Wishbone Ash Album: “Wishbone Four”

The last and acceptable album from the Mark 1 line-up. As it always happens with most big albums follow-ups rarely live up to the formers' glory. With Argus becoming their biggest seller "Wishbone Four" was a difficult follow-up. Ted Turner would leave after this album only to return for the all instrumental Nouveau Calls album. Laurie Wisefield would replace Ted to continue the twin-lead legacy of WA and to usher a different but another nice era for the band. Martin's voice shows sings of wear and aging although the melody and the singing spirit is very much there. There are gems from the album, "Everybody needs a friend", `Ballad of the Beacon", "Sorrel" and "Sing out the Song". Good music on "So Many things to say" and "Rock and Roll Widow" but the familiar twin-lead guitar attack and harmony is diminished. Besides, most of the songs are slow and long and can wear you down. Album cover is a disappointment. Certainly not an attractive cover for the album with the band looking like a bunch of puny kids.

Wishbone Four, a must for the ardent fan. Wouldn't recommend for the first timer.

Obviously this album is nothing like the previous 3. I believe they knew going in it was going to be the last with Ted. No matter what these guys play you can count on it being better than good, they are that talented. They are not just top notch players, they understand the theory behind it all. The music seems to me to have a slower tempo after the first couple of songs than the previous three albums, and does not seem to me to have the English folk theme except Sorrel. There is however no shortage of quality. Pay attention to Martin's bass part on Sorrel and you'll get an idea of why this band was so good. This band was extremely popular at this point and I also believe they were on the verge of becoming almost or as well known as bands like the Stones or even the Beatles. Another professional singer may have helped this band reach that level of popularity. Thanks allot Lou.... Sincerely, Fly'n George

There seems to a major dicovery/re-discovery of 1970s music among today's 15-25 year olds. Many of them tell me they consider most of today's new music to be total rubbish (no argument from me on that point) and that they consider 1970s music to far superior to today's new releases.

I grew up in the 1970s and I now find myself being repeatedly asked by my friends' teenaged sons and their friends for recommendations of 1970s bands they're not familiar with. They all know about Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and other major acts but they're totally unfamiliar with many of the lesser known 1970s bands.

To help them and others who are discovering/rediscovering 1970s music I'll start posting reviews of albums by some of these less well known 1970s bands whose music I think is worth the attention of a new generation of listeners.

Wishbone Ash is one such lesser known 1970s band. Great guitar band.

This is my favorite Wishbone Ash album. It's probably their most commercial release. I know the word "commercial" in a review is probably the kiss of death for the review's credibility but by "commercial" I mean this album had the widest audience appeal of Wishbone's releases. Wishbone Ash was known as a progressive or "prog-rock" band and tended to have a smaller but very dedicated fan base; this album seemed to find a wider audience outside Wishbone's usual fans.

It deserves a wider audience. Great album. Great guitar work. Highly recommended if you're exploring lesser known 1970s bands.

I cant understand the reason for the negative reviews this album is getting.I own this album and can confidently rate this as one of their very best after ARGUS and their brilliant debut album.this album contains such fine tracks as SO MANY THINGS TO SAY,BALLAD OF THE BEACON,SORREL and the amazing EVERYBODY NEEDS A FRIEND.Every classic rock fan should own all these three albums.Very highly recommended.

This was my first Wishbone Ash album and my favorite. So Many Things to Say... what a kickoff! If you have ever had woman troubles...The album is a little eclectic, but holds some real gems. Doctor, Ballad of the Beacon, No Easy Road, Sorrel and R&R Widow are all keepers. I love the bass on many of these songs as I play bass. I think it is the guitar heroes who rate this lower. I love it,,,ROCK ON!!!

I am waiting for a re-mix as the CD is mixed terrible - way too low.