Phil Lynott’s GRAND SLAM – Slam Anthems [6xCD Box Set] (2023)

“Slam Anthems [6xCD Box Set]” is a treasure trove of rare recordings and live performances from the magnificent swan song project from former Thin Lizzy vocalist PHIL LYNOTT.
Lynott formed GRAND SLAM in 1984 with Magnum keyboardist Mark Stanway and although they never issued an official studio album, they played numerous shows around Europe and cut a series of demos before Lynott’s passing in 1986.
On this box set we can check out the original versions of “Sisters Of Mercy,” “Nineteen,” and “Military Man”, plus new mixes and superb live performances of tracks from throughout Lynott’s stellar career.
The first Disc contains the studio recordings (only demos were ever recorded at various states of completion) and whilst it’s not a ‘finished album’ it sounds fine, with all that Phil’s magic.

Disc 2, Live in Orebro appears to be the previously released ‘Live in Sweden’ set from ‘The Collection’ and whilst there are claims of remastering I don’t really hear any difference to the existing CD I have. The sound quality is pretty OK.
Disc 3 – The Live in Lifford CD is a nice recording and has a great take of ‘Parisienne Walkways’ despite the feedback (or ‘Parisienne Blow Jobs’ as Phil introduces it). ‘Cold Sweat’ and ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ – tracks from both ends of a career sound cool too.

Deeper in Disc 4 – ‘Live in London’ amounts to just five tracks and sounds like it was recorded in the room. It’s a nice memento but sonically sounds like a fine bootleg. Disc 5 on the other hand the Great Yarmouth show might not be the clearest mix I’ve heard, but rocks.
In a short space of time these guys were great live and who knows what would have happened if Phil hadn’t left us in ’86.

The final disc in the collection Disc 6 – The Demos, we find rare demos provided by Grand Slam keyboardist Mark Stanway, never released, quite comprehensive, nice and clean sounding – we love them.
If you’re a fan it’s well worth dipping into the wallet for this one, even if still incomplete it’s the most comprehensive representation of the band yet and a joy to listen to with all its imperfections… in a way just like Rock and Roll should be – like the version of ‘Whiter Shade Of Pale / Like A Rolling Stone’ it’s wonderful stuff.
Highly Recommended

DISC 1: REMIXES
1. Breakdown
2. Crazy
3. I Still Think Of You
4. Crime Rate
5. Dedication
6. Military Man
7. Look In These Eyes
8. Harlem
9. I Don’t Need This
10. Sisters Of Mercy
11. Nineteen
12. Hot N Spicy
13. Sarah

DISC 2: OREBRO 1983
1. Yellow Pearl
2. Old Town
3. Sarah
4. A Night In The Life Of A Blues Singer
5. Look In These Eyes
6. Parisienne Walkways
7. Solo In Soho
8. King’s Call
9. Baby Drives Me Crazy
10. The Boys Are Back In Town
11. Still In Love With You

DISC 3: LIFFORD 1984
1. Nineteen
2. Yellow Pearl
3. Sarah
4. Parisienne Walkways
5. Crime Rate
6. Young Boy
7. Night In The Life Of A Blues Singer
8. Cold Sweat
9. Dear Miss Lonely Hearts
10. Whisky In The Jar

DISC 4: LONDON 1984
1. Nineteen
2. Sisters Of Mercy
3. Crime Rate
4. Military Man
5. Dedication

DISC 5: GREAT YARMOUTH 1984
1. Yellow Pearl
2. Nineteen
3. Harlem
4. Parisienne Walkways
5. Cold Sweat
6. Sisters Of Mercy
7. Crime Rate
8. Military Man
9. Dedication

DISC 6: DEMOS
1. Nineteen
2. Crime Rate
3. Crazy
4. Sisters Of Mercy
5. Whiter Shade Of Pale / Like A Rolling Stone
6. Military Man
7. Hot N Spicy
8. I Don’t Need This
9. Harlem
10. I Still Think Of You
11. Gay Boys
12. Breakdown
13. Look In These Eyes
14. She Cries
15. Slam

Phil Lynott – lead vocals, bass guitar
Laurence Archer – lead guitar, backing vocals
Doish Nagle – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Mark Stanway – keyboards, synthesizers, piano, backing vocals
Robbie Brennan – drums

Pre order:
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