Wishbone Ash is one of the more prolific rock bands to carry the flame for it's namesake. Maintained by original member Andy Powell from WBA's origin through the present time, and continuing the righteous forward march of a great band. Rich in history and diligently chronicled, the band continues to forge the signature sound with every new release.

I once heard Andy Powell say that people say to "get a life". His reply to that was, "I have a life. It's called Wishbone Ash". Just as eloquent as that. That statement is quantified in every bonus non-original release. Bigger bonuses come in continuing new material releases like "Bona Fide".

But the heart of Wishbone Ash is in their live performances. If you're a fan, then you remember the stunning "Live Dates". "Live Dates" is one of the most intense live performances ever pieced together into an album. With "Tracks", you get another live document, following WBA through history with a varied collection of their material. Burning rock, smoking blues, and exquisite arrangements of their songs, combined with the world class instrumental expertise of the band's original members on through to their present lineup.

What makes this disc different is the passage of time. And like fine wine, the tracks on these discs have aged well. The presented songs are culled from a collection of shows dating as far back as 1972 and climbing to 2001. Every song chosen is representative of the period it was fresh in. But fresh is a concept that revolves in Wishbone Ash. There are songs that are old but replayed by newer members. An example is "Ballad of the Beacon", a personal favourite of mine from "Wishbone Four", that sends chills (still) when I hear the newer arrangements Andy adapted to the song. Another, "Everybody Needs A Friend", a song from 1973's "Wishbone Four", is as effective in this 1999 version as it was then.

The set, consisting of 2 CDs, contain strong selections. You see a song from virtually every significant Wishbone Ash release and played with the expressive quality and purity that you have come to expect of WBA. This collection is an absolute necessity. Because Wishbone Ash is still an entity that lives and breathes, fires fanned by the undying creative genius of Andy Powell, we continue to be gifted with quality material that is only a wispy dream to many other bands' fans.

"Tracks" is no "Live Dates" but it doesn't mean to be. It is a pot of gold that Andy chooses to share with his fans. It is a celebration of WBA history. "Tracks" allows us access to a long and beautiful road much like the yellow brick road in Oz. On this road, we can listen to that history and be thankful to Keeper of the Light, Andy Powell, for being such a fan of his audience.

Thanks Andy!

PRODUCTION & PACKAGING

The production on this disc set is extraordinary. With tracks as cleanly delivered as can be hoped for, you'll marvel at the care taken to present to the fan a crystalline version of live songs.

The set is cased in a single jewel case with a flip disc cradle that holds the two discs. The 8 page booklet is chocked full of photos. Also included are track listings and assorted notes. It would have been great to get a more expansive booklet but I'm not complaining.

THE FINAL SAY

With a release collectively possessed of live cuts of "The King Will Come"; "Queen of Torture", "Persephone"; "In The Skin"; and many others from WBA's vast library, you can only be caught up in the expansiveness of the set. While this is an import to the US, European fans can take fast advantage of this release. US fans can click on the album cover to order.

You'll be pleased. I am.

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Wishbone Ash
Tracks

Released: October 4, 2002
Origination Year: 2002
Time: 143:52 (71:21/72:31)
Tracks: 26
Produced by: Andy Powell
Engineered by: Various
Mastered by: 'M'
Style: Live
Format: CD (2)
Enhancement: None
Label: Talking Elephant
Website: www.wishboneash.com

Tangible Evidence - '88
Front Page News - '78
Lifeline - '80
Living Proof - '80
Anger In Harmony - '78
Queen of Torture - '78
Insomnia - '80
Wings of Desire - '01
Ballad of the Beacon - '01
Strange Affair - '01
Outward Bound - '01
Warrior - '72
Keeper of the Light - '89
Why Don't We - '89

Disc 2
In The Skin - '88
The King Will Come - '72
Persephone - '76
Standing in the Rain - '91
Throw Down The Sword - '91
Way of the World - '78
You See Red - '78
Number The Brave - '81
Everybody Needs A Friend - '99
Master of Disguise - '99
The Ring - '98
No More Lonely Nights - '83