(3 / 5)
This is the first official re-release of “Twin Barrels Burning” from 1982 in decades, and it is a definitive edition with all new 2017 remasters. This 21-track, two CD re-issue is fully approved by Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell and the estate of bassist Trevor Bolder.
The set includes the American remixes of the album on a second disc, which has never been on CD before. There are three bonus tracks from the “Twin Barrels Burning” session on the first disc. This re-issue also includes liner notes by rock journalist Dave Ling.
Mixed feelings from long-term Ash fans, about this album and the one that followed it, “Raw To The Bone” in 1985 (1984 if you got hold of the German release). Some gave both the thumbs down; some think one or both are among the best of the band’s output.
Me? Well, I loved the band from their first days, up until when Martin Turner left in 1981, and had shot photos of them professionally and heard them play many times between 1978 and 1981. Since then, after co-founder (with drummer Steve Upton) and main songwriter back then, bassist and lead singer Martin Turner went, I lost interest in their music.
Today there are two version of the band on the road and releasing records, one led by Andy Powell and the other one fronted by Martin Turner. When they are not locked in legal battles, that is, over the use of the name etc.
I have seen and heard both, and neither are a patch on the band I have fond memories of back in the day. Both do a good job, but…………..Same as this album, not comparable to anything they released with the original line-up or indeed, with the Mark 2 version.
Out of this and “Raw To The Bone”, both have their moments, and both are worth hearing if you do not know them as yet. All down to personal taste, I guess. It certainly ain’t Argus! (I saw an article on-line last year which spelled that classic, timeless rock album, “Argos”. Couldn’t make it up…)
DISC ONE
- ENGINE OVERHEAT
2. CAN’T FIGHT LOVE
3. GENEVIEVE
4. ME AND MY GUITAR
5. HOLD ON
6. STREETS OF SHAME
7. NO MORE LONELY NIGHTS
8. ANGELS HAVE MERCY
9. WIND UP
BONUS TRACKS
10.CAT AND DOG FIGHT
11.GO FOR THE GOLD
12.NIGHT HAWKER
DISC TWO: THE AMERICAN REMIXES
1. ENGINE OVERHEAT
2. CAN’T FIGHT LOVE
3. NO MORE LONELY NIGHTS
4. WIND UP
5. STREETS OF SHAME
6. MY GUITAR
7. HOLD ON
8. GENEVIEVE
9. ANGELS HAVE MERCY
By Simon Redley
(1 / 5) ‘Dull Zone’
(2 / 5) ‘OK Zone’ (3 / 5) ‘Decent Zone’
(4 / 5) ‘Super Zone’
(5 / 5) ‘Awesome Zone’
