Thin Lizzy - Wild One The Very Best of Thin Lizzy

YOURZ

In 1978, not long after I turned 15, I went with some similarly-aged friends, caught a ferry into the city and walked around to stand on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House and watch a free concert, sponsored by the hippest radio station of that time, 2SM, and featuring headliners Thin Lizzy, as well as Wha Koo (who?), Jon English and a personal favourite, The Sports.

But it was Lizzy we were there to see and they didn't disappoint.  Here they were, one of my childhood hero bands, playing live in front of me (and thousands of others).  I have a vivid memory of standing on top of a garbage bin so I could watch them perform Bad Reputation live. Of all the bands I idolised as a teenager, these guys were the first I ever saw live.  It was a defining moment of my teens, hanging with friends, sharing cigarettes and sneaky sips of warm beer while listening to music.  I spent a lot of my life since then doing more or less the same thing.

More importantly, hearing them do The Boys Are Back In Town and being part of that crowd singing along, at such a time and in such a setting, I just knew I wanted to be a musician.  Thinking back now, this event probably set a precedent.  Seems as though the most significant times of my life have occurred at a rock and roll show.  And for that, I'm truly and deeply grateful.

That jukebox in the corner blasting out my favorite song
The nights are getting warmer, it won't be long
Won't be long till summer comes
Now that the boys are here again

The boys are back in town

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE

This album came to our house because of a mix-up by a friend of mine.  She'd heard a song on the radio and was convinced it was Thin Lizzy, so she bought the CD.  Turned out to be someone else entirely, but it did kind of sound like Rosalie - although I've completely forgotten who it was.

So given that she knew YourZ is a rock pig from way back, she figured it'd find a good home at ours.  And it has, although I have to admit I haven't given it nearly enough listens.  Again, the complaint - too much good music, not enough time.

And this time I have no feel-good, musical-moment tale to tell.  I will say that I knew more of the songs on this album than I thought I did, and had a good time rocking out to them.  As a final note to self: don't play this in the car again, it encourages speeding.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP anyway


For more information go to http://www.thinlizzy.org/

Pivot - O Soundtrack My Heart

YOURZ

I don't know what possessed me to buy O Soundtrack My Heart but I'm pleased I did.  It has been languishing in the collection for some time but not for long.  The band formerly known as Pivot but now as PVT (after a legal claim from an American band of the same name) are quite possibly one of the most refreshingly interesting instrumental bands I've ever heard.

Formed in Sydney by brothers Richard and Laurence Pike, with the later addition of Perth eletronic musician Dave Miller, PVT have slowly built a dedicated following in both the general public and within the music industry itself, so much so they were invited by curator Brian Eno to perform at the Luminous Festival, held at the Sydney Opera House in 2009. 

I would love to spend hours trying to adequately describe the PVT sound but don't really have the time.  Succinctly, they straddle territory I can only describe as a electronia/rock version of Morricone.  Deservedly, I expect PVT to be featured on any number of soundtracks in the near future. 

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE

Instrumental.  A bit clever-clever.  Not really my thing, but I can see why he bought it.

VERDICT: TURN IT DOWN

For more information: http://pvtpvt.net/window