PHIL LYNOTT’s GRAND SLAM – Slam Anthems [6 CD Box Set remixed / remastered] (2023) *HQ

”Slam Anthems”, a mammoth 6-CD Box Set is the definitive coverage of PHIL LYNOTT’s GRAND SLAM recordings, including newly remixed songs and rare performances.
The original GRAND SLAM line-up included legendary Thin Lizzy’s founder Phil Lynott but after his untimely death in 1986, the group disbanded. 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.
”Slam Anthems [6 CD Box Set remixed / remastered]” is treasure trove for Thin Lizzy / Phil Lynott fans. Check out the original versions of “Sisters Of Mercy,” “Nineteen,” and “Military Man”, then on a separate disc incredible new mixes, and superb live performances of songs from throughout Lynott’s stellar career.

A perfect example of Phil Lynott’s relevance in classic rock history is that even though he passed in 1986, both of his most notable bands – Thin Lizzy and to a lesser extent Grand Slam – have seen revivals and are effectively still running. Thin Lizzy pick up things again shortly with Scott Gorham at the helm, and in 2016 Grand Slam was revived by original members Mark Stanway and Laurence Archer for Sweden Rocks, and recorded a new album.

The first Disc contains the studio recordings (only demos were ever recorded at various states of completion) but these are well done recordings, now remixed / remastered obtaining a clear sound.
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 there’s not much difference – perhaps mastering is better. Great show btw.

Disc 3 – The Live in Lifford CD was captured 1984. It’s a nice recording and has a great version 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, a soundboard recording, cleaned, and with a fine sound. The band sounds enthusiastic and the audience rejoice.

Disc 5 features a Great Yarmouth show 1984, an intense gig well captured on tape. 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 – are just that, quite comprehensive, nice and clean sounding for a home recording tape. It’s Lynott at his creative stage, and have some magic.

”Slam Anthems [6 CD Box Set remixed / remastered]” is 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: 2022 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 83/84
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

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www.amazon.com/Slam-Anthems-Phil-Lynott/dp/B0C1PCBG72