RAW TO THE BONE

The mid eighties were a challenging time for Wishbone Ash and predictably the band needed to Morph with the times, necessary survival instincts to gurantee evolution rather than dissolution. Raw To The Bone shows in many respects why they survived even with line up changes. This almost sounds like ( sorry to say) a better version of Foreigner or perhaps Boston. And it has that eighties date stamp to prove it. Nevertheless, thankfully Raw To The Bone saw the light of day and while Mervyn Spence did OK in the vocal department ( and Bass), check out the third track ' Don't cry' he didn't quite own his territory. But still a great tune if you are into straight forward rock and roll, al la Gary Numan! ' Cell of Fame' is another highlight as is ' Love is Blue' with some tight drum work from Steve Upton. There are some shockers though like ' Rocket in My Pocket' and Perfect Timing'. Overall not a Train Smash as some critics suggest and the determination and tight arrangements ensure this album deserves two stars at least.