FU MANCHU – “Jailbreak” / FATSO JETSON – “Blueberries & Chrome” (1998 split Sessions Records 7″ single)
Fu Manchu turn Thin Lizzy into Thin Sludge…and it works! Though it’s downtuned and slammin’, it’s still “Jailbreak”. Fu Manchu went to the effort to mostly duplicate the familiar lead guitar melodies. The hooks you remember are there. Vocally, considering that Phil Lynott often liked to speak/sing, Scott Hill from Fu Manchu’s natural approach works just fine. He’s different from Phil, more than you’d expect. He doesn’t really attempt to sing the vocal melody, he just applies his own style to it. Few people will pick this as their favourite Lizzy cover of all time, but Fu Manchu fans should adore it. Produced by J. Yuenger of White Zombie.
On the B-side, it’s Fatso Jetson with their own brand of stoner rock. “Blueberries & Chrome” rocks heavy with riff in your face and vocals buried deep. It doesn’t shy away from dissonant chords but it does allow the vocals by Mario Lalli to explode on the chorus. “Baby want sugar!” Let’s just say it’s probably better that you can’t really hear the lyrics. “He’s about to unwind, and it’s stuck in your face.” Good tune though, sludgey and heavy. The chorus is an awesome blowout.
3.5/5 stars
mikeladano.com 
A lot of attitude in that Fu Manchu Jailbreak cover. The sludge guitars sound like they’re farting.
Hey, Mike. Could you settle a debate between John T. Snow and I? What’s the best Night Ranger album? More specifically, which album is better… Dawn Patrol or Midnight Madness? Keep in mind that Midnight Madness has Glenn Hughes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s more of a Tim Durling question. I could only name you one Night Ranger song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only one? I figured you could nail off at least five. “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, “You Can Still (Rock in America)”, “Sister Christian”, “When You Close Your Eyes”, “Sentimental Street”.
LikeLike
Dawn Patrol is the best…but it is also very subjective (but I’m right)
LikeLike
No album with the lyric, “you can carry on like an ice machine” can be the best in a band’s discography! Not to mention the non-rhyme “you make the sidewalk bright in the dead of night, you oughta give yourself a hand.” And also, “In the cool city, in the heat of the night…” Well which is it Jack? How can a city be cool if it’s even hot at night?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, you so miss the brilliance in all those lyrics. If you don’t get it from it that, you never will and no point arguing the fact I am right any more (which I am). LOL!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always like a good Thin Lizzy cover!!
LikeLike
Great single this. have you got/heard their Slow Ride one too? that’s a cracker.
The FU30 releases have been good so far as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No man I have not kept up with Fu Manchu very much. I only have two albums post-Brant Bjork and none of the singles. I know I should but it’s so hard to follow everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen. The Slow Ride 7″ is a fairly cheap buy I think and definitely worth it, if you see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the key! I haven’t been doing much record shopping. Shipping is…prohibitive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, especially if you’re one of those fancy pants fellas who thinks buying food and petrol are essentials too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Umfortunately I have been unable to convert to photosynthesis. If I could, I could probably live without food and even petrol.
LikeLiked by 1 person