Great video and excellent review ... I am a massive fan and absolutely love this album to bits and have the full set of albums on CD, including the wonderful mega-box set, and many old school LPs - several signed by Andy Powell and Martin Turner [who both still tour regularly in the UK - as two separate combos - one is the "offical" version of the band [with Andy Powell], the other being "Martin Turner of Wishbone Ash" and his band .... both being an awesome night out] ... HOWEVER ... I have NOT bought this set. Why? Well, the vinyl in the set is, for me, not required ... and the DVD is a bit uninspiring .... so, for me, too much of the set just doesn't "work" ... I'll never use it. The set missed me as I should have been a "no brainer" potential buyer. ... but I WOULD absolutely buy a CD / BluRay version box set of this if it included : 1) the new Martin Turner re-master on CD 2) The extensive book which, based on your review and the equivalent review by Phil Aston of Now spinning Magazine channel, looks to be really fabulous ... plus 3) a BluRay with the HiRes [96/24 or 192/24] of the remaster and, like Jethro Tull do in their equivalent sets, a HiRes flat transfer of the original album ... plus appropriate bonus and / or live tracks [many of which might well have been released to date ... that would be ok as the "prize" is the re-master and book] all priced at a price point [c.£65 or thereby - if book was a hard-back ... ] ... i.e. a price that is well below the £125 for this box which, while kinda tempting, just, for me, missed the mark a wee bit as I'd really only want the re-mastered CD plus book from the set ... and £125 is too much to pay for that. I suspect this is why the set has not actually sold out its run I do like having the option of owning HiRes audio BluRays and have bought several of the exclusive Super Deluxe Edition (SDE) sets that are available on limited runs .. Ten Years After, Mike Oldfield, Bob Dylan ...and, literally as I type, I am listening to the Mark Knopfler SDE BluRay of his new album [One Deep River] which sounds great in HiRes. Jethro Tull, Marillion, Be Bop Deluxe, Renaissance, Al Stewart, Alan Parsons Project et al have set the template for how to issue a back-catalogue with material that has been either newly remastered or remixed , coupled with appropriate paperwork [book, booklet] and accompanying HiRes BluRay [or DVD] Wishbone Ash definitely has the catalogue [and dedicated fans] to make an equivalent re-issue series really work for the band ... the debut album, Argus, There's the Rub, New England [would sound awesome re-mixed in Hi Res], Front Page News, No Smoke ..., Just Testing .... I would re-buy the full set in HiRes ... quite happily .... So, thank you once again for a great video and for a great review of an awesome band which, at the time, was right at the top of the tree in the UK. Awesome album by an awesome band .... can't wait to see Andy Powell and co [again] at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen this autumn doing the Live Dates 2 album ... it will be yet another great night out. CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland ... p.s. hopefully the forthcoming BBC set will be available in separate CD and Vinyl versions ... not another mixed format scenario ... that would be so disappointing.
Thanks for your amazing comments. I agree that based on the contents and your needs this box set is not essential. The book is great but without all the hi-res that you really want certainly not required. Plus the previous remixed Martin Turner remaster of Argus I think is awesome. I wish Martin Turner could play the US as well. He did once and he was fabulous and freely signed much of my memorabilia. You’re lucky to see them both. Andy’s “real” Wishbone Ash I see every tour.
Martin Turner's band aleays play superbly when they come round ... I saw them promoting the (slightly disappointing ... for me anyway) Written in the Stars album ... but they were still doing great versions of classic Ash tunes ... the second time they were in Aberdeen they did both the There's the Rub and New England albums in full as 2 separate sets ... whilst Martin's vocals are aging, he can still sing great although his between song banter can wander on a little .... however Martin's bass playing is still wonderfully melofic and memorable ... most significantly, the fretwork and interplay of Martin's twin guitarists, Danny and Misha, was stellar that night ... just majestic ... it was good to chat afterwards and to get the New England poster and LP signed by Martin ..... separately, Andy's official Wishbone Ash were in town last year and played as good and tight as ever ... doing both classics and newer material .... I created a set list for myself of the best of the studio albums of the Illuminations and beyond era and you can very quickly create a suite of material that holds up very well v classic era and contains great riffs, melodies and excellent musicianship that that resonates and remains in the memory ... more than enough to guarantee a great gig ... Andy is always mixing up the set to keep things fresh ... I do enjoy it when he pulls out You See Red or Way of the World from There's the Rub ... awesome ... think I'll dig that album out tonight ....
.... should be No Smoke Without Fire!! ....mind you, There's the Rub is great too ... and without the latter being produced by Bill Szymczyk (spelling probably flakey) he would not have been influenced into subsequently making Hotel California into the twin guitar fest it turned out to be ...
@@calummcgregor3662 Great comments all around - yes You See Red and Way Of The World are from No Smoke, another mighty fine Wishbone Ash album. I love how Martin tours albums - usually two albums per show. I wish I could see him do that here in the states. I also was fairly underwhelmed by Written In The Stars - it was fine / was good.
Awesome video, Alan I seem to remember reading somewhere That "Argus" out sold Jethro Tulls Thick as a Brick & Deep Purples Machine Head in the year 1972. Don't know if that's true though. ✌️🎶🎶🥁🎸
What a great box set, both visually and contentwise! In addition to the unboxing, it was especially cool to see how high “Argus” was in the polls for British bands. I’ll never understand why Wishbone Ash wasn’t hugely popular worldwide, with its killer live performances and many excellent LPs. My three favorite Wishbone Ash albums, “Argus,” “New England” and “Number The Brave” get regular airplay in my home.
Thanks so much. I never understood it either. Though back then radio was possibly the most important influencer, and Wishbone Ash NEVER got radio play, at least on the east coast where I live. As I said, I've heard Wishbone Ash twice in my life on commercial radio. Once was Alison Steele on WNEW very late night played Blowin' Free and one was in Albany when they played a new Ash song once. Thanks again.
I was first adequately introduced to Wishbone Ash about three years ago when a saw a video performance of "Time Was". That live version was on an out-of-print audio DVD "Almighty Blues/London and Beyond" which I fortunately was able to find a copy to purchase!! Andy Powell's vocals were so strong at the beginning of the 21st century! I don't think I'd pick up "Argus" as many of the live tracks on AB/LaB are from it. Unfortunately, much of the band's catalogue is no longer available. Their acoustic set "Bare Bones" is fantastic. Would like to pick up their live in Paris DVD. Didn't Powell and Turner have a falling out much like Tull's Anderson and Barre? Alan, do you have the Argus-25th anniversary 3-DVD box? By the way, congratulations on achieving 2k+ subscribers; here's to the next 2000! All the best Alan. 🎉
Thanks so much. Powell and Turner had a brutal falling out. Full out lawsuit which Powell won preventing Turner from using the Wishbone Ash name. Powell never stopped and always continued Wishbone Ash with many different members thru the decades. The albums dvds you mentioned are all Powell Wishbone Ash releases. I do mentally separate the post Turner Powell led Ash from the classic Martin Turner Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield eras.
Well, besides your friends, I'm another one who just found out about this band because of you, I'm starting to listen to them as something new, better than all the garbage that's being made today, thanks for this incredible video.
Thanks so much. That makes me feel so great. Wishbone Ash are such a wonderful, and pretty unique band. And if you love melodic fantastic lead guitar work, with a focus on harmony lead guitars, it doesn't get any better. Thanks so much for your kind words and giving them a shot. Besides Argus, definitely check out New England (my favorite) and well as Live Dates and Live Dates 2 which are great live albums. I really hope you enjoy them. Thanks so much for your support.
Hi Alan. The 'Argus' box set looks gorgeous. I'll get it if I ever see it at a reduced price. The 2CD version of 'Argus' that I have includes 'No Easy Road' (b-side), 'The Pilgrim' and 'Phoenix' from a promotional only 12" EP 'Live In Memphis', seven tracks recorded for BBC Radio One's 'In Concert' in May 1972, 'Blowin' Free' recorded for Bob Harris's show on BBC Radio One in May 1972, and finally 'Throw Down The Sword' recorded for Pete Drummond's BBC Radio One Show in May 1972 ... I agree, the booklet should have been in a hard cover. If you're producing a luxury box set, it seems petty to scrimp and save on the packaging ... I picked up a cool 2CD set in a charity shop for £1. It's Martin Turner And Friends Featuring Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield's 'The Garden Party' (Live At Liscombe Park in Buckinghamshire on the 31st August 2012). I've never seen it before.
The only Wishbone Ash I own is the Argus remaster with the three live cuts. Great album! Don't call me crazy but the character on the front cover looks like Darth Vader!
@@jasonpp1973 that’s awesome. Many people say that. Lol. You may want to check out New England or Live dates or Live Dates 2. Fantastic albums as well. Thanks
Hey Alan - As you say, Wishbone Ash were great live, but sadly never captured that energy on any of their studio albums !! Again for whatever reason they were pretty popular in the UK and around Europe but in America, they just didnt cut it. I have I think 6 of their CD's, Argus obviously, I also have New England plus a few others. I wont be buying their 50th anniversary box set - I love their 70's stuff, but am not all in on them. I dont think their albums generally speaking were strong enough, their 70's output was their peak and then they tended to fall away - maybe to many line up changes, reunion gigs - I dont know, it just didnt gel for them I'm afraid. There are many excellent bands in the UK like Wishbone Ash, that just didnt make it overseas at all - its a mystery lol. One of my favourite bands from that period - "Family" - brilliant band, but again couldnt break through overseas. Maybe they were all just "To English" like Camel, or Marillion. Anyway Alan thats me - take care. Cya Doug
Love your comments as always Doug. I agree in general that Wishbone Ash really shines live. Even warts and all, they could lack vocally on occasion, the live stuff is more “livelier” than the studio albums. But with that said I really still enjoy their classic period studio albums. I’m happy with the Argus 50 box but it’s definitely not a necessity.
That was a really enjoyable unboxing, you are 'THE' Wishbone Ash champion in the U.S. I always have to hear some Wishbone Ash after your videos!
Thanks so much Mark. Really means a lot to me.
Wow, what… a… box! Great collection and video as always Alan.
Thanks so much.
Great video and excellent review ... I am a massive fan and absolutely love this album to bits and have the full set of albums on CD, including the wonderful mega-box set, and many old school LPs - several signed by Andy Powell and Martin Turner [who both still tour regularly in the UK - as two separate combos - one is the "offical" version of the band [with Andy Powell], the other being "Martin Turner of Wishbone Ash" and his band .... both being an awesome night out] ... HOWEVER ... I have NOT bought this set. Why? Well, the vinyl in the set is, for me, not required ... and the DVD is a bit uninspiring .... so, for me, too much of the set just doesn't "work" ... I'll never use it. The set missed me as I should have been a "no brainer" potential buyer.
... but I WOULD absolutely buy a CD / BluRay version box set of this if it included :
1) the new Martin Turner re-master on CD
2) The extensive book which, based on your review and the equivalent review by Phil Aston of Now spinning Magazine channel, looks to be really fabulous ...
plus
3) a BluRay with the HiRes [96/24 or 192/24] of the remaster and, like Jethro Tull do in their equivalent sets, a HiRes flat transfer of the original album ... plus appropriate bonus and / or live tracks [many of which might well have been released to date ... that would be ok as the "prize" is the re-master and book]
all priced at a price point [c.£65 or thereby - if book was a hard-back ... ] ... i.e. a price that is well below the £125 for this box which, while kinda tempting, just, for me, missed the mark a wee bit as I'd really only want the re-mastered CD plus book from the set ... and £125 is too much to pay for that. I suspect this is why the set has not actually sold out its run
I do like having the option of owning HiRes audio BluRays and have bought several of the exclusive Super Deluxe Edition (SDE) sets that are available on limited runs .. Ten Years After, Mike Oldfield, Bob Dylan ...and, literally as I type, I am listening to the Mark Knopfler SDE BluRay of his new album [One Deep River] which sounds great in HiRes.
Jethro Tull, Marillion, Be Bop Deluxe, Renaissance, Al Stewart, Alan Parsons Project et al have set the template for how to issue a back-catalogue with material that has been either newly remastered or remixed , coupled with appropriate paperwork [book, booklet] and accompanying HiRes BluRay [or DVD]
Wishbone Ash definitely has the catalogue [and dedicated fans] to make an equivalent re-issue series really work for the band ... the debut album, Argus, There's the Rub, New England [would sound awesome re-mixed in Hi Res], Front Page News, No Smoke ..., Just Testing .... I would re-buy the full set in HiRes ... quite happily ....
So, thank you once again for a great video and for a great review of an awesome band which, at the time, was right at the top of the tree in the UK.
Awesome album by an awesome band .... can't wait to see Andy Powell and co [again] at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen this autumn doing the Live Dates 2 album ... it will be yet another great night out. CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland ... p.s. hopefully the forthcoming BBC set will be available in separate CD and Vinyl versions ... not another mixed format scenario ... that would be so disappointing.
Thanks for your amazing comments. I agree that based on the contents and your needs this box set is not essential. The book is great but without all the hi-res that you really want certainly not required. Plus the previous remixed Martin Turner remaster of Argus I think is awesome. I wish Martin Turner could play the US as well. He did once and he was fabulous and freely signed much of my memorabilia. You’re lucky to see them both. Andy’s “real” Wishbone Ash I see every tour.
Martin Turner's band aleays play superbly when they come round ... I saw them promoting the (slightly disappointing ... for me anyway) Written in the Stars album ... but they were still doing great versions of classic Ash tunes ... the second time they were in Aberdeen they did both the There's the Rub and New England albums in full as 2 separate sets ... whilst Martin's vocals are aging, he can still sing great although his between song banter can wander on a little .... however Martin's bass playing is still wonderfully melofic and memorable ... most significantly, the fretwork and interplay of Martin's twin guitarists, Danny and Misha, was stellar that night ... just majestic ... it was good to chat afterwards and to get the New England poster and LP signed by Martin ..... separately, Andy's official Wishbone Ash were in town last year and played as good and tight as ever ... doing both classics and newer material .... I created a set list for myself of the best of the studio albums of the Illuminations and beyond era and you can very quickly create a suite of material that holds up very well v classic era and contains great riffs, melodies and excellent musicianship that that resonates and remains in the memory ... more than enough to guarantee a great gig ... Andy is always mixing up the set to keep things fresh ... I do enjoy it when he pulls out You See Red or Way of the World from There's the Rub ... awesome ... think I'll dig that album out tonight ....
.... should be No Smoke Without Fire!! ....mind you, There's the Rub is great too ... and without the latter being produced by Bill Szymczyk (spelling probably flakey) he would not have been influenced into subsequently making Hotel California into the twin guitar fest it turned out to be ...
@@calummcgregor3662 Great comments all around - yes You See Red and Way Of The World are from No Smoke, another mighty fine Wishbone Ash album. I love how Martin tours albums - usually two albums per show. I wish I could see him do that here in the states. I also was fairly underwhelmed by Written In The Stars - it was fine / was good.
Now your talkin' Alan.Great video my friend
Thanks so much Tom - really appreciate it.
Awesome video, Alan I seem to remember reading somewhere That "Argus" out sold Jethro Tulls Thick as a Brick & Deep Purples Machine Head in the year 1972. Don't know if that's true though. ✌️🎶🎶🥁🎸
Thanks so much. I don’t have the sales figures. Interesting though. But it did finish #1 in the polls for best album which was pretty incredible.
What a great box set, both visually and contentwise! In addition to the unboxing, it was especially cool to see how high “Argus” was in the polls for British bands. I’ll never understand why Wishbone Ash wasn’t hugely popular worldwide, with its killer live performances and many excellent LPs. My three favorite Wishbone Ash albums, “Argus,” “New England” and “Number The Brave” get regular airplay in my home.
Thanks so much. I never understood it either. Though back then radio was possibly the most important influencer, and Wishbone Ash NEVER got radio play, at least on the east coast where I live. As I said, I've heard Wishbone Ash twice in my life on commercial radio. Once was Alison Steele on WNEW very late night played Blowin' Free and one was in Albany when they played a new Ash song once. Thanks again.
I was first adequately introduced to Wishbone Ash about three years ago when a saw a video performance of "Time Was". That live version was on an out-of-print audio DVD "Almighty Blues/London and Beyond" which I fortunately was able to find a copy to purchase!! Andy Powell's vocals were so strong at the beginning of the 21st century! I don't think I'd pick up "Argus" as many of the live tracks on AB/LaB are from it. Unfortunately, much of the band's catalogue is no longer available. Their acoustic set "Bare Bones" is fantastic. Would like to pick up their live in Paris DVD. Didn't Powell and Turner have a falling out much like Tull's Anderson and Barre? Alan, do you have the Argus-25th anniversary 3-DVD box? By the way, congratulations on achieving 2k+ subscribers; here's to the next 2000! All the best Alan. 🎉
Thanks so much. Powell and Turner had a brutal falling out. Full out lawsuit which Powell won preventing Turner from using the Wishbone Ash name. Powell never stopped and always continued Wishbone Ash with many different members thru the decades. The albums dvds you mentioned are all Powell Wishbone Ash releases. I do mentally separate the post Turner Powell led Ash from the classic Martin Turner Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield eras.
Would love to see you rank the albums Alan..great video
@@Patrick-sheen thanks. Will do at some point early this year
Well, besides your friends, I'm another one who just found out about this band because of you, I'm starting to listen to them as something new, better than all the garbage that's being made today, thanks for this incredible video.
Thanks so much. That makes me feel so great. Wishbone Ash are such a wonderful, and pretty unique band. And if you love melodic fantastic lead guitar work, with a focus on harmony lead guitars, it doesn't get any better. Thanks so much for your kind words and giving them a shot. Besides Argus, definitely check out New England (my favorite) and well as Live Dates and Live Dates 2 which are great live albums. I really hope you enjoy them. Thanks so much for your support.
Hi Alan. The 'Argus' box set looks gorgeous. I'll get it if I ever see it at a reduced price. The 2CD version of 'Argus' that I have includes 'No Easy Road' (b-side), 'The Pilgrim' and 'Phoenix' from a promotional only 12" EP 'Live In Memphis', seven tracks recorded for BBC Radio One's 'In Concert' in May 1972, 'Blowin' Free' recorded for Bob Harris's show on BBC Radio One in May 1972, and finally 'Throw Down The Sword' recorded for Pete Drummond's BBC Radio One Show in May 1972 ... I agree, the booklet should have been in a hard cover. If you're producing a luxury box set, it seems petty to scrimp and save on the packaging ... I picked up a cool 2CD set in a charity shop for £1. It's Martin Turner And Friends Featuring Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield's 'The Garden Party' (Live At Liscombe Park in Buckinghamshire on the 31st August 2012). I've never seen it before.
Wow what a find Carl. That Martin Turner cd is so cool. I don’t have it. I’ve heard bits. Sounds great. Recorded in his backyard.
Id like the argus cd with the classic memphis 1971. Show on bonus disc.
There is a version of that out there already. Though the box has the complete Memphis show for the first time
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow and what a show it is. 1971)2 the year of the ash
@@SpenceCurry yep - it's definitely a good one. Nice to have the full show finally.
Argus is my favourite Wishbone Ash album but I feel no desire to have multiple copies of it.
The boxset is not essential but I would say the remastered version I showed is. It sounds much better.
The only Wishbone Ash I own is the Argus remaster with the three live cuts.
Great album!
Don't call me crazy but the character on the front cover looks like Darth Vader!
@@jasonpp1973 that’s awesome. Many people say that. Lol. You may want to check out New England or Live dates or Live Dates 2. Fantastic albums as well. Thanks
Hey Alan - As you say, Wishbone Ash were great live, but sadly never captured that energy on any of their studio albums !! Again for whatever reason they were pretty popular in the UK and around Europe but in America, they just didnt cut it. I have I think 6 of their CD's, Argus obviously, I also have New England plus a few others. I wont be buying their 50th anniversary box set - I love their 70's stuff, but am not all in on them. I dont think their albums generally speaking were strong enough, their 70's output was their peak and then they tended to fall away - maybe to many line up changes, reunion gigs - I dont know, it just didnt gel for them I'm afraid. There are many excellent bands in the UK like Wishbone Ash, that just didnt make it overseas at all - its a mystery lol. One of my favourite bands from that period - "Family" - brilliant band, but again couldnt break through overseas. Maybe they were all just "To English" like Camel, or Marillion. Anyway Alan thats me - take care. Cya Doug
Love your comments as always Doug. I agree in general that Wishbone Ash really shines live. Even warts and all, they could lack vocally on occasion, the live stuff is more “livelier” than the studio albums. But with that said I really still enjoy their classic period studio albums. I’m happy with the Argus 50 box but it’s definitely not a necessity.
Haven’t listened in 50 years LOL
Oh you should. It’s still terrific.