Thin Lizzy: Greatest Hits

Founded in 1970 by Irish singer-songwriter/bassist Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy was a successful if underappreciated rock band that built its reputation on Lynott's clever lyrics, tough but soulful vocals, and a twin guitar attack that sounded like dirty blues with a heavy metal edge. This DVD contains 19 pre-MTV filmed performances that haven't aged all that well, but do offer lots of opportunities to see Lynott in action. Beginning with creaky footage of the group lip-synching to its biggest hit "The Boys Are Back In Town," the collection steadily grows more sophisticated with live performances shot on elaborate sets—albeit with low production values and little imagination. Still, many of the songs are engaging pop-rock ditties, often sung with a sly wink from Lynott, whose musical influences are laid bare. "Dancing in the Moonlight" evokes the jaunty feel of Lynott's fellow Irishman Van Morrison, "The Rocker" is a Who-like satire of a rock legend's life, and "Whiskey in the Jar," filmed in black-and-white on British television's Top of the Pops program, sounds like an outtake from Springsteen's The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle. Even without those overt nods to stronger musicians, Lynott's tunes are never less than intelligent and catchy, and it's a treat to have this visual record of an influential rocker whose premature death came at the age of 35. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)