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41 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Most Underrated Musicians I've Ever Heard, January 16, 2005
One of the many hidden gems of rock 'n roll, Wishbone Ash's debut is nothing short of breath-taking. Consider the fact that they had only been playing together for about a year, and that makes it even more remarkable.
First of all, I consider Andy Powell and Ted Turner to be the two most gifted guitarists in all of rock music. For two guys who didn't make much of an impact, they could flat-out PLAY better than anyone else I've ever heard (yes, Hendrix included). Take the beginning of "Handy", for example. I have never heard any other players weave their guitars together and create such heart-breaking melodies. It's absolutely hypnotizing. The scorching solo on "Lady Whiskey" is another great example.
Martin Turner proves to be a phenomenal bass player, complemented by Steve Upton to form one hell of a rhythm section.
BLIND EYE: Their first single. A stomping boogie tune, the groove is just irresistible. Great, jazzy playing from Andy and Ted. Gotta love that stop/start structure.
LADY WHISKEY: Built around a wonderful riff, resplendent with some thundering bass and ferocious guitar playing in the middle.
ERRORS OF MY WAY: Here, the band incorporates folk music into their sound, and the result is grand. Those vocal harmonies by Mart and Andy are just divine. Great, emotional guitar solo as well.
QUEEN OF TORTURE: Now THIS is one rocking tune! Just listen to that riff. First solo is good, second one BURNS.
HANDY: In my opinion, probably the best song on the album. This is one of the most unique songs I've ever heard by anyone. Kind of hard to categorize, it's kind of "psychedelic jazz". It begins with some glorious, un-accompanied bass playing. Let it be noted that I've rarely heard anyone else who can get such wonderful melodies from a bass guitar. Martin was really awesome. Then, Ted and Andy come in and play some of the most beautiful, dreamy, haunting melodies that have ever been recorded. The atmosphere they convey is astonishing. Then Martin comes in with another bass solo, and it turns into a mid-paced rocker with awesome guitar. Then there's a short drum solo (and a great one) before it turns into a pure jazz tune. The most amazing thing here is the guitar solo. Andy and Ted were only 19 or 20 at the time. The fact that somebody could play jazz THAT GOOD at such a young age is incredible. Jazz is one of the hardest styles to play on guitar, yet these guys rip it out like child's play. The licks are amazing - fast, stinging and amazingly fluid. Don't know if it's Ted or Andy, but it's killer nonetheless. The songs ends with some crazy scat-singing from Martin. One hell of a song.
PHOENIX: Their show-stopper. This is the song that blew everyone away when they played it live. No doubt it's a masterpiece, the way it evolves from a slow, eerie ballad to an all-out guitar thunderstorm (courtesy of Ted Turner). Absolutely stunning. The lyrics, of course, are about the legendary fire bird Phoenix (from Greek mythology, I think), believed to have risen from ashes to fly again. This is, hands down, one of the greatest electric guitar pieces ever made. What Ted does here is amazing - going from lovely and serene to furious and gut-wrenching in a matter of seconds. His bends are almost tear-inducing, and that ear-melting lick at the 6:49 mark is especially devastating. Man, someone get an extinguisher 'cause that boy was ON FIRE!!!
All in all, one of the best albums I've ever heard. ARGUS is of course their most famous, but this one is equal to it.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wishbone Ash 1, June 27, 2000
This album is one of the 20 top Rock albums of all times. One of the classic Boogie Bands of all time. I am a Vinyl Freak and have this album 4 times over and have been listening to it for 30 years. Never get tired of it. I also reccommend Argus and Wishbone 4 for your collections. I have a wide variety of taste and these guys rate right up at the top. Awesome dueling guitar work and vocals. Your collection of music is not complete without them. Not a bad price either I might add!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST ALBUM Of ALL TIME!!!, March 4, 1999
I listened to this album at my friend's house.His father made us listen to it(I'm born in 79!).I was flabbergasted!I mean the twin lead on this album is fantastic and the singing too!I can't believe my ears:all this harmony.This is the best band in the world.Just checkout the opening bass line of handy and the way it progresses and do not forget the masterpice phoenix and the haunting beautiful errors of my way which shows great harmony.In short buy this album if you have an ear for good solos and perfect harmony!!
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