Is Live Dates 2 a good place to start with Wishbone Ash?

Yes, Live Dates 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Wishbone Ash listeners. Dynamic guitar harmonies intertwine with powerful rhythms, capturing the essence of hard rock in a live setting. By the time 'Live Dates 2' was released in 1980, Wishbone Ash had solidified their reputation as pioneers of dual-guitar harmonies. This album followed their successful live debut, 'Live Dates', showcasing their continued evolution in the live performance arena. The band was navigating a shifting music landscape while still appealing to their established fanbase.

Who is Live Dates 2 for?

Live Dates 2 works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, dynamic live energy experience and immersive guitar harmonies exploration.

How many songs are on Live Dates 2?

Live Dates 2 has 12 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

Live Dates 2

Wishbone Ash · 1980

79 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

Dynamic guitar harmonies intertwine with powerful rhythms, capturing the essence of hard rock in a live setting.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Doctor Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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F.U.B.B. — A sprawling nine-minute track that showcases the band's improvisational prowess, merging complex solos with engaging rhythms to highlight their live energy.
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Way of the World — The song features rich instrumental interplay and lyrical depth, illustrating the band's ability to blend thoughtful songwriting with robust musicality.
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Living Proof — With a melodic hook and vibrant instrumentation, this track encapsulates Wishbone Ash's signature sound while highlighting their live performance dynamics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album highlights intricate guitar work and dynamic performances, characteristic of Wishbone Ash's style.

What we noticed

Several tracks exceed six minutes, allowing for improvisational sections that build intensity and showcase musicianship.
The first half of the album maintains a high-energy pace, while the second half introduces more melodic and reflective moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
dynamic live energy experience
immersive guitar harmonies exploration
late-night reflective listening
engaging two-halves journey

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — 'Live Dates 2' showcases the band's signature sound and is appreciated by dedicated fans.
Themes: live performance energy· dynamic guitar harmonies
Moods: Energetic· Cathartic
Career context: By the time 'Live Dates 2' was released in 1980, Wishbone Ash had solidified their reputation as pioneers of dual-guitar harmonies. This album followed their successful live debut, 'Live Dates', showcasing their continued evolution in the live performance arena. The band was navigating a shifting music landscape while still appealing to their established fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Goodbye Baby, Hello Friend

The narrative shifts from farewell to optimism, suggesting resilience amid change and reflecting on past relationships.

The juxtaposition of goodbye and hello creates a poignant tension that enhances the emotional weight of the song, showcasing lyrical craftsmanship.