TRACKS

This is a double CD featuring live cuts from throughout the band's career although interestingly enough the photo on the rear cover shows the classic line-up and according to my reckoning only two of the twenty-six songs on offer come from that period. In fact that is the one problem with this release in that although it does state which year the recording was made it doesn't say which line-up or where it took place. Now up until the time that the second line-up started to implode that isn't too hard but I get easily confused after Martin Turner left as to who played on what.

The release must also be one of the few times that a live album has been released that doesn't include "Blowin' Free", although from that era there are takes of both "Warrior" and "The King Will Come". There is a great version of "You See Red" from 1978 which proves that Ash may be renowned as the kings of twin guitar rock, but they could also provide damn fine close harmony vocals when required. "Living Proof" is here in its' full electric intensity but as there are four numbers taken from 2001 it would have been nice to hear the newer version.

Overall this is an interesting release with good sound quality, but the hardcore fan would want much more in the way of detail to make it completely indispensable. That being said they will still go out and purchase it just because it contains so many good songs. Interestingly I jumped onto the band's superb site at www.wishboneash.com and the album isn't listed in their discography but it is available to order from the label at www.talkingelephant.com.

Originally appeared in Feedback #71, Dec 02