Argus is the third album by the rock band Wishbone Ash. It is the most popular Wishbone Ash album and widely considered the greatest. It was named "Album of the Year" in the 1972 year-end issue of Sounds Magazine. The album features a blend of progressive rock, folk, and heavy metal. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
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Album Description: Wishbone Ash's "Argus" is a legendary 12" vinyl LP album that solidified the band's status as one of the pioneers of hard rock. Released in 1972, it is widely regarded as their greatest and most influential work, combining elements of progressive rock, folk, and heavy metal into a captivating musical journey. From the opening notes of the album, "Argus" sets a captivating and atmospheric tone. The band's signature twin-guitar harmonies, delivered by Andy Powell and Ted Turner, immediately grab the listener's attention and showcase their exceptional musicianship. The album is filled with intricate guitar work, both in the form of intricate solos and melodic riffs, which have become a hallmark of Wishbone Ash's sound. One of the standout tracks on "Argus" is "The King Will Come", an epic composition that showcases the band's ability to seamlessly blend heavy, driving riffs with melodic hooks and progressive intricacies. The song features powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, creating a sense of grandeur and storytelling. Another notable track is "Blowin' Free", a dynamic and catchy song that perfectly encapsulates the band's ability to combine folk-infused melodies with hard-hitting rock. Its infectious chorus and memorable guitar harmonies have made it a fan favorite and a staple in the band's live performances. Throughout "Argus", the rhythm section of bassist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton provides a solid foundation, driving the songs forward with precision and groove. Their tight and cohesive playing adds depth and power to the album's overall sound.
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Music Genre: Hard Rock Music |
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Album Production: Produced by Derek Lawrence. Sound/recording engineer: Martin Birch Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple.
Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music. Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release. Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style. Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered. Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings. Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could. Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Rainbow. He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, The Move, and Deep Purple. Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006. Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world. |
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Record Label Information: MCA Records 250 473 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
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Year & Country: 1972 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Wishbone Ash Argus |
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Track Listing of: Wishbone Ash Argus |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
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Record Label Details: MCA Records 250 473-1 © Copyright ℗ Sound Copyright
Wishbone Ash is a British rock band formed in 1969, which gained popularity in the early 1970s as pioneers of the twin-lead guitar sound that has since become a signature of classic rock. The band's original lineup consisted of Martin Turner on bass guitar and lead vocals, Steve Upton on drums, Ted Turner on lead guitar and vocals, and Andy Powell on lead guitar and vocals. Over the years, the band has seen numerous lineup changes, but Powell has remained a constant member throughout, making him the band's longest-serving member.
Wishbone Ash's sound is characterized by their use of harmony and melody, and their twin-lead guitar sound. Their music has been described as a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and folk rock, which was influenced by bands such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin.
The band's debut album, "Wishbone Ash," was released in 1970 and received critical acclaim. The album featured songs such as "Blind Eye" and "Phoenix," which showcased the band's unique sound and style. The album also marked the beginning of the band's trademark twin-lead guitar sound, which was developed by Andy Powell and Ted Turner.
In 1971, Wishbone Ash released their second album, "Pilgrimage," which featured the songs "Jail Bait" and "The Pilgrim." The album also saw the introduction of Martin Turner's distinctive bass sound, which added to the band's unique style.
The band's third album, "Argus," released in 1972, is considered their breakthrough album and remains their most popular release. The album featured the hit single "Blowin' Free" and other fan favorites such as "Warrior," "Throw Down the Sword," and "The King Will Come." "Argus" is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, and it cemented Wishbone Ash's place in rock history.
After the success of "Argus," the band released a string of successful albums, including "Wishbone Four" (1973), "There's the Rub" (1974), and "New England" (1976). These albums continued to showcase the band's unique twin-lead guitar sound and their ability to write memorable melodies and harmonies.
Despite the band's success, they experienced several lineup changes in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, Powell remained a constant member, and the band continued to release new music and tour.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Wishbone Ash continued to release new music and tour, with Powell and Turner being the only original members remaining in the band. They released albums such as "Strange Affair" (1991), "Bare Bones" (1999), and "Elegant Stealth" (2011). The band's music continued to showcase their unique sound and style, which has influenced many other rock bands over the years.
Wishbone Ash's legacy can be seen in their influence on other rock bands, particularly in their use of twin-lead guitars. Bands such as Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, and Lynyrd Skynyrd have all cited Wishbone Ash as an influence on their music.