For a band that quickly evolved into a radio-friendly
prog-leaning outfit, it's a wonder that
Wishbone Ash started out as the
boogie and
blues-based group that this debut reveals. If the term "
jam band" existed in 1970,
Wishbone Ash surely would have been a major player in that genre. As it was, this album stacked up nicely when compared with other British
hard rock releases that year. Not as complex or calculated as
Led Zeppelin's
Led Zeppelin III but definitely more focused than
Mott the Hoople's
Mad Shadows,
Wishbone Ash more closely resembled
Benefit by
Jethro Tull, a group that hadn't yet adopted its own
progressive elements. The dual lead guitar attack of
Andy Powell and
Ted Turner was a component that none of the above bands possessed, but unfortunately their (shared) lead vocals lacked the punch and authority necessary for
hard rock bands to be taken seriously. So while they could rock as loudly and convincingly as virtually anyone, their lead singers, perhaps, held them back from being the force they should have been. The follow-up,
Pilgrimage, took steps to rectify
Wishbone Ash's odd position, but this album nevertheless opened eyes and ears and revealed to the
rock & roll community a band with incredible potential and talent. ~ Dave Sleger
![A New World Record [Bonus Tracks]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0886976977221_p0_v3_s90x140.jpg "A New World Record [Bonus Tracks]")
![Eldorado [Bonus Tracks]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0886978817228_p0_v3_s90x140.jpg "Eldorado [Bonus Tracks]")
