ARGUS

Wishbone Ash is a famous British rock band who achieved great success in the 70's. During the early and mid of 70's, Wishbone Ash were among England's most popular hard rock acts. They were described in some quarters, at the time, as England's answer to The Allman Brothers, albeit with a mystical lyrical element. Wishbone Ash fused heavy blues-rock with fine harmonies of jazz and prog. Their most popular albums, at the time, included their self titled debut album, 'Wishbone Ash' of 1970, 'Pilgrimage' of 1971, 'Argus' of 1972, 'There's The Rub' of 1974 and 'New England' of 1976.

Wishbone Ash was also one of the first bands to come to use two lead guitars, although, Judas Priest which was also a contemporary of them, did the same thing too. They're also considered to be one of the major innovators of the harmony in the twin lead guitar format. Their contribution helped Andy Powel and Ted Turner to be considered for several times two of the most important guitarists in rock history and they were also described as the most interesting duo of guitarists since the old days when Jeff Back and Jimmy Page were members of The Yardbirds. This fact made that Wishbone Ash can be considered a very influential rock band. They have been cited frequently as a band with deep influence on some rock bands, such as, Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy, as well as many other dual guitar rock bands.

'Argus' is the third studio album of Wishbone Ash and was released in 1972. 'Argus' has seven tracks. All songs were composed by Andy Powell, Martin Turner, Ted Turner and Steve Upton. The first track 'Time Was' is a perfect song to open this great album. It's the lengthiest song on the album and is a very classic rock guitar song with a very soft and beautiful introduction of acoustic guitar sound. However, the rest of the song is played in a very high rhythm speed. It's a fantastic song, really. This is a song sung by Ted Turner and Martin Turner. The second track 'Sometime World' is also a song with a start as a mellow song. But again, as their previous song, it also explodes in a very high rhythm speed. This is a song with an absolutely fantastic guitar work by both, Ted Turner and Andy Powell. These guys make a unique duo and we can say that they're absolutely genius in their own style. It's absolutely a superb song and represents one of my favourite tracks on the album. This is a song sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell. The third track 'Blowin'Free' is a different song. It's made more in the rock'n'roll style. This is a calmer song with several guitar sounds all over the track. It's also a very good song but, I must confess, that it's my less favourite song on the album. This is a song sung by Martin Turner, Ted Turner and Andy Powell. The fourth track 'The King Will Come' is, without any doubt, one of my favourite moments on this album. It's a remarkable and an unforgettable song that live forever within us. This is one of the most beautiful, complex and progressive rock songs of the group and where both guitarists use the uah uah pedal effects and huge scales which became very significant in the history of rock. It's really a must track for any prog music lover. This song is sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell. The fifth track 'Leaf And Stream' is a very beautiful and soft ballad. In opposition with the opinion of some of my colleague reviewers, I don't agree this is the weakest point on the album. Despite be a very simple acoustic song, it represents, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful moments on this album. This song is sung by Martin Turner. The sixth track 'Warrior' is also, without any doubt, one of my favourite moments on the album. This is an extraordinary powerful music which represents, in my humble opinion, one of the highest points inside the group's music. It's the perfect example why Wishbone Ash is a so unique and special band that shows everything what they have and how great they can be. I think is consensual to say that 'Warrior' and 'The King Will Come' represent, probably, their best musical moments ever. This is a song sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell. The seventh and last track 'Throw Down The Sword' is another great song and I think we can consider it a perfect closer for this spectacular and unique album. Curiously, this is a song that brings back all to the principle, and I'm willing to hearing all the album again. This is a song sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell.

Conclusion: I only bought 'Argus' a few years ago and I've never heard it until that time. It's true I'd seen this album before, on sale in the 70's, when it was released, but I must confess that I only was impressed with its fantastic cover. Now, I'm able to say that I'm very sorry for not bought it in those days. I missed some great music for so many years. 'Argus' is one of the albums that I heard in the last years that most impressed and surprised me. 'Argus' is, without any doubt, the most popular album of the group and is widely considered the best work of the band by fans and progressive reviewers. It was also one of the best studio albums released in 1972. This is really a fantastic and marvellous album, truly the rock music at its best. If you are a progressive rock music fan and you have the need or you like to have something different and new in your collection, won't hesitate and buy 'Argus'. I'm sure you will not regret.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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