MOORE, GARY dirty fingers CLALP131

A Heavy Metal Masterclass: Gary Moore’s ‘Dirty Fingers’ (CLALP 131)

Today’s entry spotlights a blistering release from the late, great Irish guitar virtuoso, Gary Moore. We are looking at the 1987 UK reissue of his album Dirty Fingers, released on the Castle Classics label with the catalog number CLALP 131.

Dirty Fingers occupies a unique space in Moore’s discography. Originally recorded in 1981 but shelved for several years before its initial release, this album captures Moore at his absolute heaviest. Long before he reinvented himself as a bluesman, Moore was a fire-breathing heavy metal guitarist, and this record is perhaps the ultimate testament to that era.

Produced by the legendary Chris Tsangarides, the album features a raw, aggressive sound that perfectly suits Moore’s high-speed playing. The tracklist is a relentless assault of hard rock and heavy metal. It opens with the apocalyptic anthem Hiroshima, a fan favorite that showcases Moore’s powerful vocals and melodic yet aggressive soloing.

Other highlights include the driving Nuclear Attack (a song Moore famously lent to Greg Lake), the high-speed instrumental title track Dirty Fingers, and a heavy, moody cover of The Animals’ classic Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.

For vinyl collectors and audiophiles, this specific Castle Classics pressing holds a significant bonus. The runout data indicates that the lacquer was cut by “Porky.” This refers to George Peckham, a legendary British mastering engineer known for his “Porky Prime Cuts,” which are famous for their loud, punchy, and dynamic sound quality.

CLALP 131 is an essential album for fans of Gary Moore’s shredding era. It documents a time when he was one of the most ferocious guitarists in the heavy metal world, delivered here with the superior sonic treatment of a Porky cut.