Jay Bell

Compilations from the Philadelphia International archives seem to pop up on a weekly basis, but given the consistent quality of the music, there hasn't been a dud yet. This collection is especially sweet since it contains some outstanding lesser-known tracks. Nice to see the O'Jays' "The Big Gangster," a dynamite track from the forgotten Lets Clean up the Ghetto LP. The group also shines on "Give the People What They Want," "Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet Tender Love)," and the ecological "The Air I Breathe." You'll also like Lou Rawls' funky "See You When I Git There," the Jacksons' "Blues Away," and the Futures' "Ain't No Time Fa Nothing." You may never have heard Anthony White's "Where Would I Be Without You," the Trammps' "Trusting Heart," Norman Harris' "In Good Faith," or "Bump de Bump," by Monk Montgomery, but they're worth a listen. Also included are some ear-pleasing selections from Archie Bell & the Drells, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, the Jones Girls, M.F.S.B., and Jean Carn.

Eric Bell may not have been present for Thin Lizzy's best-known and most successful era (the mid- to late '70s), but he was there for the group's formation as a founding member. Born on September 3, 1947 in Belfast, Ireland, Bell played guitar throughout the '60s for several local bands (including Them and John Farrell & the Dreams), but paid the bills by working as a street gas-lamp lighter, and in both pickle and shirt factories. One night in 1969, Bell caught a gig by another local Irish outfit, Orphanage, which featured bassist/singer Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey. Soon after, Bell relocated to Dublin, where he joined up with the others to form Thin Lizzy.