THERE'S THE RUB

Listening to all albums from WA is, for sure, like going through a roller-coaster ride! Some are great, some even fantastic - but a couple are embarrasing.

After their famous and well played album, Argus, the follow-up, Wishbone Four, was surprisingly amatourish. Not only was the production below mediocre - even the group sounded like it was a demo for their first album.

But all of that was forgiven when the masterpiece There´s The Rub was released. It´s hard to believe that this actually was in 1974! Wow! That sound! Bill Szymczyk really took all of the creativity and talent from these guys when he produced this vinyl. Honestly I can´t think of ANY album that sounds better than this one!

But, of cause, in the end it is the songs that matters. And it seems like WA got very inspired as they introduced Laurie Wisefield into the band. Never before have their music been so 100 % well structured. All of the six songs here are way above the ordinary rock song - even the more straightforward ones have some originality that makes them very listenable (Don´t come back, Hometown).

Highlights:

Silver Shoes - This song starts off in a quiet way. One can almost believe that they have gone country or soft-rock. But after the first verse the song starts to get "bigger" and half way through we are listening to an unusual sort of epic slow rock with un upspeed solo in it. It´s very seldom I hear songs with this structure. The lyrics are believable and Martin Turner sings with passion.

Persephone - Many have critized Martin Turner because of his song talent - or lack of it! But I must say that on every other album he actually sings very good. And on this song I wouldn´t exchange him with no other singer. The mood he and the band creates in Persephone is absolutely stunning! Listening to it in headphones is an experience - there are allways new sounds and instruments to explore. The solo´s in the middle of the song is so melancholy. Bill Szymczyk really took his time to fill this song with beautiful things.

Lady Jay - This is the song for those who miss the sound of Argus. It has the same type of arrangement and the twin guitars sounds the same. The album is produced in USA but this song has a definite english touch. Like Silver Shoes and Persephone this is a song with a tragic theme.

F.U.B.B - Maybe their magnum opus when it comes to showing off their talents? Just listen to the sound of Turners bass on this one! It goes right to your spine! People who don´t appreciate instrumentals may find this song repetitive but this song is made for those who enjoy musicianship! And the best thing is that when F.U.B.B seems to reach the end - it gets better!

All in all - one of the 10 best albums made in history. And THE best produced album ever.

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