Greatest Hits＜限定盤/Silver Vinyl＞

As with most renowned classic rock acts, Thin Lizzy's hits have been repackaged and recycled numerous times over the years. But there hasn't been a collection as thorough as the 2004 double-disc set Greatest Hits. While the group had only one true U.S. hit (the perennial sporting event/barroom/rock radio anthem "The Boys Are Back in Town"), to pass Lizzy off as a one-hit wonder would be a major mistake. The band continued to thrive commercially in just about every other part of the world, and issued countless songs that should have followed "Boys" up the stateside charts, most of which are included on Greatest Hits. While one tiny gripe about the 36-track collection is that the tracks are not in chronological order, all the bases are covered -- early tracks ("The Rocker," "Wild One"), guitar showdowns ("Emerald," "Black Rose," "Bad Reputation"), anthems ("Jailbreak," "Whiskey in the Jar," the aforementioned "Boys"), Phil Lynott's soft side ("Sarah," "Pariesiene Walkways," "Dancing in the Moonlight"), and rarities (selections from Lynott's solo albums, the single-only "Trouble Boys," and a pair of previously unreleased live tracks). If you're a newcomer to Lizzy or curious to dig deeper than merely your weathered vinyl copy of Jailbreak, Greatest Hits is an essential purchase. Hard rock rarely gets better than this. ~ Greg Prato