Wishbone Ash – On Track 1970 – 82 / Apple of My Eye

Author:Eddie Read, Andrew Wild

I do have a long standing love of the twin guitar sound of Wishbone Ash. This entertaining and well researched book covers the years from their 1970 self titled debut through to 1982’s Twin Barrels Burning, although for me their imperial period ended with 1974’s There’s The Rub. Even that short period produced five superb studio albums plus the classic in concert set Live Dates. There aren’t too many books around on the band as far as I know, Martin Turner’s No Easy Road and the collaboration between Andy Powell and our very own Colin Harper, Eyes Wide Open, being the only ones that spring to my mind, and both are from some time ago now. In that light, it’s good to have a fresh look at their work, and the author provides a detailed look at the dozen studio albums plus various live releases, incorporating bonus material that appeared on reissues over the years. There’s plenty of historical research about the band’s musical journey combined with the writer’s own original interpretation as he delves into each album track by track. Overall, a very enjoyable in depth read for fans of the band and their classic music that still holds its own despite the passing of half a century.

Unlike Wishbone Ash, there’s no shortage of books on The Beatles, and one sometimes wonders what is left to say. This new title, despite the picture of the band adorning the front cover, actually focuses on the story of Apple Records, covering the period from 1968 to 1975. Initial signs for the new project were promising with the signings of James Taylor and Badfinger, but numerous others were not so successful, neither artistically nor financially. The book looks at all the albums and singles released by the label over the years as the company gradually descended into first disorganisation and then chaos, before the label was eventually quietly put out of its misery when the Beatles partnership was finally terminated by the courts. An interesting book that is well researched and engagingly written, and that examines the business and legal context of the last days of the band as well as resurrecting many now long forgotten releases. One for Beatles/Apple historians.

Length of Read:Short

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

Great music over the years.

One thing you’ve learned

There’s always something new to learn.

5