LIVE DATES 3

2001 - Ash's third live "double" set if it were on vinyl, but in CD land everything's together and tidy, so how have the band changed up to this moment in time? Extremely well it appears, a new line-up with original member Andy Powell at the helm aided by Mark Birch on vocals and guitars, Bob Skeat on bass and Ray Weston on drums, three of these members are still in today's current line-up.

A much better live set this time, with many more old live favourites included, and with some excellent playing, duelling solos with even better sound quality on "Living Proof" and "Lifeline" from "Just Testing, and especially "Persephone" from "There's the Rub", "F.U.B.B." (F***** Up Beyond Belief) from "Wishbone 4", "Come in From the Rain" from "Front Page News" , "Wings of Desire" from "Strange Affair" and old classic favourites "Errors of my Ways" and "Phoenix" from the first album, and "Leaf and Stream/Throw Down the Sword" from "Argus".

Overall a much fresher effort than "Live Dates 2" , but no "date" palms on the sleeve! (maybe just). With the line up on this album but with Bob Granfelt replacing Mark Birch the group went on to record the excellent studio album "Bona Fide", a very strong set of songs, some of which are covered on the "London and Beyond" CD/SACD released in 2004.

Better than "Live Dates 2" but not essential, deserves 3.5 stars.