out of Lynott. This also features Robertson's solo midway through. Although Robbo's rendition of Gary Moore's solo from the 'Nightlife' album is almost note for note, his feel, taste and soul make this one all his own and for me it is the highlight of one of the greatest live albums of all time.
{Text}