Thin Lizzy - Still Dangerous: Live At Tower Theatre Philadelphia 1977 (2009)

Still Dangerous, a live set from classic rockers Thin Lizzy, was released March 3, 2009. Viewed as a companion to the earlier Live and Dangerous album, this live show recorded in 1977 at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia is yet another thrilling performance by arguably one of rock 'n' roll's greatest dual lead guitar machines. Recently discovered on a shelf lying dormant inside a box marked "Philadelphia 2," guitarist Scott Gorham was astounded by the fact that the tapes even existed. The potential of this particular show was enough to grab legendary producer Glynn Johns out of retirement to do his magic on the tracks.

Still Dangerous was recorded live in the prime of the Irish rock band's illustrious career, during the sold out "Bad Reputation" tour. Though Thin Lizzy was known for its revolving door membership, especially in the guitarist department, this is the lineup that brought us the albums Jailbreak, Bad Reputation, and of course, Live and Dangerous. Phil Lynott's memorable voice amid the skillful dual guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson is an exhilarating musical excursion. To complete the sonic intensity, Lynott's tight bass lines run perfectly in sync alongside Brian Downey's dynamic percussive drive.

Most of the included songs are from the aforementioned albums, a couple from Johnny the Fox as well. "Soldier of Fortune" opens the show, giving way to Lynott's soulful voice. Though melodic lead guitar runs are often the most indicative attribute in Thin Lizzy guitar playing, another uniqueness of Gorham and Robertson are the crunchy power chords that coerce the verse lines along, unashamedly noticeable here. "Soldier" segues abruptly into "Jailbreak," a song that needs no introduction for fans. Next is "Cowboy Song," with all of its wonderful segments and precise guitar chops. It's evidence of just how road tested the band was back in that particular era, as everything was so tight and particular.

Lynott introduces "Dancing in the Moonlight" as their current single, saying also that it "features a little sax and sex." Doing the sax part is John Earle from the Graham Parker band. Next is "Massacre," truly a tour de force of the group as a whole. "Baby Drives Me Crazy" and "Me and the Boys" close the show in a breathtakingly solid manner.

Still Dangerous is a classic live album from Thin Lizzy. It's an important release today because of its potential to revive the band's relevance in the rock world. Young listeners will be mesmerized by the flair in the musicianship, especially in the guitar playing of Gorham and Robertson (Gorham and former Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes are in the current lineup of the band). And the stage presence of frontman Phil Lynott, who passed away in 1986 from complications arising from heart failure and pneumonia, is charismatic and passionate. Of course, with nothing to compare it to, we have no idea what the task at hand was for Glyn Johns in the studio; however, in giving him the benefit of the doubt, these songs sound fascinating. In fact, they just might be the best live recordings of this material in existence.