Celebrating one of the most pivotal entries in the history of great British rock and prog albums, Wishbone Ash’s legendary LP Argus gets a 50th Anniversary multi-format Box Set release on 14 April 2023 through Madfish.
Complete with its indelible Hipgnosis designed album sleeve, 1972’s Argus saw Wishbone Ash (Andy Powell, Martin Turner, Steve Upton & Ted Turner) mix hard rock, blues, folk and elements of prog to create an album of resounding quality. Argus was the group’s third studio LP and undoubtedly the classic album within the band’s ‘70s cannon.
It is not only the biggest selling album of their career, featuring beloved fan-favourite ‘Blowin’ Free’, but full of timeless tunes such as ‘The King Will Come’, ‘Time Was’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Throw Down The Sword’. Widely considered a vital moment in the progression of twin-lead guitar harmonization, Andy Powell and Ted Turner’s pioneering twin lead attack left an indelible stamp on the likes of Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Metallica and Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was also a technique deployed by Steely Dan for their own 1972 hit Reelin’ In The Years.
Madfish are now proud to present the most complete edition of this album to date. Each Argus 50th Box Set contains:
· 3 CDs: Martin Turner’s Argus remaster, Live at Alexandra Palace 1973 & Memphis 1972 and 4 previously unreleased early version demos.
· 2 LPs: Original Argus replica, remastered for this release + Argus Live (from Alexandra Palace & Memphis).
· DVD: TV footage, Live from the Rainbow 1973 & RTS Broadcast 1974. · 7” Single of ‘Blowin’ Free’ (1972 Single Version)
· Numbered certificate of authenticity
· Featuring a 48-page book with rare photographs and extensive liner notes with contributions from Andy Powell, Martin Turner & Steve Upton.
Pre-order your copy HERE
Wishbone Ash achieved considerable success in the 1970s, during which they were among England’s most popular hard rock acts, achieving an impressive eight Top 40 albums. Often regarded as one of the premiere UK live acts of the ’70s, they toured throughout this period and into the following decades.
1972 was one of rock music’s most memorable years for regal releases – a golden age of clas-sic albums – Exile On Main Street, Machine Head, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, All The Young Dudes, Roxy Music, Can’t Buy A Thrill, Sailin’ Shoes, Foxtrot, Demons And Wizards, Transformer and Barnstorm – by rock royalty – The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Davie Bowie, Mott The Hoople, Roxy Music, Steely Dan, Little Feat, Genesis, Uriah Heep, Lou Reed and Joe Walsh. Not least among these amazing artists and records was Wishbone Ash and their ground-breaking album Argus.
As they reigned supreme through the ‘70s, Wishbone Ash was centred on inspired musician-ship, joyful spirit and inventive songs. Their concerts were uplifting and their recorded work sublime. Argus remains a stunning highpoint in the band’s startling repertoire. This is a vital addition to the Wishbone Ash catalogue.
