Thin Lizzy's Funky Junction: The Unconventional Album That Saved Their Record Deal
In the late 1972, Thin Lizzy faced the risk of losing their record deal due to the commercial failure of their first albums. Phil Lynott, the band's leader, believed that their new song, "Black Boys On The Corner," could be a hit and save them from being dropped by Decca. However, the label decided to release their cover of "Whiskey In The Jar" as the A-side of the single, much to Lynott's disappointment.
Facing financial difficulties, Thin Lizzy accepted an offer to record an album of Deep Purple covers for Stereo Gold Award, a label known for re-recording popular songs with up-and-coming musicians. The band, along with two additional musicians from Elmer Fudd, recorded four Deep Purple covers and two original songs credited to Leo Muller, the alias of label boss David L. Miller.
The album, released under the name Funky Junction, featured a mix of Deep Purple covers and original tracks. Despite the unconventional recording process and the album's low price, it provided much-needed income for Thin Lizzy and allowed them to continue as a band.
The musicians' performances on the album were solid, with Eric Bell's guitar work standing out on tracks like "Dan/Danny Boy" and "Palamatoon." Although the album may not have matched the intensity of the original Deep Purple recordings, it showcased Thin Lizzy's versatility and musical talent.
Following the release of the album, Funky Junction contributed tracks to other Stereo Gold Award compilations, including one credited to Gladys Knight & The Pips. Despite the unconventional nature of these projects, they provided Thin Lizzy with opportunities to showcase their musical abilities and earn much-needed income during a challenging time.