WISHBONE ASH 'LIVE DATES' DBL LIVE UK 1st PRESS PINK LBL '73

	£		28
	$		37

>Top Copy<

Wishbone Ash

'Live Dates'

MCA, UK, 1973

MAPS 7169

THAT MOST English of early seventies British rock bands, they crowned their quaint progressive folk rock with this stunning double live set. As a period piece it is remarkably faultless, documenting the best of their four studio albums and successfully thrusting them into the upper echelons of rock, where they eventually rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jethro Tull, Deep Purple and Genesis.

Naturally, it is the guitars of Ted Turner and Andy Powell that make the most impressive noises, in particular their twin solos shine, taking on an even more breathtaking lustre than in the studio. Fascinating and unique, their sound resonates with an electricity that few others could reproduce and the songs provide a beautifully constructed framework that never once threatens to suffocate the leading players.

The songs are long, in some instances make that very long, but in an age where the snappy pop track reigned supreme, these elongated and time-consuming compositions are both radical and important. Strategically, the approach was almost always identical; atmospheric intro (usually acoustic), inventive verse, often mythological or historical in theme, spiritual chorus and finally, a prolonged guitar solo. Amazingly consistent, this approach resulted in a number of period classics, most of which get an airing here.

Prominent amongst the ten tracks featured are, ‘The King Will Come’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Throw Down The Sword’, which make for a seductive opening salvo of classic Ash, before the harder, more direct rock of ‘Blowing Free’ and ‘Jail Bait’ with their two pronged lead guitar attack. Their magnum opus is the staggering seventeen-minute ‘Phoenix’ - a track that first appeared on their 1970 debut album.

For the Ash this release was a triumphant validation of their dogged belief in relentless touring. It also provided, what was effectively, closure of the band’s first chapter, as guitarist Ted Turner soon departed the ranks for a life of musical solitude, and it was fifteen-years before he returned. As a document of their musical heyday it is almost perfect, accurately representing the band’s trademark twin lead guitar, Upton’s meticulous drumming, Turner’s wiry bass and strangely endearing, nasal, vocal style.

Incredibly unfashionable but utterly entertaining.

This auction is part of a fantastic collection of seventies rock which I was lucky enough to acquire. Most of these records were stored with the utmost care and sparsely played. Some were possibly never played or may have been for just a handful of times.

Pressing: MCA, UK, 1972- Pink labels

Vinyl: Nice clean and shiny condition. A few spindle marks visible under strong light and micro signs of faint use. Plays perfectly - clean and punchy crisp analogue sound with no snap, crackle or pops. All four sides grade as top Ex+

Cover: Minimal signs of any use. Issued in a beautifully illustrated gatefold cover. Sharp corner, no dings, no bends, no ring wear, no split seams and no creases. Spine is perfectly straight, stiff and uncrushed. No storage or handling wear! Impossible to find like this 44 years after release. Grades as shop fresh MINT-!

Inserts: None

Matrix:

1st Pressing

Side One: ZMCA - 368 - 2W

Side Two: ZMCA - 370 - IL

Side Three: ZMCA - 371 - IL

Side Four:  ZMCA - 369 - IL

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