Three Thin Lizzy Albums To Be Released On SHM-CD
‘Thin Lizzy,’ ‘Shades of a Blue Orphanage,’ and ‘Vagabonds of the Western World’ are coming to the popular Japanese format.
Three Thin Lizzy albums will soon be available on SHM-CD. The Irish rockers’ first three full-length releases—1971’s Thin Lizzy, 1972’s Shades of a Blue Orphanage, and 1973’s Vagabonds of the Western World—are set for release in the popular Japanese format.
The “SHM” in SHM-CD stands for “Super High Material.” SHM-CDs are the same size and weight as standard CDs, so the differences aren’t apparent until you press play—or until you learn about the manufacturing process. Instead of the standard polycarbonate, SHM-CDs are made from a material developed for LCD screens, which allows data to be etched into the disc with far greater precision. Produced in small batches on their own separate assembly lines to emphasize quality over quantity, the discs offer a more vivid sound than standard CDs.
That increased quality will be highly advantageous when listening to the early Thin Lizzy albums. Formed in 1969 in Dublin, the Phil Lynott-fronted band combined folk, blues, hard rock, and more into an alluring rock ‘n roll cocktail, showing off formidable technique while exuding unimaginable swagger. Recordings like “Look What the Wind Blew In,” “The Rocker,” and their never-surpassed version of the Irish pub standard “Whiskey In The Jar” are primed to leap from the speakers — not least of all guitarist Eric Bell’s inspired, influential fretwork.
Thin Lizzy joins an impressive list of artists whose catalogs have been making their way onto SHM-CD, including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones, and Roxy Music. The discs are usually packaged in paper or plastic sleeves that provide additional protection, with a lyrics booklet and Japan’s signature packaging flourish, the obi strip. It’s a chance to add some classics to your collection or enjoy some old favorites in revitalized fashion.
