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.

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!

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!!

Some albums never seem to grow old, always sounding fresh. Derek & The Dominos 'Layla', The Beatles 'Abbey Road', The Rolling Stones 'Let It Bleed' are examples and if Wishbone Ash had received better or any? exposure in the States, their first album 'Wishbone Ash' would rank with those I mentioned as well as any others ever released. From the moment I heard the opening cut, I was hooked. Powered by twin lead guitarists Andy Powell and Ted Turner, with bassist Martin Turner *no relation to Ted* and tireless Steve Upton on drums, this 4 member band redefined rock. This debut album, along with the brilliant Argus, stand has two efforts appreciated by an almost cult following *I would guess that part of the reason this group lacked air play was their stubborn refusual to cut shorter tunes so that FM stations, trapped in AM mindsets, would give them cover...I'm glad they bucked the system in that regard*. For examples of this phenomenally talented group's live sound, I would suggest 'Live Dates' or 'Live In Chicago', where Andy and Ted were reunited. Last I heard, Andy still plows on. In fact, I heard Wishbone Ash just a few years ago with Andy and some very competent backups. Early in the 70's, I was lucky to see the original 4 twice in concert. Without hesitation, I would suggest that any serious lover of rock isn't truly serious without this MAJOR OPUS in their collection. Rolling Stone magazine a few years back selected their Top 20 Guitarists of all time: Andy and Ted were selected as a tandem. I think that alone speaks volumes. Unlike too many of today's guitarists with 3 power chords and incidental or accidental riffs?, Andy and Ted wove as one, would split off into twin melodic leads only to come back as one guitar in the hands of two masters. WISHBONE ASH are rock giants without peer...and sadly, without big time exposure.

Another case of superb performers that got very little recognition. If you are Michael Jackson or Madonna fan, this CD is not for you. This is a pure rock music with pleasant melodies and master musicians. I don't know of any other group that uses the technique of twin guitars. Just like harmony between two voices Powel and Turner are using two guitars, playing same melody in parallel tunes. At the same time , On other tracks, the other Turner is playing bass as the lead instrument while the twin guitars are accompanying him. The sound is the 70's sound when melody DID count and players actually had to be musicians and read notes. Wishbone Ash were unique in their style and if you are a 60-70's rock fan with fine ear for exceptional performers, this album is for you. I over used my LP, had to replace it and now I am on to the CD.