Thin Lizzy’s debut album almost surfaced under the “Tin Lizzy” moniker, thanks to a Decca artwork mishap that briefly left the Dublin trio with a choice between changing their name or delaying the release. Luckily, history was spared what would’ve been an unfortunate rebrand as the album was eventually released in 1971 exactly as intended. Retrospectively, much of the discussion around the album has also focused on how little it resembles the Thin Lizzy of popular memory. The hard-rock swagger and twin-guitar fireworks were still some way off – here it’s replaced by a mix of psychedelic-flecked blues and folk, and you can sense the exploratory nature of a band seeking its identity. ‘The Friendly Ranger At Clontarf Castle’ hints at the eccentricism the band were discovering, with ‘Eire’ offering a glimpse of the distinctly Irish character that later became one of their most-recognised qualities.
First released 1971, this is a 2026 reissue to celebrate its 55th Anniversary. It contains the original album plus a new remix by Richard Whittaker.
Tracklisting:
Disc 1
1.The Friendly Ranger at Clontarf Castle
2.Honesty Is No Excuse
3.Diddy Levine
4.Ray-gun
5.Look What the Wind Blew In
6.Eire
7.Return of the Farmer’s Son
8.Clifton Grange Hotel
9.Saga of the Ageing Orphan
10.Remembering (Part One)
Disc 2
1.The Friendly Ranger at Clontarf Castle (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
2.Honesty Is No Excuse (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
3.Diddy Levine (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
4.Ray-Gun (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
5.Look What the Wind Blew In (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
6.Eire (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
7.Return of the Farmer’s Son (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
8.Clifton Grange Hotel (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
9.Saga of the Ageing Orphan (New Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix)
10.Remembering (Part One) [new Richard Whittaker Stereo Mix]
