Seldom do artists performing tribute albums sound as true to the real thing as veteran L.A. metalheads Rude Awakening do on the simply titled A Tribute to Thin Lizzy. Taking direct influences from the Irish classic rockers since its inception more than two decades ago, Rude Awakening has been connected to that band since 1996, when it participated in its first Thin Lizzy tribute concert to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott's death. Since then, Thin Lizzy and Rude Awakening have been inextricably linked via Lynott's mother, earning praise for presenting a powerfully authentic representation of Lizzy.
Here, Rude Awakening storms through 13 tracks – from hits like "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back in Town" to lesser known, and arguably better, tunes. With spot-on attitude, vocals and musicianship, it's almost as if you're actually listening to Thin Lizzy. Liner notes detailing why Lizzy remains so important to Rude Awakening and how the band settled on a track listing would have enhanced the colorful packaging. But that's not enough to detract from the performances here, which should drive listeners to Thin Lizzy's back-catalog and spawn a re-appreciation of that band's music. And isn't that exactly what tribute albums are supposed to do?
Track Listing:
1) Jailbreak
2) Don't Believe A Word
3) Hollywood
4) Wild One
5) Johnny The Fox
6) Cowboy Song
7) The Boys Are Back in Town
8) Emerald
9) Still In Love With You
10) Massacre
11) It's Only Money
12) Sha La La
13) Warrior
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