Search - Wishbone Ash :: No Smoke Without Fire

Classic Ash

RKL | Asheville, NC | 10/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the better releases by the band, it includes 'You See Red' which is one of my favourite WA songs. The guitarwork just smokes, a killer track indeed. 'Baby The Angels Are Here'(another favourite) has that unique 'slow burn solo' that the band pulls off like nobody else. 'Ships In The Sky' has that dreamy mystical quality type of sound that Wishbone Ash does so well. Other standouts: 'Stand And Deliver'(a rakish song if I ever heard one), the two part flat-out rocker 'The Way Of The World', 'Time And Space'. The bonus tracks are welcome indeed as well as interesting. Mastered by Martin Turner, a detailed booklet with liner notes, and 70.10 in length. Sound quality is quite good with the only glitch being in Track 2 towards the end of the track(sounds like a momentary dropout on a tape to me). A winner."

Holy Smoke! This one BURNS!

DeLayland | Alexandria, VA United States | 09/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Wishbone Ash since their self-titled debut album but somehow lost track of the band after Argus. So, this is the first time I've heard No Smoke Without Fire and I can tell you this is one fine album. Both the song-writing and performances are outstanding. Indeed, there is not a bad track on the album. Not a one. Laurie Wisefield's monumental Stand and Deliver does just that and is simply magnificent (to name only one of them). It's classic extended guitar-riffing ASH at its finest and should be part of the band's regular touring repertoire (hint-hint!). And the bonus studio tracks, recorded at the same time as the album, are as good as the others. Martin Turner's Time and Space is a well-polished gem. The album was produced by Derek Lawrence, who produced the band's first three albums, and it shows.



I cannot understand the reviewer from Nashville that thought this was a let down from the band's previous work. I did not see their performances at the time and I do not doubt the band was at its best live onstage. Nevertheless, this album has far more energy than any of the others up to this point, post-Argus, (the album was originally released in 1978) and showcases songs from both M. Turner and L. Wisefield. Indeed, this album is arguably the high water mark of the Powell-Turner-Wisefield-Upton era and is one of the highlights of the band's work over it's three and a half decades - and counting - history (thanks to the continuing efforts of the intrepid and multi-talented Andy Powell).



If you are a Wishbone Ash fan and this album does not put a smile on your face, you are not listening. If you are not yet a fan, this is a fine one to get acquainted with the band that is known for its melodic, harmony guitars.



NOTE: The remastered release is VERY heavy on the bass and quite bright sounding. Though some may like it, be prepared to adjust your playback system accordingly. Once you do I think you will find the sound quality is superb!

"

Smoke and Fire up the Eynon

Kevin Connolly | Simpson, PA USA | 01/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had found this record in a cut out bin when I was 16 years old and it has never failed to impress. At the time though into the punk scene, I could not imagine how I had let a band like Wishbone Ash escape me throuout the seventies. I have learned this record marks one of the last that guitarist Laurie Wisefield would record with them. It seems the band had returned to England to record this one after being stateside for a number of years and returned to their signature dualing guitars while combining excellent harmonies and the production of Derek Lawrence who produced their classic "Argus". Wisefield seems to add a tighter style to their sound yet still holds his own in lengthy jams such as "Way Of The World." Plus we have bonus tracks some of which were to be included on the original record but were left off and a live track called "Bad Weather Blues" which was originally a B-side turning into a concert favorite. Much of this record and others from this time period are not properly represented on many Wishbone Ash compilations making NSWF a great find."