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Thin Lizzy - Chinatown Audio CD

A fair review of the Thin Lizzy "Chinatown" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Thin Lizzy reviews here, or go back to the Thin Lizzy tabs.

Thin Lizzy Band: Thin Lizzy
Title: Chinatown
Rating:
Release Date: 2001-06-19
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: We Will Be Strong 2: Chinatown 3: Sweetheart 4: Sugar Blues 5: Killer on the Loose 6: Having a Good Time 7: Genocide (The Killing of the Buffalo) 8: Didn't I 9: Hey You

Standing in the shadows of love...
Both Philip Lynott and Scott Gorham's drug use had spiraled out of control and there started to be a revolving door for co-lead guitarists as first Brian Robertson and then Gary Moore held the seat. Thin Lizzy had been on a hot streak in terms of quality ever since `Fighting' so it was no surprise that the burnout from over five years at the peak of their success would catch up to them. New man Snowy White was recruited in time for the recording of `Chinatown'; released in the fall of 1980. `Chinatown' is not a bad record; it's just not a great one. It seems forced, tired and reliant on certain lyrical and musical clichés that Lizzy's music was known for. The title track is a great song and probably one of the hardest rocking songs the band put out but it has never been a favorite. "Killer on the Loose", a controversial hit single no doubt due to the presence of a real serial killer in Britain at the time (straight from the headlines!), is probably the album' s best track - rough, forceful and instantly memorable with Philip almost screaming the vocal. "Sugar Blues" was another confessional in the spirit of "Got to Give It Up" from `Black Rose' and both "We Will Be Strong "and "Genocide" seemed to tackle serious social issues. For a light hearted romp "Having a Good Time" seemed to formally initiate White into the proceedings due to his inclusion in Philip's boys nite out lyrics. `Chinatown' will please many rock fans but the standards had been set so high by previous recordings that it can't help to be seen for what it was; the work of a tired band who seemed to be going through the motions. However when that band is Thin Lizzy, then anything they do is worthwhile.


One of their best
Along with "Jailbreak", "Thunder and Lightning" and "Black Rose: A Rock Legend", this is classic Thin Lizzy. If there are only a few Thin Lizzy albums that you need to own, this is definitely one of them.
The album opens in full swing with "We Will Be Strong" - everything you've come to expect from Thin Lizzy. It's quickly followed up by the title track, easily the hardest rock song they've ever done (along with "Cold Sweat" from Thunder and Lightning) - "Chinatown" will make your ears bleed with its blazing twin guitar solo, something you'll want to play over and over. The rest of the album is class as well - probably the weakest song on the album (depending on your tastes) is "Sweetheart". . . and even that is good. "Having a Good time" and "Sugar Blues" are just plain fun - nothing serious here as far as content, but very enjoyable. "Didn't I" is the ballad off the album, and a very good one - Phil Lynott at some of his best. "Genocide (The Killing of the Buffalo)" is a song that reminds you that U2 aren't the only socially-conscious Irish rockers, and it's darn good - Lynott with his vocals and bass really carry the song.
This album is a must have for any serious Thin Lizzy collector.
.


A Strong Release!
While not the best album in the band's catalog, it is a strong release. Ten years into their career though, sadly, closer to the end than the beginning, Thin Lizzy released Chinatown.

Beginning with the hard rockin' "We Will Be Strong," the album gets off to a good start. The guitar is in fine form, as are the vocals supplied by bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott. This is one of my personal favorites from Lizzy.

Title track "Chinatown" is really driven by the percussion and bass, though it does feature a strong guitar solo, and marks a change in style from the opening track, while "Sweetheart" is driven by Lynott's vocals, at first, and by a repeated melody later in the track.

"Sugar Blues" is a departure for Lizzy, being a more typical, blues driven hard rock track, rather than the folk approach they often take, and it's a real album highlight. . . especially that shredding solo over thumping bass guitar!

The second half is a little less strong than the first, though tracks like "Genocide" which just manage to sound as only Lizzy can sound, are always welcome.


Good album
we will be strong. . . . . the album starts with this great song, but you can here sugar blues. . . . . . . . china town and killer on the loose, Snowy White is great, all here are great, great rock, great band.


Amazing album by a underrated band!
they can play with any big band from the 70's. This band is so underrated. This album is awesome. Great guitar,drums,song writing,and just good ol rock and roll. this album and like 6 or 7 before this one are classic rock all the way. They dont make them like this any more.


p. s all we have today are hack bands who cant write any good songs.


You can see a complete list of all Thin Lizzy discography, or go back to the Thin Lizzy tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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