Biography
Wishbone Ash are a British rock band who achieved success in the early and mid-1970s. Formed in Torquay, Devon, in 1969, out of the ashes of trio The Empty Vessels (originally known as The Torinoes, later briefly being renamed Tanglewood in 1969), which had been formed by Wishbone Ash’s founding member Martin Turner (bass & vocals) in 1963 and complemented by Steve Upton (drums and percussion) in 1966. The original Wishbone Ash line-up was completed by guitarists/vocalists Andy Powell and Ted Turner. In 1974, Ted Turner left the band, and was replaced by Laurie Wisefield. The band continued on with strong critical and commercial success until 1980. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wishbone_Ash
Album & Cover
Argus is the third album by the rock band Wishbone Ash. It is the most popular Wishbone Ash album and widely considered their greatest by fans and reviewers. It was named “Album of the Year” in the 1972 year-end issue of Sounds magazine. The album is medieval-themed, featuring 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 melodies and lyrics were provided by bassist/lead vocalist Martin Turner, although all members contributed to the song arrangements. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argus_(album)
This cover photograph was taken in the hills around Provence in France. The helmet and red cape from Berman’s theatrical customery and was taken a 7am in the morning. Storm Thorgerson and Hipgnosis had a fascination with UFOs and it was used here with the sentry on the lookout for them: A meeting between the past and the future… They also used UFO idea in other album designs such as UFO’s Phenomenon.
Cover Location: Provence, France
Who Did What: Photography – A. Powell/S. Thorgerson
Label: Decca DL 75347(US), MCA MDKS 8006(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
The Work Of Hipgnosis ‘Walk Away Rene’ – Hipgnosis & G. Hardie
Tracklist
| Side One Time Was Sometime World Blowin’ Free |
Side Two The King Will Come Leaf And Stream Warrior Throw Down The Sword |
Credits
Bass – Martin Turner
Composed By – Wishbone Ash
Drums, Percussion – Steve Upton
Engineer – Martin Birch
Lead Guitar – Andy Powell (tracks: A1 to A3, B2 to B4), Ted Turner (tracks: A2 to B1, B3)
Lyrics By – Martin Turner (2) (tracks: A1 to B1, B3, B4), Steve Upton (tracks: B2), Ted Turner (tracks: A1)
Organ – John Tout (tracks: B4)
Photography By [Inside Photos] – Barry Wentzell
Producer – Derek Lawrence
Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar [Harmony], Acoustic Guitar – Andy Powell, Ted Turner
