The sad truth is, I found out about Thin Lizzy in the 1990s when Metallica released a cover compilation that included “Whiskey in the Jar”, an old Irish folk song that Thin Lizzy had previously gussied up. Mendelsohn: I wish I had some long, drawn-out backstory as to why I picked this record. So you’ll forgive me, but I have to ask - what is your deal with this album? I’m still suspicious that you’re setting me up for some sort of rock and roll sucker punch here. Even given what I’m pretty sure is the undeniable appeal of Jailbreak, I feel like if I had selected it you would have given me some measure of guff for it. You’ve expressed your skepticism regarding Dylan, Springsteen and hard rock power chords. And I feel like you’ve taken me to task for championing “second-tier” groups like the Zombies or even the Who (although I still think you were just baiting me there).
813 on the Great List, Jailbreak isn’t quite canonical. What surprises, me though, Mendelsohn, is that it appeals to you. Theoretically, it should appeal to rock nerds of all stripes. Fusing Dylanesque and Springsteenian lyrics with harder rock guitars, Jailbreak seems like one of those albums that it’s difficult to argue with. Which is also a damn shame, because Jailbreak is a very good album. Still, they’ve never been a group I’ve really sat down and paid close attention to. And I remember when Phil Lynott died (30 - good God, really? - years ago), and thinking that was a damn shame. I’ve been in a few party situations where a few guys were gathered around the stereo waxing rhapsodic about Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson’s twin-guitar attack. As a sentient human being with a beating heart, I enjoy the song “The Boys Are Back in Town”, and I know I have a copy of Jailbreak on vinyl around here somewhere. I’ve never given much thought to Thin Lizzy. Klinger: I’ll be honest with you, Mendelsohn.
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