Wishbone Ash, pioneers of the dual lead guitar played by the brilliant Andy Powell and Ted Turner. I saw them back in 1972 at Preston Guildhall. I have all of their first four albums including this one.
Maybe I've been wrong for almost 50 years but I've always interpreted this as being a retelling of Judgement day so, good king or bad depends how you see your God (if you have one). Lots of references, tablets of stone, man being saved, earth being broken etc etc. Guitar superb as always with WA. There are some more albums when you finish Argus :whistling:
First track of side 2, if you still think in vinyl terms! All of side 2 seems to be a continuous narrative as they fit so well together. The King Will Come, Leaf And Stream, Warrior, Throw Down The Sword. Still a joy to listen to!
When I discovered this album back in 2018 I was an exchange student in Denmark, just set the tone for the whole half a year I was there this album and that time is so linked for me this song just breathes fresh Scandinavian spring to me :D
Here's an example of how great they are live, especially when Laurie Wisefield used to play for them. This is Phoenix, one of their best songs. - th-cam.com/video/deLvF43YyzM/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for checking out Wishbone Ash! I really like their Four album too. I have all 4 of their first albums, plus a Live Dates and another live album. The original band re-formed in the 1980's and their Neveau Calls instrumental and Here to Hear Albums have some good stuff. Very cool band!
Can't wait for side 2 of The Beatles. This band makes you want to be a guitarist and play in this great band. Argus is just a great record from the very underated Wishbone Ash. Good album.
Justin about that enigmatic cover ever wonder what the centurion (bassist Martin Turner) is looking at? If you were to see the back you would discover it’s a flying saucer. Some early reissues airbrushed it out but today the remastered cd reinserted it. I despise censorship.
I had completely forgotten about that! My copy on LP was permanently borrowed long ago, so I haven't actually looked at the cover since. I also did not realize until today (thanks to your comment here) that Storm Thorgeson was responsible for that cover!
The band members had nothing to do with the actual photoshoot. A Hipgnosis team went to a location in France where they anticipated a spectacular view down a valley, with an unusual wooden bridge in shot too. Unfortunately the weather was not on their side in the time available to them, so we have this mysterious sentry (played by one of the crew in a cloak and helmet rented from an old Ken Russell Film, The Devils) holding a spear which should have been a splendid Shakespearean sword from a different production - but they lost it in their haste. [It is also rumoured that the sentinel figure was an inspiration for Darth Vader.]
Indeed that bass JP! Martin Turner was/is such an accomplished musician and songwriter as he was responsible for much of this album...............he still tours today at the ripe old age of 75 and is still fabulous.
I saw them live in Oxford Town Hall ... the glamour. Love this album as much today as I did back then (which is NOT the case for much of what I liked then ....)
Evening Justin. Dave from London. Sing, Sing, Sing! That's what these twin guitars do (you're so right). There was such a great chemistry between Ted and Andy, and I felt the band just wasn't quite the same after Ted left (after Argus's follow-up Wishbone Four). The opening here is just magical - the military drum, driving bass and wah-wah guitar. Another classic from my favourite WA album. P.S. my song ref Sing, Sing, Sing is by Benny Goodman (although the version I have is by Chicago).
I love your song references so much!!!! When I read that in your post, I immediately heard the opening of the stunning tune, and thought of my Father, who sat me down in front of the HiFi and played The Big Bands for me! 🎶😊
I feel so fortunate to have seen these live many timrs in the 70s , such an amazing live band . This is a fantastic song & as you said boy could these lads make those guitars talk.
When you said having a great time,you sounded Scouse(Liverpool). This is as you said if you like electric guitar this is the song. the album is just that rare thing, perfect from start to finish.
Nice to see you enjoying this. It might be too pop to make it past the most exigent progressive gate keepers (I think it did some "crossover" to people who might've avoided King Crimson? - just guessing, here, based on it being a song I've known long before I knew its context) but at least "culturally" I'd say it's essential listening. (But the last time I expressed my opinion my minder told me to shut up or else, so I suppose this doesn't count for much.) Complete change of subject: If you ever listened to the version of *Jonah* initially released by Norwegian band, *Major Parkinson* (who are back, BTW, and some lucky fans will see them at Vulkan in Oslo this Oktober) , and wonder how it might sound with a choir that has a more African sound (I'm thinking Methodist mission station, where the congregation has picked up with this harmony idea and run wild with it, somewhere in some beginning somewhere), then you might find the way they changed it for their most recent album interesting (hopefully more than interesting, but interesting is not a bad minimum to have), then try this: th-cam.com/video/PXKvhnM-Ci0/w-d-xo.html (If it's your first encounter with the song, you might find it interesting to find the one they did with the show choir, Los Alamitos FX, when the album was in its early stages of creation. It was recorded by Gareth Evans - I think - I keep getting his name mixed up with other Gareths I've known - the guy who produced the early Depeche Mode albums.) It's the same song, but with two distinct lives. I like it when a song accumulates additional lives to live. Great thing is that if they're back in action after all the medical emergencies, there's a good chance they'll finish the follow-up album to Valesa - and maybe even decide to just go for it and do the third and final one in the set, too. We can hope for good news from there, now.
Wishbone still touring and Andy Powell the flying v player lives in the States so you might catch them live. Well worth seeing. They were so young when they recorded this. It's very English in style
This is an album has borne frequent replays with great ease for me. Musically it's a bit of a millstone to the band's desire to explore, move on, try out new ideas, other influences etc., but you need to play what the audience wants to hear since they had the decency to buy tickets. That said, the band did move on, instead of replicating the the themes and tone of this album which was top of two or three Album-of-the-Year polls in a big year for releases now regarded as classics. I draw much enjoyment from their arrangements and general musicality even now across most of their recorded output. They're still on the road now, with fans enough to support two factions, the Andy Powell-who-never-left-the-band, worked hard then and now, and the Martin Turner-plays-the-music-of-WA band which also plays and tours hard and strong. MT can regard this album as his masterpiece lyrically and thematically, with all-out input from the rest of the band, as they looked to consolidate on the labours and touring of their first two albums. AP can take the credit for the sustained work of the original band, still touring this year in the U.S., U.K. and mainland Europe, and the musical evolution of the band since the other original members stepped out at different stages. His collaborations with others over a string of albums has brought some great music that still bears the badge of detailed, melodic arrangements with the harmony guitar sound never far away.
For "The King Will Come" you might want to check over the Arthurian Legends (King Arthur) Or perhaps BRAN the Giant who asked to get his head buried looking southbound and who promised to return (like Schwarzenegger) to protect the Britons.
It's far from being bad, it's even rather very good, but personally I prefer Wishbone Ash in their second line up (with guitarist Ted Turner's replacement, Laurie Wisefield who somewhat erased the folk-rock aspect of their music from the first four albums). I find that all of these songs sound better in a live context, especially on their double Live Dates recorded in 1973. Overall, I prefer their albums There's the Rub, New England, Front Page News and the next two or three albums (including their terrific Live Dates 2).
This is great, but on _Live Dates_ it (and the two following songs) are sublime. With that said, I think what sinks classic Wishbone Ash are Martin Turner's vocals. He has a very nice voice in many ways, but it lacks personality-something that's true of the band as a whole. _Argus_ had a lot of potential, but it was their peak when it could have been one of many steps forward.
Next visit to Wishbone Ash, take a listen to a deep cut (by far the best track off what is arguably their worst album - Locked in) - "Rest In Peace". The twin guitar interplay between Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield is spectacular, and Martin Turned kills the bass. th-cam.com/video/7cjjo9PUOcg/w-d-xo.html
This is not the same mix as on the original vinyl album. The intro especially,has more pace and is funkier then the original. I prefer the original track, though I would say that wouldn't I after listening to it over the past 50+ years. 😊
This album is absolutely fantastic from start to finish. All great songs. No filler.
Right, Wishbone Ash was so underrated and this were one of my favorite songs of this band.
Yep. All fire.
Yep
Part of a 3 song story "The King Will Come" "Warrior" "Throw Down The Sword" the 3 songs are the epitaph of the album.
I've always viewed Leaf And Stream as an integral part of the story - reflections on the eve of battle, trying to come to terms with death.
The second band I ever saw live back in 1970. This is my favourite album of theirs. Brilliant song.
The first album i have ever bought. It is something like your first love. You will never forget.
I love the vocal harmonies as much as the twin guitars. Live Dates is one of the great live albums from the 1970s.
"The King Wil Come". "Warrior", "Throw Down The Sword", "Happiness Is A Warm Gun"!😁,✌️&♥️.
Wishbone Ash, pioneers of the dual lead guitar played by the brilliant Andy Powell and Ted Turner. I saw them back in 1972 at Preston Guildhall. I have all of their first four albums including this one.
This whole album is top notch progressive rock.
Loving it from mid 70's.
Maybe I've been wrong for almost 50 years but I've always interpreted this as being a retelling of Judgement day so, good king or bad depends how you see your God (if you have one).
Lots of references, tablets of stone, man being saved, earth being broken etc etc.
Guitar superb as always with WA. There are some more albums when you finish Argus :whistling:
You are not (and have not been) wrong.
First track of side 2, if you still think in vinyl terms! All of side 2 seems to be a continuous narrative as they fit so well together. The King Will Come, Leaf And Stream, Warrior, Throw Down The Sword. Still a joy to listen to!
When I discovered this album back in 2018 I was an exchange student in Denmark, just set the tone for the whole half a year I was there this album and that time is so linked for me this song just breathes fresh Scandinavian spring to me :D
Here's an example of how great they are live, especially when Laurie Wisefield used to play for them. This is Phoenix, one of their best songs. - th-cam.com/video/deLvF43YyzM/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for checking out Wishbone Ash! I really like their Four album too. I have all 4 of their first albums, plus a Live Dates and another live album. The original band re-formed in the 1980's and their Neveau Calls instrumental and Here to Hear Albums have some good stuff. Very cool band!
One of the greatest rock guitar riffs ever, period!
Great song, very good album.
Great song, great album, very underrated band. 🖤
Can't wait for side 2 of The Beatles.
This band makes you want to be a guitarist and play in this great band.
Argus is just a great record from the very underated Wishbone Ash.
Good album.
This brings back memories of my teenage years playing “Warrior” and “Throw Down The Sword” in a band at gigs 😊
Justin about that enigmatic cover ever wonder what the centurion (bassist Martin Turner) is looking at?
If you were to see the back you would discover it’s a flying saucer. Some early reissues airbrushed it out but today the remastered cd reinserted it. I despise censorship.
I had completely forgotten about that! My copy on LP was permanently borrowed long ago, so I haven't actually looked at the cover since. I also did not realize until today (thanks to your comment here) that Storm Thorgeson was responsible for that cover!
@@MissAstorDancer you’re welcome
The band members had nothing to do with the actual photoshoot. A Hipgnosis team went to a location in France where they anticipated a spectacular view down a valley, with an unusual wooden bridge in shot too. Unfortunately the weather was not on their side in the time available to them, so we have this mysterious sentry (played by one of the crew in a cloak and helmet rented from an old Ken Russell Film, The Devils) holding a spear which should have been a splendid Shakespearean sword from a different production - but they lost it in their haste.
[It is also rumoured that the sentinel figure was an inspiration for Darth Vader.]
Indeed that bass JP! Martin Turner was/is such an accomplished musician and songwriter as he was responsible for much of this album...............he still tours today at the ripe old age of 75 and is still fabulous.
I saw them live in Oxford Town Hall ... the glamour.
Love this album as much today as I did back then (which is NOT the case for much of what I liked then ....)
Evening Justin. Dave from London. Sing, Sing, Sing! That's what these twin guitars do (you're so right). There was such a great chemistry between Ted and Andy, and I felt the band just wasn't quite the same after Ted left (after Argus's follow-up Wishbone Four). The opening here is just magical - the military drum, driving bass and wah-wah guitar. Another classic from my favourite WA album.
P.S. my song ref Sing, Sing, Sing is by Benny Goodman (although the version I have is by Chicago).
I love your song references so much!!!!
When I read that in your post, I immediately heard the opening of the stunning tune, and thought of my Father, who sat me down in front of the HiFi and played The Big Bands for me!
🎶😊
@@MissAstorDancer Thanks, Miss AD. My Dad sat me down to classical music instead! But I've since discovered the big bands.
Andy Powell is a vastly underrated guitar player.
I feel so fortunate to have seen these live many timrs in the 70s , such an amazing live band . This is a fantastic song & as you said boy could these lads make those guitars talk.
When you said having a great time,you sounded Scouse(Liverpool). This is as you said if you like electric guitar this is the song. the album is just that rare thing, perfect from start to finish.
My favourite album from them along with "Pilgrimage".
Agreed I like Vas Dis and Jailbait
"The Pilgrim" is such an awesome track..
Nice to see you enjoying this. It might be too pop to make it past the most exigent progressive gate keepers (I think it did some "crossover" to people who might've avoided King Crimson? - just guessing, here, based on it being a song I've known long before I knew its context) but at least "culturally" I'd say it's essential listening. (But the last time I expressed my opinion my minder told me to shut up or else, so I suppose this doesn't count for much.)
Complete change of subject: If you ever listened to the version of *Jonah* initially released by Norwegian band, *Major Parkinson* (who are back, BTW, and some lucky fans will see them at Vulkan in Oslo this Oktober) , and wonder how it might sound with a choir that has a more African sound (I'm thinking Methodist mission station, where the congregation has picked up with this harmony idea and run wild with it, somewhere in some beginning somewhere), then you might find the way they changed it for their most recent album interesting (hopefully more than interesting, but interesting is not a bad minimum to have), then try this:
th-cam.com/video/PXKvhnM-Ci0/w-d-xo.html
(If it's your first encounter with the song, you might find it interesting to find the one they did with the show choir, Los Alamitos FX, when the album was in its early stages of creation. It was recorded by Gareth Evans - I think - I keep getting his name mixed up with other Gareths I've known - the guy who produced the early Depeche Mode albums.) It's the same song, but with two distinct lives.
I like it when a song accumulates additional lives to live.
Great thing is that if they're back in action after all the medical emergencies, there's a good chance they'll finish the follow-up album to Valesa - and maybe even decide to just go for it and do the third and final one in the set, too. We can hope for good news from there, now.
One of the many brilliant albums in my collection.
The timing on this is quite funny given the upcoming Coronation over here in Britain.
Yeah...personally I'd go for Kill the King by Rainbow for the occasion
@@pentagrammaton6793 I'm saying nothing, I don't want my door broken doon.
Excellent that you are continuing with Argus, JP.. Every song is great, some are better than others, but overall, as a concept album it is fantastic..
Love the guitar playing on this song and album. I have a couple of their early albums and Live Dates and the instrumental Nouveau Calls
I could see you wanting to drum along but then they changed it up on you. Very underrated band.
Haha really! :D
So many great albums....
Gentle rock, that's what I call this band and their music 🙂 Pure joy and calm ☺️
Love the riff.
yeah, my all time favourite riff
Wishbone still touring and Andy Powell the flying v player lives in the States so you might catch them live. Well worth seeing. They were so young when they recorded this. It's very English in style
Something I like! Wooohoooo! 🤣
@@CAdams6398 this is at least a track from a classic album, but I sympathise if it ain't your cuppa.
This is an album has borne frequent replays with great ease for me.
Musically it's a bit of a millstone to the band's desire to explore, move on, try out new ideas, other influences etc., but you need to play what the audience wants to hear since they had the decency to buy tickets. That said, the band did move on, instead of replicating the the themes and tone of this album which was top of two or three Album-of-the-Year polls in a big year for releases now regarded as classics.
I draw much enjoyment from their arrangements and general musicality even now across most of their recorded output.
They're still on the road now, with fans enough to support two factions, the Andy Powell-who-never-left-the-band, worked hard then and now, and the Martin Turner-plays-the-music-of-WA band which also plays and tours hard and strong.
MT can regard this album as his masterpiece lyrically and thematically, with all-out input from the rest of the band, as they looked to consolidate on the labours and touring of their first two albums.
AP can take the credit for the sustained work of the original band, still touring this year in the U.S., U.K. and mainland Europe, and the musical evolution of the band since the other original members stepped out at different stages. His collaborations with others over a string of albums has brought some great music that still bears the badge of detailed, melodic arrangements with the harmony guitar sound never far away.
What a great album.
For "The King Will Come" you might want to check over the Arthurian Legends (King Arthur)
Or perhaps BRAN the Giant who asked to get his head buried looking southbound and who promised to return (like Schwarzenegger) to protect the Britons.
It's far from being bad, it's even rather very good, but personally I prefer Wishbone Ash in their second line up (with guitarist Ted Turner's replacement, Laurie Wisefield who somewhat erased the folk-rock aspect of their music from the first four albums). I find that all of these songs sound better in a live context, especially on their double Live Dates recorded in 1973. Overall, I prefer their albums There's the Rub, New England, Front Page News and the next two or three albums (including their terrific Live Dates 2).
This is great, but on _Live Dates_ it (and the two following songs) are sublime. With that said, I think what sinks classic Wishbone Ash are Martin Turner's vocals. He has a very nice voice in many ways, but it lacks personality-something that's true of the band as a whole. _Argus_ had a lot of potential, but it was their peak when it could have been one of many steps forward.
The King is God . Its about the end of the world, when the ' King ' will come and destroy a wicked world
Next visit to Wishbone Ash, take a listen to a deep cut (by far the best track off what is arguably their worst album - Locked in) - "Rest In Peace". The twin guitar interplay between Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield is spectacular, and Martin Turned kills the bass. th-cam.com/video/7cjjo9PUOcg/w-d-xo.html
This is song is about the Christian apocalypse, it's straight from Revelations.
My mate Graham Maitland playing keyboard in the live version in Winterland stadium 1976 RIP Mate , wish youtube was about when you were alive
This is not the same mix as on the original vinyl album. The intro especially,has more pace and is funkier then the original. I prefer the original track, though I would say that wouldn't I after listening to it over the past 50+ years. 😊
Are you sure this the original version? No that's an alternate version or remix.
Probably from the newer remastered anniversary issue.. it sounds slightly different.