WISHBONE FOUR

Wishbone Ash have always struck me as one of those quintessentially English bands, but with this release they departed from their usual style and the end result has a very American feel. The twin guitars are still present but much of Ted Turner's playing is on pedal-steel. The songs themselves are generally shorter than on previous albums, and there are very few extended instrumental passages or contrasting sections within the songs. It's a pretty standard collection of rockers and folky ballads; there's even a song that comes close to country. Vocals are the usual Wishbone fare, but with none of Martin Turner's scat-singing.

Previous albums had drawn heavily on historical and fantasy symbolism, via the music and the album covers. Wishbone 4's sleeve design is a simple photo of the band, and the songs deal with real, down to earth issues of life on the road, heroin addiction and murder. Presumably this was part of a self-conscious change in style.

Highlights on Wishbone 4 are Ballad Of The Beacon, Sorrel, Rock'n'Roll Widow and the stately Everybody Needs A Friend. George Nash is credited on the sleeve as playing ''keyboards'' on this last-named track. It is of course a Mellotron. Twin Wishbone guitars and Mellotron... I can listen to this song all day.

Overall then, not a patch on previous releases and containing no progressive elements, but still an enjoyable listen with one essential track.

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