Wishbone Ash - Time Was (The Live Anthology) (2008)

Time Was, Wishbone Ash's two CD-live anthology, was assembled by the band and the labels Castle and Sanctuary. Consisting of two previously released live recordings, only half of this is even worth hearing. The first disc, Live: Time Line, sounds like a bunch of geezers on their last legs and features only guitarist Andy Powell and bassist Martin Turner from the original lineup. Poorly recorded, tiredly played and utterly boring, it sounds more like a corner bar Wishbone Ash tribute band than the real thing -- which of course it's not. In fact, the only case that ever needs to be made for bands not reuniting is this one. Disc two, originally issued as King Will Come: Live, is prime Ash. Recorded in the U.S. and Canada from 1973 through '76, at the height of their powers, this date showcases a restless, hungry, fully adventurous unit with Powell, Turner, drummer Steve Upton, keyboardist Graham Maitland and guitarist Laurie Wisefield. While the recording itself isn't stellar it's far more than passable and will be a welcome addition to the catalog for punters who didn't get it the first time around. The title track, "Blowin; Free," "The Warrior," "Balled of the Beacon," "Doctor," and "Moonshine" are all here, as well as nine others. This set makes plain the reason they ordered the performances in reverse: if King Will Come: Live had been first, no one would have ever even played Live: Time Line. As it is, folks who encounter Live: Time Line first may feel so ripped off by its horror, they may never stumble upon the treasure that is King Will Come: Live.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Wishbone Ash - Lost Cause In Paradise (Live) (4:58)
1.02 - Wishbone Ash - Standing In the Rain (Live) (6:13)
1.03 - Wishbone Ash - The Strange Affair (Live) (4:59)
1.04 - Wishbone Ash - The King Will Come (Live) (Alternate Version) (6:51)
1.05 - Wishbone Ash - Throw Down the Sword (Live) (Alternate Version) (5:56)
1.06 - Wishbone Ash - In the Skin (Live) (6:20)
1.07 - Wishbone Ash - Why Don't We (Live) (8:17)
1.08 - Wishbone Ash - Wings of Desire (Live) (4:18)
1.09 - Wishbone Ash - Time Was (Live) (Alternate Version) (2:30)
1.10 - Wishbone Ash - The Living Proof (Live) (6:00)
1.11 - Wishbone Ash - Blowin' Free (Alternate Version) (9:15)
1.12 - Wishbone Ash - Vas Dis (Live) (4:15)
1.13 - Wishbone Ash - Where Were You Tomorrow (Live) (5:45)
2.14 - Wishbone Ash - Rest In Peace (Live) (6:46)
2.15 - Wishbone Ash - The King Will Come (Live) (6:26)
2.16 - Wishbone Ash - Trust In You (Live) (5:17)
2.17 - Wishbone Ash - Persephone (Live) (7:49)
2.18 - Wishbone Ash - Moonshine (Live) (3:34)
2.19 - Wishbone Ash - Half Past Lovin' (Live) (7:17)
2.20 - Wishbone Ash - Rock n Roll Widow (Live) (5:31)
2.21 - Wishbone Ash - Time Was (Live) (7:23)
2.22 - Wishbone Ash - Ballad of the Beacon (Live) (2:49)
2.23 - Wishbone Ash - The Warrior (Live) (6:06)
2.24 - Wishbone Ash - Throw Down the Sword (Live) (6:07)
2.25 - Wishbone Ash - Blowin' Free (Live Version) (5:32)
2.26 - Wishbone Ash - Doctor (Live) (6:06)