GRAND SLAM
"Slam Anthems" (Cleopatra; 2023)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Grand Slam was the band that the legendary Phil Lynott formed in 1984 after Thin Lizzy called it quits. I'm a huge Thin Lizzy/Phil Lynott fan. I think "Thunder and Lightning" Is one of the greatest hard rock albums ever recorded. But I only vaguely remember Grand Slam, so this opportunity to get into this part of Lynott's history is much appreciated.
And Cleopatra isn't messing around with this release! There are six, count 'em, six, discs in this collection, including the band's original demos (sadly, they never released an official album unless you count 2019's "Hit the Ground," released 33 years after Lynott's death—might be worth a listen), a brand new, exceptionally well-done remix of those demos, plus four additional discs featuring live performances: one from 1983 in Orebro and three more from 1984 in Lifford, London and Great Yamouth. And let me tell you, the live performances are terrific. The band is on fire throughout; the guitar leads are amazing, and the sound quality is impressive as hell. These could have been recorded last year, not forty years ago!
The music rocks hard and it's impossible not to draw comparisons, close comparisons, to Thin Lizzy. In fact, a few Thin Lizzy songs make it onto the live recordings, including their biggest hit, "The Boys are Back in Town," as well as the now-classic "Cold Sweat." Most of the songs are big rockers, guitar-driven and fast-paced ("Crazy" is a perfect example), some of them are simmering rockers ("Crime Rate," "Harlem") and at least one, "Sarah," is a frolicking love song.
This is a stunning collection of rare music by one of the great rock artists of all time, Phil Lynott, and his supporting musicians. If you've ever been a fan of Thin Lizzy, or you're as big a fan as I am, this six-disc collection is a must have.
For more information, check out http://www.grandslamrocks.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
