In celebration of their twenty years together, (yes really, twenty) Ash have put together a compilation, The Best of Ash. The album charts the group’s success from their first release, the mini-album Trailer, to their recent A-Z singles series.
Opening with their breakthrough hit, Girl From Mars, it is hard to believe this song was written when Tim Wheeler was a mere sixteen. After almost two decades it still sounds as fresh as when you first heard it. Next up is ode to martial arts and Jackie Chan, Kung Fu, continuing the nostalgic trip.
Of course the album features the big hits Oh Yeah, Shining Light and others; but it also features some of the lesser known gems; Star-Crossed, You Can’t Have It All and A Life Less Ordinary to name but a few. It is a rarity among albums in that there is not one track to make you reach for the skip button; it can be enjoyed from start to finish.
One of the nice touches to the compilation is that the track-listing is in chronological order of album release; everything from 1977 is kept together as is Free All Angels. Not only can you hear the band’s development as song writers, but each track transports you back to a specific time in your own life making it a personal trip down memory lane.
What’s most striking about the album is how continuously good the tracks are. There is no let-up in the quality; while many may have dismissed the band’s latest A-Z offering this selection proves that tracks like Arcadia and Return of the White Rabbit are every bit as good as Burn Baby Burn or Goldfinger. Proving that Ash are still very much a band with a lot to offer.
Having already released a best of compilation in the form of Intergalactic Sonic 7”s, you might wonder what could possibly be included in this offering. It is easy to forget just how long Ash have been around; in the time since their last gathering of greatest hits they have released two full studio albums and twenty six singles from the A-Z Series leading to a lot of extra material. While this may be the perfect compilation for casual Ash fans, the CD alone has nothing to offer hard-core fans. However, a special edition CD/DVD version is available featuring the band’s videos and the Teenage Wildlife tour documentary following the rise of the group in the early days of their career.
With a fantastic choice of Ash’s best tunes and formats to suit every type of fan, this really is the perfect collection. A must buy any music fan’s collection.
The Best Of Ash is available from 14th October with a live date at The Academy on 18th October.