Forgotten Classic Rock
I seem to be R13's resident Dr Who, complete with TARDIS, as I seem to be getting all sorts of reissues from the 70's and 80's. Sexy female assistant wannabees please reply to the attached email address. All offers taken seriously
Anyway, we have a re-release of Wishbone Ash's classic 'Argus' which goes all the way back to 1972. I was five. Look Wishbone Ash up and they are renowned for being the first alleged pioneers of the twin guitar attack method, which others such as Thin Lizzy soon followed and made their own.
Type 'Argus' into Google and it asks you if you require that high street home shopping store! 'Argus' is perhaps THE defining moment in the 38 yr odd history of Wishbone Ash. Way back in '72, the good people of 'Sounds' of which I was once an avid reader, voted 'Argus' as the album of the year. Fine praise indeed considering the competition (other notable releases that yr included Sabbath's Vol 4 , and absolute rock classic Machine Head). Even though my first foray into Rock was Deep Purple and early Rainbow, Wishbone Ash were never a band high or even on my playlist. Essentially it's a brand new album for me. The whole album's track list is still requested live even to this day.
The twin guitar attack was led by Andy Powell and Ted Turner, with Andy still fronting one of two Wishbone Ash still doing the rounds today. The original singer from 'Argus', Martin Turner fronts the other one, 'Martin Turners Wishbone Ash'
There is a mythical bent flowing through some of the songs, 'The King Will Come', 'Warrior' and 'Throw Down The Sword'. On first listening, and believe me it is a first listening, I get the feeling of a sound similar to either Southern rock-meisters Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman Bros. Opener 'Time Was' has a mellow feel to it before oping the throttle and letting rip and doesn't feel anywhere near the 9 minute song it is. Guitar work throughout is a joy and all are air guitar riffs and solos in the making. The guitar interplay builds though the whole album and climaxes with the final track 'Throw Down The Sword' and the sublime duelling guitar sound, copied by so many even today.
This re-issue and re-mastered version is the 'Universal Deluxe Edition' and if you are a long standing fan, then this will have you bed wetting for sure. Also included are rare BBC radio sessions, live recordings from 1972 and a bonus disc featuring the bands memorable 1972 BBC Radio One ''In Concert'' appearance which launched Argus and remains one of the best concerts recorded for radio by the Ash. But at the end of the day, there is nothing here that hasn't been released before, the re-mastered version was released back in 2002. Essentially it's for Anoraks only.
If I can be allowed to be critical, and its only a small gripe, I feel that if Wishbone Ash had a singer's singer of that time (like Deep Purple had Ian Gillan) then I do honestly feel that people would talk of this album like Led Zep's 'IV' or Purples 'Machine Head'. It's that good. I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to it. Thanks.
Basically, forget the extras, as theses just too many versions, especially of the same repeated songs and listen to the album for when it was made, with eight tracks of classic rock heaven. Come to think of it, I'm going to search for the vinyl version