Live Dates
Wishbone Ash · 1973
79 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant tapestry of soaring twin guitar melodies and dynamic rhythms that capture the essence of 1970s hard rock.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The King Will Come Start here — The opening track captivates listeners with its intricate guitar harmonies and anthemic choruses, showcasing the band's signature sound right from the start.
-
→
Throw Down the Sword — This track highlights emotional depth through its lyrical storytelling combined with powerful instrumentals, making it a memorable centerpiece of the album.
-
→
Blowin’ Free — With its infectious groove and energetic performance, this song exemplifies the band’s ability to blend melody with hard rock dynamics, often cited as a fan favorite.
-
→
Phoenix — The sprawling epic closes the album with a masterful display of musicianship, featuring extended solos that encapsulate the live experience Wishbone Ash delivered.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong twin-guitar melodies and dynamic performances that define its sound.
What we noticed
- Several tracks, such as 'Warrior' and 'Blowin’ Free', incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, creating a sense of ebb and flow throughout the performance.
- The running time exceeds 70 minutes, with some tracks stretching over 8 minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration within the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- extended climaxes that reward patience
- twin guitar harmonies for detail
- late-night energy with soaring riffs
- immersive journey through dynamic shifts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Wishbone Ash’s reputation as pioneers of the twin-guitar sound.
- Themes
- 1970s rock anthems· live concert energy· guitar-driven storytelling
- Career context
- Released on December 1, 1973, 'Live Dates' came shortly after Wishbone Ash's breakthrough with their self-titled debut and sophomore album 'Pilgrimage.' At this point, the band was establishing themselves as a prominent force in the hard rock genre, known for their innovative dual lead guitar work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult
Tracklist
- 1 The King Will Come Start here 7:15
- 2 Warrior 5:40
- 3 Throw Down the Sword 5:57
- 4 Rock ’n’ Roll Widow 5:43
- 5 Ballad of the Beacon 5:16
- 6 Baby What You Want Me to Do 7:36
- 7 The Pilgrim 9:17
- 8 Blowin’ Free 5:24
- 9 Jailbait 4:38
- 10 Lady Whiskey 5:40
- 11 Phoenix 17:21
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.