Argus (album)

''Argus'' is the third album by the British rock band Wishbone Ash, released on 28 April 1972. It is their most commercially and critically successful album. It peaked at No. 3 in the UK Albums Chart.

Recording

Although not intended as a concept album, the album is medieval-themed to a degree, particularly on the second side. The album features a blend of progressive rock, folk, and hard rock, and is considered a landmark album in the progression of twin-lead guitar harmonisation, later adopted by bands such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. The sound engineer on ''Argus'' was Martin Birch, who also worked with Deep Purple, later with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and other hard rock bands. The bulk of the lyrics were provided by bassist/lead vocalist Martin Turner, although all members are credited with the music and arrangements. The album was produced by Derek Lawrence.

Release

''Argus'' was released on vinyl record on 28 April 1972. It was later released on CD in 2002, featuring a remix (by Martin Turner) of the original album as well as the three live tracks from the EP '' Live from Memphis'' promotional EP, recorded in the studios of WMC-FM.

In 2007, a 2-CD deluxe edition of ''Argus'' was released in Europe by Island Records. This included the 1972 mix as well as additional BBC Session tracks.

In 2008, Martin Turner released a new studio recording of ''Argus'' entitled ''Argus Through the Looking Glass''. Wishbone Ash released a live version of the album, ''Argus "Then Again" Live''.

Critical reception

''Argus'' was named "Album of the Year" in the 1972 year-end issue of ''Sounds''.

William Ruhlmann of AllMusic gave the album a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, praising the instrumentation and writing that "it set up the commercial breakthrough enjoyed by the band's next album, ''Wishbone Four'', but over the years it came to be seen as the quintessential Wishbone Ash recording, the one that best realized the group's complex vision."

Influence

In an interview with Guitar World in 2011, Steve Harris from Iron Maiden said "I think if anyone wants to understand Maiden's early thing, in particular the harmony guitars, all they have to do is listen to Wishbone Ash's ''Argus'' album."

Track listing

Music by Wishbone Ash, lyrics by Martin Turner, except "Time Was" by Ted Turner and Martin Turner, and "Leaf and Stream" by Steve Upton.

All lead vocals were performed by Martin Turner with Andy Powell (&), unless otherwise noted.

Note: track timings on the gatefold sleeve of early editions are incorrect. For example, "Time Was" is listed as 9:00 and not the correct 9:42.

First reissue bonus tracks

Music by Wishbone Ash;

Lyrics by Martin Turner.
# "No Easy Road" – 3:36

''Live From Memphis'' EP bonus tracks

All songs composed by Wishbone Ash.
# "Jail Bait" – 4:57
# "The Pilgrim" – 10:10
# "Phoenix" – 17:05

2007 deluxe edition

;Disc One
# "Time Was"
# "Sometime World"
# "Blowin' Free"
# "The King Will Come"
# "Leaf and Stream"
# "Warrior"
# "Throw Down the Sword"
# "No Easy Road"
# "The Pilgrim" (live in Memphis 1972)
# "Phoenix" (live in Memphis 1972)

;Disc Two
# "Time Was" (BBC in concert session 1972)
# "Blowin' Free" (BBC in concert session 1972)
# "Warrior" (BBC in concert session 1972)
# "Throw Down the Sword" (BBC in concert session 1972)
# "King Will Come" (BBC in concert session 1972)
# "Phoenix" (BBC in concert session 1972)
# "Blowin' Free" (BBC session 1972)
# "Throw Down The Sword" (BBC session 1972)

Personnel

;Wishbone Ash
* Martin Turner – bass guitar, vocals
* Andy Powell – lead (all tracks except 4), harmony lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, vocals
* Ted Turner – lead (tracks 2, 3, 4, 6), slide (track 3), harmony lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, vocals
* Steve Upton – drums (all tracks except 5), percussion

;Additional personnel
* John Tout – organ on "Throw Down The Sword"

Charts

Certifications

References

{{Authority control

Wishbone Ash albums
Albums with cover art by Hipgnosis
Albums produced by Derek Lawrence
1972 albums
MCA Records albums