Ranking the Studio Albums: Wishbone Ash
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Join host Pete Pardo for a ranking of the studio catalog of the great British rock/blues act Wishbone Ash. #wishboneash
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Listen to the albums here: podcasts.progrock.com/2023/01/10/sea-of-tranquilitys-ranking-the-albums-wishbone-ash/?fbclid=IwAR3kHYXILUg6iE2f-hpH2YwJ3AIKZpOBZIbs5WgZwoaLkJpToAd3nHWwhK0
Persephone is one of the greatest songs ever recorded!
Vas Dis?
Yes it is! The guitar sounds and playing; the tempo; lyrics; arrangement; vocals! I can grab it in my head and "hear" it when I want, it has triggered that sense in my mind.
I agree!
One ofy favorites!
Sounds too much like theme from an imaginary Western
Fantastic..Wishbone Ash must be one of the most underrated bands of all time..Argus is a masterpiece, and the debut almost as good, also love New England and There's the Rub.
I agree with your ranking but not with "most underrated". They were quite a "household" name in the 70s and like many persistent bands kept a solid following even after their heyday.
Roxanne Walsh They’ve been slowly forgotten through time. They deserve more recognition NOW!
Has anyone mentioned their unplugged album “Bare Bones”? It’s a studio album and it’s excellent. Folk-rock arrangements, mostly acoustic, of many of their favourite tunes. Completely different sound from their usual plugged-in approach, but very good in its own right.
OK Pete. So you sold me on checking out this band. I had heard of them but never heard them. So I went to the album Argus and put on the 1st song time Was and I was amazed at the epic sound of this anthem. The guitar work is of the highest level. It sounds like Alex Lifeson may have borrowed from that style on their first album especially with Working Man. Great heavy sound. I like em alot and I am grateful you do these videos because I am continuously turned on to cool shit I never heard. Heard of mostly all of it just never listened. Thats changed bro.
Pretty much the same experience with I had - opened up a whole new world of great music to me.
If Argus was your first experience of them. You chose well my friend! I bought the LP as a teenager and still cherish & play it 👍
@@deltadesign5697 For me it was Wishbone 4, because "Ballad of the Beacon" was a classic rock radio hit in my area during the time. But "Sorrel' did it for me with it's dreamscape like outtro that I would play over and over again. But "Wishbone Live" introduced me to the earlier stuff.
Yeh... I have just discovered Argus.... I picked up od the Rush similarly too.
Jeffery Black But Rush is a poor mans Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
'New England' was my entry point to Wishbone Ash back in 1978 so that informs my impression of the sound of this band. My favourite period is Mk2 - the Laurie Wisefield years. They definitely went off the boil after Martin Turner left though. Yes, I have all the early Ted Turner albums and they are indeed classic. Andy Powell, Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield are the forgotten heroes of guitar from that era. They were every bit as good as the usual roster of heroes from the seventies. 'Locked In' is the the only dud from the seventies discography. I was such a fanboi as a lad that I even bought a Strat and Flying V. I called them Laurie and Andy. (blush)
Thanks so much for the information and sharing your story. That’s the great thing about Pete’s show, especially in the weird times we’re living through now. I’m finding so much new music to enjoy. My music horizons have really expanded. In the sixties I gravitated mainly to folk rock...CSNY, America, Eagles, Firefall ect. I’m now finding Prog rock Music that I had previously just touched the surface of....great stuff with so much depth....I had King Crimson’s first album and played it to death but things happened and when I got back into music I kinda lost touch with that band. Anyway ...I’m rambling.....Thanks again for the response and I wish you good health.
Great review Pete. My top 3: 1 Argus, 2 New England, 3 There’s The Rub. Thanks for highlighting this superb band. Best wishes from Inverness, Scotland 🙂
Hey Callum, that's pretty much my top 3 too. Sometimes I prefer TTR to NE, other times I go with your choice.
But nothing tops Argus, a truly great album.
Wishbone Ash has a strange discography, because "Argus" is quite different from the rest of their albuns and way better, for my taste. No other band has followed Argus style, that "Acustic hard medieval rock" not even themselves. It´s a lonely/unique album in rock (like "Queen II" also is). It´s a mistery. Entire careers could be made following "Argus" style . My second favorite is "There is the Rub" because it has some songs that are similar to Argus.
Reinaldo Favoreto Yes, thank you for comparing with Queen II, that was my thoughts too. There is nothing similar.
' Pilgrimage ' the one before ' Argus ' does begin that style and is very good, those two make a perfect pair. I saw them around that time in a small club and they were great.
Thank you for ranking Wishbone Ash!! 🎤🎸🎵🥁
Phoenix is a masterpiece. It is my fave song from Ash.
The debut has enough to let Phoenix push it to my top choice, just ahead of Argus.
I agree, by a bit.
If it wasn't for the wandering, purposeless Handy, if only they'd had two more songs of the same calibre as the first four instead, it could have been the greatest rock album of all time. But the album is still worth it for Phoenix alone, with side one's four songs a fantastic bonus.
just testing and no smoke without fire most underrated stuff first five albums are amazing
Absolutely !!!!
I saw W-Ash in KC-Mo in 72 on the Argus tour. They were excellent. Also on the Bill were Vinegar Joe w/Robert Palmer and Elkie Brooks. Also, a real treat as local KC favorites Mike Finnegan and Jerry Wood played the great LP "Crazed Hipsters" straight thru. I recall that V-Joes band was quite good with excellent dual guitar interplay as well. Regards, Bob in Denver.
For me, There's the Rub is their best album, followed by New England(One of their most underrated tracks is: When you know love). I agree about Laurie Wisefield, far superior to Ted Turner, proven by my top 2 choices.
I agree on "When you know love"; especially the solo break in the middle, it's really beautiful and intricate!
Have lot of these albums on vinyl , the Laurie Wisefield era are very underated. No Smoke without fire and New England are great Albums
Absolutely !!! and "Just testing" from 1980
Another of my favourite bands from the 70's, seeing them on tour several times was always special. Definitely Argus as their best album. Remember today when I first heard it. Played it over and over again. Not a single weak spot in the whole album, great dual guitars without it getting tired or overdone.
Jimmy Page loved the front-cover artwork on the Argus album. It inspired Led Zeppelin to come up with the magnificent Houses Of The Holy album artwork. Page wanted something special. The sacrificing children to the Gods theme was quite controversial in some quarters, and some rare Australian copies were produced with different covers.
On the old album you could open it up. The centurions is overlooking a valley in the clouds you can see a flying saucer. Could you imagine in that day seeing something like that.
I saw Wishbone Ash in early 1975 when they toured the "There's the Rub" album. The opening act was a band no one had heard of, KISS.
Wishbone and Yes are my top 2 bands of all time (then zep and moody blues). Wishbone are super influential Thin Lizzy, Priest, Maiden, Scorpions, Michael Schenker (he and Rudolf buy their flying V's from Andy Powell!). Wishbone all day long. Love Marty's Band too. THEY sound like Wishbone. Andy's band is great and Abraham's on guitar is KILLER. Marty's band has Misha and Danny who are insane plus they all sing with Marty. WOW. Keep the love alive.
this is one of those few bands, that have enormous catalogue and YET, I have almost all of their records...... not mentioning they were one of the biggest influences for Iron Maiden..... simply one of the most underrated bands in history...... I can't even rank the albums, I just love em all...... the early classics up there offcourse, but I wouldn't even know where to start with the rest...... so many great records from each era...... the last album was also a banger
Of course subjective, but I would rather listen to Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash. Even though he doesn’t have the great original guitarists. He got some phenomenal replacements. And I prefer his voice and bass. You pretty much nailed the top 10 for me. Speaking of number your 10, Surface to Air!!! But so many other great songs
I am going to check out "Coat of Arms". Thank you!
I discovered WA during lockdown few months ago and loved them instantly. Argus is masterpiece. The King will come, throw down the sword, time was ...phoenix, persephone pilgrim are also superb.
I found them before, but I got into Ash, Genesis, Sabbath, Kiss, Jethro Tull, Bowie, Mike Oldfield and The Streets in the last year.
I wasn’t around for any of these except for Mike Skinner’s rap epic. All of these albums are great.
You just cant bea tArgus!
I’ve been waiting for this!! Adore WA!
"Raw to the bone" is the worst Wishbone Ash's album , , and the best album is "Just testing" , better than "Argus" , sorry ,
I really like Strange Affair, the title track absolutely shreds. I love that so much
Martin turner also has a band playing the Wishbone material. I think his band is better than the Andy Powell set up. Have seen them a few times here in the UK, they still tour regularly
No smoke with out fire is a nice mash up sounding of Argus and first two Albums. The album that sould of came out after argus.
I've recently discovered this band (through getting to know Hällas, actually!) and I've understood how much I've been missing out. Great musicians, original, meaningful songs and arrangements. This band is truly a class act. Thanks a lot for your review, you also go in depth and make each one informative.
Wishbone Ash-was so into them back in the early '70s. Saw them twice in the '70s too about Front Page News time. Definitely one of my favorite all-time bands. Lost touch with them after Number the Brave but happily reconnected years later. Thanks for this excellent rundown, Pete
1 - Argus
2 - There's The Rub
3 - Wishbone Four
4 - Wishbone Ash
5 - Pilgrimage
Same as my list, Marcelo. Rub is a really unique album. Love it.
"No Smoke Without Fire" is definitely in the top 5. Front to back one of their strongest albums.
@@elrondhubbard9127 I will look for it. Stopped following WA after Martin Turner left..
Agree totally on the top 2. Not a single weak track on either of those two, I'd really struggle to rank all of the tracks on those two albums because they're all so great
Exactomundo!
Had no idea those guys had so many albums, particularly in more recent times. Here’s to longevity. But I love their older material. The Argus album is excellent but New England is very special !
Loved Wishbone Ash since being a teenager in mid-seventies 1. Wishbone Ash 2. Argus 3. Pilgrimage 4. There's the Rub 5. New England. Live Dates is a fantastic double live album from that era. listen to Phoenix, Vas Dis and F.U.B.B. and you will fall in love. Saw them with Laurie Wisefield headline a stage at Chicagofest in 1981. The encore was Phoenix. They pretty much invented the twin guitar genre in 1970. If you listen to Michael Schenker you will hear Andy Powell's influence and the V, listen to recent Opeth you'll hear it as well. Iconic, underrated band
Dead wrong
Hear to hear, noveau calls Strange and Affair excellent albums.
All 3 are much better than anything W.A. released after 1991.
I was very surprised Pete that you missed the quality of the 1987-1991 I.R.S. reunion albums.
Quite surprised, actually.
Way WAY WRONG
I haven't heard "Noveau Calls" but was a bit surprised Here to Hear was ranked so low. I'm guessing Pete isn't a big fan of the whole 80's style on it which is okay. I like the album though. The first two songs really goes recommended and I find the album pretty solid!
I'd drop WA 4 down a few places - around 10 or 11. I'd also put No Smoke wthout Fire at no 2 with the first album at 3 and Argus naturally at 1. NSWF was the first WA album I ever bought (with limited edition live single). As well as the studion albums I'd give very big shout out to their first two Live Dates albums and also add in Live in Tokyo as that has two of my all time favourite WA tunes on Yous See Red (not on Live Dates 2 for some reason) and Way of the World.
I have absolutely zero interest in heavy metal or the vast majority of music Pete talks about but he is just such a great dude to listen to! A very honest man
Wishbone Ash for the most part of their catalogue would not fit the "heavy metal" badge. They could rock out at times but their roots were very melodic, with folk and prog influences and many mellow tunes. Martin Turner (singing most lead vocals early on) and Laurie Wisefield were singing more like John Wetton than Ian Gillan. The twin guitars were focused on melody rather than riffs.
I'm no Metal head, either. The Hard Rock/Acid Rock stuff from the '60s& '70s do hold a special p!ace in my heart, however. Pete knows his stuff & the stories are always entertaining.
@@roxannewalsh hi there read the comment correctly. I said I have zero interest in heavy metal or 'the vast majority of music Pete talks about'...
I'm a hard rocker fan, and older or original term blend "Heavy Metal" when it applied to the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Uriah Heep, KISS, Black Sabbath, and others ... I like listening to his top pick or favorite. He has kept my interest. I dislike or think his language can offend some religious people, but I don't mine it, as long as he it to a limit.
But he spread genres out to hard rock, heavy metal, prog rock, and time southern rock. He does bring up a group that I don't remember and this is one of those band, so I will give them a listen and who knows.
I was there back in the those early days and saw them perform live at Cambridge Corn Exchage (UK) in 1973. Argus is a masterpiece. We waited eagerly for 4. We weren't expecting Argus mark 2 but it was a huge disappointment. WA4 wasn't a bad album but we had greater expectations and I stopped listening
You nailed it. On the 70ties European prog-scene the Wishbone 4 was regarded as a huge disappointment after their master-piece Argus, as were many of the following soft-rock albums with tasteless sleeve-art. I figure the strange overrating of WA4 must be down to American traditionalism. In Europe Wishbone Ash pretty much collapsed in their attempt to pander to the Americans. Not until tracks such as "Wright or Wrong" (1976), "Ships In The Sky" and "The Way Of The World" (1978) and especially the almost David Gilmour-sounding album "Just Testing" (1980) would they regain my prog-rock ears.
I haven’t seen your ranking of this one yet but I’m going to go ahead and bump power of Eternity into the top 5 the song -In Crisis is one of the best Ash Songs ever! And Bona fide should be in the top Ten! Elegant stealth was a disappointment! Blue Horizon a little boring! Clan Destiny and Illuminations way better both are better than Coat of Arms! Master of Disguise one of the best Ash Songs on Just Testing! No Smoke without Fire better than Just Testing Blasphemy!
Got to see Wishbone Ash a few months ago in Southport. Fantastic gig and got to meet all the guys afterwards and some great chat including gear and set-up. Not many bands these days give you the opportunity to meet and shake hands and spend quality time talking to their fans. Mark Abrahams and Bob Skeat are fantastic players in the WA tradition.
This is the episode I was anticipating the most. My top 5:
1. There’s the rub
2. Front page news
3. New England
4. Wishbone Four
5. No smoke without fire
Laurie Wisefield rules. And so does Andy Powell.
I appreciate you covering Wishbone Ash. I am an old timer. I am 67. So I remember when they came on the scene in 1970. Fell in love with them immediately. They came out as this other cool band released their first album. They were called Black Sabbath. LOL. It was a great year. CSN&Y Deja Vu, Zeppelin III, Neil Young After the Gold Rush, Santana Abraxas, the Who Live at Leeds, The Doors Morrison Hotel, James Gang Rides Again. Just to Name a few. What a great, great year for Rock & Roll.
Wishbone Ash should really be divided based on the lineup. The original lineup was the best lineup. When Martin Turner left their sound changed. So to me the list would go like this.
#1 Argus (1972)
#2 Wishbone Ash (1970)
#3 Pilgrimage (1971)
#4 Four (1973)
#5 Nouveau Calls (1987)
While I liked some of the work with Laurie Wisefield replacing Ted Turner. The difference for me was this. With the original lineup, I liked every song on every album. Once they went a little more pop with Wisefield, I could only find 2 or 3 songs on each album that I liked. So eventually after "Just Testing" in 1980 I gave up on the band. The exception being when they released Nouveau Calls in 1987. Back to the original lineup. Loved every song. Now it is all instrumental, but the awesome interplay between Andy Powell and Ted Turner was back. Great stuff. IMHO.
Great band and was lucky enough to see them live in the 70s. The video of the guys performing 'Persephone' in Cologne 1976 remains one of my very favourite YT music clips.
"In Crisis". Awesome song. I see them every time they come around I see them. Thanks for doing this!
Followed them since first hearing them on the radio In 1970. Got all their albums on vinyl. Argus a standout, but many other great albums including live. Still going strong and brilliant live.
WB 4 has a song with one of their greatest solos - Sorrel .
Love the early albums but surprisingly 'Front Page News' made an impression on me ...
Brilliant album
I'm a little annoyed that Diamond Jack didn't even get a mention in here, not surprising though as it's tucked in right at the end of FPN. I think it's one of their strongest tracks
Wishbone Ash! Argus was my 1st album I heard by them (because of Steve Harris talking about them in the 80s).... an absolute classic. :)
I discovered them via Steve Harris/Iron Maiden as well. Wishbone Ash are a great band, another group often overlooked but influential.
Love them!!
Currently digging a coat of arms👍
@@jimmycampbell78 Agreed. I also discovered Jethro Tull thanks to Maiden :)
Yes, Wishbone Ash were a huge influence on Iron maiden aAND Judas Priest as well for their twin guitar stuff.
Love No Smoke Without Fire containing You See Red and the climax The Way Of The World. Killer solos. New England is also a fave. Thanks for covering this band as many people fail to know them. A shame.
NSWF is the best!
Yeah, a "pilgrimage" every time they played Portland in the seventies, had forgotten how glorious heavy they were in the heyday, wow.
I have most of their music on vinyl and cds, and most people rate Vol. 4 a lot further down the list than I do, I absolutely love that album, takes me back to a really good time in my life. & I love Elegant Stealth.
Just forget about every other album and just go to the give away album on your t shirt, awesome band and I have met Andy Powell on numerous occasions, a very sweet man 👍
Agreed!
Argus helped me through a difficult time, huge. Love the first album and Pilgrimage. Superb musicianship from Turner, Powell, Turner and Upton.
Speaking of... It would be fun to see an episode on favorite Hipgnosis album covers...or maybe I missed it..
1. Argus
2. Just Testing
3. Pilgrimage
4. No Smoke Without Fire
5. Wishbone Ash
6. Number The Brave
7. Wishbone 4
8. There's the Rub
9. New England
10. Twin Barrels Burning
11. Locked In
12. Front Page News
Just Testing in top two!
You get it, folks?
Pete, I'm a huge fan of your channel. Always inspiring!!! What about a ranking of the most important albums of the past 10 years? Regards from Germany!!
Don't get me wrong. Wishbone Ash are one of my favourite bands and Throw Down The Sword has one of the greatest guitar solos ever - period
IMO Coat of Arms should be at least a top five album. It's amazing.
This is the first time that I find myself at odds with some of your assessments. Three of my top ten picks were in your bottom four. Nouveau Calls is one of my favorite albums of all time, mostly because of Arabesque all by itself. I am a sucker for all of the No Speak series of releases. And yes, I have the entire WA catalogue.
For dedicated fans - may also be worth tracking down ‘First Light’, their promo album which pre-dates the first album for Decca/MCA. Most of the tracks on this release were re-recorded for the ‘Wishbone Ash’ album but there are also two not included on that album and a version of ‘Alone’ with vocals (instrumental later included on the 1971 ‘Pilgrimage’ album). :D
Roads Of Day To Day (from the ‘First Light’ promo album 1970) ua-cam.com/video/srRy5bjnpGo/v-deo.html
As a fan of bad puns I have always loved the title title of Nouveau Calls
Argus is the only one I have and it's one of the best rock albums in my opinion
Playlist with selections from most of the albums. Perhaps of interest? :D
Don’t Come Back ua-cam.com/video/IVunNDAz6sk/v-deo.html
Lady Whiskey ua-cam.com/video/N9b36rPuJK4/v-deo.html
Hometown ua-cam.com/video/OCjBIMprYIQ/v-deo.html
Valediction ua-cam.com/video/n5uxUo-hEAs/v-deo.html
Queen Of Torture ua-cam.com/video/RURDHdMrUxg/v-deo.html
Sometime World ua-cam.com/video/xD9ATNViQ9g/v-deo.html
Underground ua-cam.com/video/c0qX1e1HkF8/v-deo.html
The King Will Come ua-cam.com/video/uWWC-2pPSrE/v-deo.html
The Pilgrim ua-cam.com/video/6tjNwekYE3Y/v-deo.html
Phoenix ua-cam.com/video/1R5Vn_gKo9I/v-deo.html
Ships In The Sky ua-cam.com/video/QRWjBUkr2rA/v-deo.html
Warm Tears ua-cam.com/video/3W4xPUHReGs/v-deo.html
F.U.B.B. ua-cam.com/video/BYHCgjwXbB4/v-deo.html
We Stand As One ua-cam.com/video/87_t4ElxEfY/v-deo.html
Big Issues ua-cam.com/video/pLdc38HYFCE/v-deo.html
The Way Of The World Parts 1 & 2 ua-cam.com/video/XU_JJUi1swI/v-deo.html
Almighty Blues ua-cam.com/video/J2nLBBb06ME/v-deo.html
Time Was ua-cam.com/video/SjIvjmJQJYE/v-deo.html
Dreams (Searching For An Answer) ua-cam.com/video/UmCd3f-xewk/v-deo.html
Wings Of Desire ua-cam.com/video/VzYPhTAQhPg/v-deo.html
Stand And Deliver ua-cam.com/video/fxHASS9IQNk/v-deo.html
Lady Jay ua-cam.com/video/wAtf7YUW1RM/v-deo.html
Floreana ua-cam.com/video/PhSSWUJovcw/v-deo.html
Sorrel ua-cam.com/video/ERY8e1gCRGY/v-deo.html
Bona Fide ua-cam.com/video/3oToKoLjIXk/v-deo.html
People In Motion ua-cam.com/video/X3Wt5BD9WzA/v-deo.html
Deep Blues ua-cam.com/video/xS2Ut8DV0Hc/v-deo.html
Blowin’ Free ua-cam.com/video/VnsZ1N_cI3Y/v-deo.html
Ballad Of The Beacon ua-cam.com/video/bCxxtwuyxVg/v-deo.html
Warrior ua-cam.com/video/U5X_Dd_6Czk/v-deo.html
Throw Down The Sword ua-cam.com/video/LByiVlc6czAW/v-deo.htmlW
Everybody Needs A Friend ua-cam.com/video/29JsupM8j-4/v-deo.html
Say Goodbye ua-cam.com/video/BYh0Wv4xOw4/v-deo.html
Drive ua-cam.com/video/SG7C-T4_eAY/v-deo.html
You See Red ua-cam.com/video/vbqJNtufXos/v-deo.html
Roads Of Day To Day ua-cam.com/video/srRy5bjnpGo/v-deo.html
Rock ’N’ Roll Widow ua-cam.com/video/7JwGpBmyPRA/v-deo.html
Come Rain, Come Shine ua-cam.com/video/C7yH22ZplVk/v-deo.html
To Cool For AC ua-cam.com/video/vuJisyFo0bc/v-deo.html
Vas Dis ua-cam.com/video/6wAv0TplhNY/v-deo.html
Blind Eye ua-cam.com/video/ZUUrAOpu5t0/v-deo.html
Changing Tracks ua-cam.com/video/wSISGmLr00s/v-deo.html
All There Is To Say ua-cam.com/video/JxHIuqPYcDU/v-deo.html
Silver Shoes ua-cam.com/video/-c5lRE5tc6A/v-deo.html
Moonshine ua-cam.com/video/UaZ9OV5A1aU/v-deo.html
Coat Of Arms ua-cam.com/video/FJbQABABq2A/v-deo.html
Helpless ua-cam.com/video/sz106iuTwQ8/v-deo.html
The Raven ua-cam.com/video/ROStKGly9ZE/v-deo.html
Heavy Weather ua-cam.com/video/j94eEvo_bMA/v-deo.html
Dreams Outa Dust ua-cam.com/video/aTHAQ1WTnn0/v-deo.html
Mud Slick ua-cam.com/video/sLt48SibGJ8/v-deo.html
Mother Of Pearl ua-cam.com/video/Ht0RXxmzico/v-deo.html
Difference In Time ua-cam.com/video/gKn3t6nM58c/v-deo.html
Runaway ua-cam.com/video/sD6OWWxt6h8/v-deo.html
So Many Things To Say ua-cam.com/video/4OxN-mlo6jc/v-deo.html
Keeper Of The Light ua-cam.com/video/gKpT2jDmx8k/v-deo.html
Jail Bait ua-cam.com/video/apTcAB_DuRM/v-deo.html
Rest In Peace ua-cam.com/video/8LBQEh3BIII/v-deo.html
Persephone ua-cam.com/video/VXQQjXwnbNA/v-deo.html
Errors Of My Way ua-cam.com/video/GsVnyeV_jMw/v-deo.html
It’s Only You I See ua-cam.com/video/P6YN_lBU9JE/v-deo.html
Wait Out The Storm ua-cam.com/video/eS1w1gBPOYs/v-deo.html
No Joke ua-cam.com/video/CTTGAMfQDr0/v-deo.html
Eyes Wide Open ua-cam.com/video/5ICUIaiyWrw/v-deo.html
No Easy Road ua-cam.com/video/UXQrtesxaXE/v-deo.html
Take It Back ua-cam.com/video/BmV6q40Q3cg/v-deo.html
Invisible Thread ua-cam.com/video/84i57i7JBOs/v-deo.html
Master Of Disguise ua-cam.com/video/JqNGgT-nEFU/v-deo.html
Front Page News ua-cam.com/video/4sIdTI18lCU/v-deo.html
Streets Of Shame ua-cam.com/video/Al1KCucMmJU/v-deo.html
Don’t Cry ua-cam.com/video/0y_RtKPe7zk/v-deo.html
No More Lonely Nights ua-cam.com/video/wrpGgIavhzs/v-deo.html
On Your Own ua-cam.com/video/T4RawlJ9DHQ/v-deo.html
Mountainside ua-cam.com/video/si9-6MM7NPg/v-deo.html
Comfort Zone ua-cam.com/video/8cihTSjG5h4/v-deo.html
Engine Overheat ua-cam.com/video/QWXs9xSD7Ik/v-deo.html
Life Line ua-cam.com/video/TfWP1qhJUTI/v-deo.html
Personal Halloween ua-cam.com/video/voqvbL9JESE/v-deo.html
Living Proof ua-cam.com/video/-I5MxUFrlow/v-deo.html
Angels Have Mercy ua-cam.com/video/Rd-S7N3kF2k/v-deo.html
Driving A Wedge ua-cam.com/video/NnyQ0iPl5qo/v-deo.html
Dancing With The Shadows ua-cam.com/video/Dv5asS5Alew/v-deo.html
The Ring ua-cam.com/video/TAcaDYQTJ0M/v-deo.html
A Thousand Years ua-cam.com/video/uYBh2y2cNeg/v-deo.html
Hard On You ua-cam.com/video/dGYM3v84Agg/v-deo.html
Healing Ground ua-cam.com/video/JpJwtIIbkuQ/v-deo.html
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda ua-cam.com/video/wIVs9UbOUhE/v-deo.html
Great show Pete! Wishbone Ash have always been my no.1 band.The Bare Bones & First Light albums deserved to be in this list instead of Trance Visionary & Psychic Terrorism. Thank you!
1. Argus
2. Wishbone Ash
3. Theres The Rub
4. New England
5. Pilgrimage
6. Wishbone 4
7. No Smoke Without Fire
8. Just Testing
9. Front Page News
10. Illuminations
11. Number The Brave
12. Bonafide
13. Strange Affair
14. Nouveau Calls
15. Twin Barrels Burning
16. Coat Of Arms
17. Blue Horizon
18. Bare Bones
19. Locked In
20. Elegant Stealth
21. Clan Destiny
22. Raw To The Bone
23. Here To Hear
24. The Power To Eternity
25. Trance Visionary
26. Psychic Terrorism
For dedicated fans - may also be worth considering ‘First Light’, their promo album which pre-dates the first album for Decca/MCA. Most of the tracks on this release were re-recorded for the ‘Wishbone Ash’ album but there are also two not included on that album and a version of ‘Alone’ with vocals (instrumental later included on the 1971 ‘Pilgrimage’ album). :D
Roads Of Day To Day (from the ‘First Light’ promo album 1970) ua-cam.com/video/srRy5bjnpGo/v-deo.html
Locked In. One of the blandest,most faceless albums ever made. Lord knows I've tried. Everything else (haven't heard the techno stuff) is aces. In my top 5 bands of all time.
Try not to listen to the techno stuff as afterwards you will find Locked in positively vibrant but I agree it is a dud.
I agree the first two..
The best with Wisefield for me is "Just Testing"..
Just Testing is a Wishbone Ash masterpiece.
16 years old. Boiling at my hot summer job detasseling corn. Knowing that when I get paid I'm buying "Argus" ASAP. That was one LOOOOOONG week. But it was worth the wait.
Thanks for doing this one, Pete! Just Testing & Front Page News are two of my favorite albums (Living Proof is such a killer tune). \m/
In fact, WA is nowadays rather something like a cover band. All members are gone, except Andy Powell. The first time I saw WA, it was in 1976, THE BEST CONCERT OF SO MANY, and Andy Powell was magic. His playing had a quality that I NEVER saw any other guitarist has. But nowadays, it looks to me like a repetition without magic of a band long gone.
Yes Wishbone Ash, as you can see I like the proggier albums: Argus; Wishbone Ash (almost as good as Argus and that's saying something); There's the Rub; Pilgrimage; No Smoke ..New England; Just Testing; Front Page. I like Hear to hear and Noveau Calls over Raw and Twin but agree with most of the rest of your comments. I've never liked 4 - a disappointment after Argus.
1. Argus
2. Pilgrimage
3. Wishbone Ash
I did not ever like their earliest "noodling" albums. Only when i heard the solid bassline of FUBB and fell in love with "Theres the Rub" did my addiction to this band commence. I also prefer the Wisefield era. Best album by far.... "New England". "Locked In" was a production mess!
I remember (and might still have it on VHS tape!) recording live concerts from Germany "Rockpalazt" and inbetween the bands they showed videos of previous concerts; there was WA live playing "You rescue me"... It was magical! Bought the album and got blown away!
Recently saw your interview with Andy. Good stuff... I just saw Ash, March 1,2023. Very good show. I'd respectfully disagree re Ted Turner.
I think he was fantastic especially considering his age circa 1970-73.
I watched this on my phone but I believe I see over your right shoulder Gamma 1, Abominog and The Great One Himself Rory!
I've seen Uriah Heep numerous times and Ronnie Montrose once.
I was lucky enough to see Rory in 84 and 85 in Germany.
Funny thing I've seen Wishbone Ash twice.
1973 and 2023. Damn, those guys are old ,ha ha.
Great countdown. Personally: Argus, There's The Rub, New England, Wishbone Ash, Four.... First saw them in 1976 as a kid. For me, no Martin Turner, no Wishbone Ash. He is/was the heart and soul of the band and Argus was his baby.
I'd have to be a warrior
A slave I couldn't be
A soldier and a conqueror
Fighting to be free 🎸🎸🎸
Ballad of the Beacon a bluesy boogie rocker!? No, it's an old English folk tune in waltz-time, one of the few ash songs that actually suits Andy's boring voice. Ever since he's been their only lead singer I find their new albums have been unlistenable, sadly. Martin is the voice of wishbone ash.
It’s quite simple. The best Wishbone Ash album is the first. It was a breakthrough when it appeared. Sounded fresh and energetic, still does. Subsequently, each next one was progressively worse. I stopped listening to wishbone ash by where’s the rub, which I believe was their fifth or so. The reasons of the decline were the premature departure the of Ted Turner and marked lowering of songwriting abilities. As a result i mid 1970s they sounded uninspired and became virtually indistinguishable from other arena rock bands of the era. This was a great loss as initially they were way above the average and virtually nobody sounded like them. I still listen to their first few albums.
Wishbone Ash nut since 1970. Good rating, BUT, I would move Here to Hear and Nouveau Calls into the top ten, and would drop the AWFUL, AWFUL, UN LISTENABLE, Twin Barrels Burning to dead last. It doesn't even sound like the ash, more like some generic heavy metal band. Agree that Laurie Wisefield was the better guitarist. Living Proof, and Goodbye Baby, Hello Friend are just monsters.
The place to start with this band in my opinion is the 1974 Live Dates that sums up the concept of that band and has great versions of all their earlier (original line-up) material. The Laurie Wisefield years were just as good, he was a good guitar player and singer and he also contributed many memorable songs for the band (more straight forward songs instead of the looser improvisations they often had).
1. Argus
2. Wishbone Four
3. Wishbone Ash (another strong debut from an everlasting band)
4. New England
5. There's the Rub
6. Locked In (this is very commercial sounding album dominated by Wisefield, it might not fulfill expectations for many band's hard core fans because it is "lighter" but it is a very good album from top to bottom)
7. No Smoke Without Fire
8. Front Page News
9. Just Testing
10. Pilgrimage (although this is the classic band I never liked half of this album, as great as the other half was - if I want to hear any of these songs I always go to Live Dates)
11. Number the Brave
12. Twin Barrel Burning
13. Elegant Stealth
14. Coat of Arms (I am sure that this pretty recent album will climb higher over the years, the others just stuck with me much longer already).
16. Blue Horizon
17. Raw to the Bone
18. Clan Destiny
19. Power of Eternity
The albums not listed here I will not rank, I listened to them once or twice and forgot them, there were some experiments under the band name but they failed.
For dedicated fans - may also be worth tracking down ‘First Light’, their promo album which pre-dates the first album for Decca/MCA. Most of the tracks on this release were re-recorded for the ‘Wishbone Ash’ album but there are also two not included on that album and a version of ‘Alone’ with vocals (instrumental later included on the 1971 ‘Pilgrimage’ album). :D
Roads Of Day To Day (from the ‘First Light’ promo album 1970) ua-cam.com/video/srRy5bjnpGo/v-deo.html
Coat of arms is a fantastic album
Can't disagree about the top 4, Argus is one of the great rock albums of all time. I first saw them back in the mid 70's and I've seen Andy Powell's version of the band a couple of times in the last few years, they are well worth catching. The band has a top sound guy as they produced the best live sound I've heard at a gig.
I had no idea that Wisefield was with the band on There's the Rub. I thought all this time he joined on LOCKED In (1976), the last Wishbone Ash LP I ever bought. Hated that record. It is the antithesis of ARGUS, the first WH I acquired. I lost track of WH after LOCKED IN.
The song "Vas Dias" reminds me of the group Phish!!!
On Illuminations, I LOVE Tale Of The Wise. The 2 guitars are incredible. So much melody! And no Andy singing.
What’s up with the Supreme’s playing in the background?? Anyway - i’ve been a WA fan since 1972. My first album was Pilgrimage. Probably seen them about 15 times. First with friends - then with the wife - then the wife and kids and lately the wife/kids and Grandkids. Also VERY friendly and approachable. Many times we’ve spent time with them after shows. Always willing to take photos after the shows. My Grandson was thrilled to get a photo with the whole group. He was only 10 at the time.
While this is a well-intentioned analysis, the danger here -- and with all rankings like this -- is that people might be influenced enough to alter their own views about
what Wishbone material they like. That would be unfortunate, because this analysis is utterly subjective, completely Pete's personal opinion and filled with his biases. I've been listening to Wishbone Ash since 1970 so feel I can interject my views as well. First, to nitpick a bit: How can any album with Martin Turner, except, let's say, Locked in, be ranked lower than any album where he's not present? Martin is as much Wishbone Ash as Andy. Andy's "Wishbone Ash" and all historical derivatives of his bands lack the special qualities Martin brought in on vocals and bass. The current Wishbone Ash is a fractured, half-truth Wishbone Ash. It's not even close to the excitement Martin can bring.
Nitpick 2: Nouveau Calls and and Here to Hear toward the bottom of the pile? So what that it lacks the traditional harmony guitar themes or sounds "80's" as some have said -- however that could be a criticism! It was amazing enough that they came together for this after years. There is strong effort throughout these records. Think of the courage to do an instrumental album after so many years of not playing together as the original lineup, which was all vocal-album incarnations? How about "Clousseau", "Tangible Evidence" and "Arabesque"? Or the slinky groove of "Johnny Left Without It? Then, on Here to Here, "Keeper of the Light", "Walk on Water" , "Witness to Wonder", and others. Great playing, guitar tones, singing, arrangements... The person who should have been one of the most dubious about this project, Martin Turner, is on fire throughout this album vocally and with killer bass. For god's sake, what's so wrong with these albums that you shunt them toward the bottom of the pile?
Nitpick 3: The omission that Martin Turner continues to tour with his band doing Wishbone classics, was unfortunate and unforgivable. Again, he is just as highly regarded as Andy Powell, and he keeps up tour dates each year, because people obviously believe that.
What a gimp to talk in parlance of different combinations and permutations of best songs
Wishbone Ash 1970
Argus 1972
else whybother
Man is/was another great twin guitar band. RIP Micky Jones and Deke Leonard.
Argus is my favourite Wishbone Ash album. "The King Will Come", "Throw Down The Sword", "Time Was".
Favorite for me is the first album. Heavy AF.
So fucking badass. I concur buddy happy new year eh
Yep Wishbone Ash always a long time favorite here in the Midwest. Do you like the band Charlie at all?
Yes!
Er Pete, sorry, 'Locked In' is a truly awful album. I hated it, but boy did they redeem themselves with the follow-up album 'New England'.
There's a good chunk of these that, though I've heard them, I don't know well enough to rank. I'll just do a top 5. Make that 6 because I felt bad leaving off New England.
6) New England (released the same year as one of my least favorite of theirs, "Locked In". Though that's better than those damn techno records they did!)
5) Number The Brave
4) Pilgrimage
3) There's The Rub
2) Wishbone Ash
1) Argus
I've listened to some of the later stuff and like it, but not as much as the early records. Also, anyone into Wishbone Ash should check out the band Wytch Hazel. Great band. Even one of their albums covers looks like Argus.
Lastly, any chance of getting a Dire Straits ranking? Didn't see it in the playlists and was kinda surprised.
Thanks, Pete!
For anyone who prefer the early albums - may also be worth tracking down ‘First Light’, their promo album which pre-dates the first album for Decca/MCA. Most of the tracks on this release were re-recorded for the ‘Wishbone Ash’ album but there are also two not included on that album and a version of ‘Alone’ with vocals (instrumental later included on the 1971 ‘Pilgrimage’ album). :D
Roads Of Day To Day (from the ‘First Light’ promo album 1970) ua-cam.com/video/srRy5bjnpGo/v-deo.html
Top tip regarding Wytch Hazel. I hear some VERY strong Wishbone references. Tx Brian.
I've always loved "Number The Brave". Not a slag, just an observation...But it's interesting to me how a band like Wishbone Ash could have so many albums, yet never a radio hit or FM Classic Rock staple in their entire career. Amazing, really. I've literally never heard a Wishbone Ash song on the radio.
I saw wishbone Ash at the Aragon ballroom 1974 the live dates tour fantastic we were all such wishbone Ash fans ... there was no hope for us that's al what we wanted...we lived and breathed wishbone Ash...... Then I saw them at the House of blues in 2000... And I was curious who was going to be the second lead guitar... And the bass player it was a"" mystery to me"".(an album by Fleetwood Mac)..... So I walked into the House of blues and thought I'd sit at the bar and have a beer before the show.. and there were two guys sitting at the bar they looked like your typical tourists... They had English accents pretty strong..... So I said hey would you guys like a beer... They said we could have one.. the one guy had really long hair and the other guy had blondish color hair shorter guy... So I said are you guys here to see wishbone Ash??? they said we sure are..... So I told him I'm big fan for years... But their English accents had me a little bit confused... Two guys coming all the way from England just to see wishbone Ash???... So I said well I got to get back to shows about ready to start and they said yeah we got to go too....... So when the show started I noticed that the two guys that I sat with were the lead guitar and the bass player for wishbone Ash!!!... And I sat with them before the show... I tell that story a lot to all my wishbone Ash fans!!
Just checking whether there are any gigs lined up. The band should be touring the US in September onwards then back to the UK. Likewise Martin Turner has gigs lined up in the UK and then Germany from September and performing Wishbone Four in full. Then back to the UK to cover gigs previously cancelled and through to 2021 and performing Pilgrimage in full. So fingers crossed I will be getting tickets for all three. Hopefully both Andy and Martin have mellowed a bit more about their relationship. Never good to hear original members of one of your favourite bands slagging each other off during a gig.
In my opinion, The first two tracks on Pilgramige are more Prog than the whole Argus album. Many time signature changes and fantastic drumming on the 71' release.
Steve Upton is more laid back on Argus
I get why people overlook Nouveau Calls (1987) but it's really cool for what it is and captures something from the time it was made.
Instead of comparing all albums as Wishbone Ash Mk1, I think you should rather judge them for what they are at the time present, regardless of earlier band members and constellations.
Psychic terrorists must be the absolute worst!! Then the other dance one, then Locked in (the producer wanted them to sound like Southern Rock and failed) which like the first two was not really WA and of course raw to the bone. For me the band just fell to pieces after twin barrels. Saw them on The number of the brave tour, Twin Barrels tour also. Very good. Then raw to the bone came out. Hmmm. Then 2 year after Raw came out they reformed the original band for the Nouveau album. I saw them live at Hammersmith Odeon on that tour. They were okay but as you say TT did not have the licks of LW. I have seen the AP WA a couple of times. They are okay. Similarly I have see MT plays WA apart they are not as much fun. I will have a listen to the new AP WA to see what I think. MT Biography is good if you can get a copy. Also, FPN Goodbye Baby, Hello friend is such a good track.
You can't go up after seeing them play Argus live in 72. Backing up Alice Cooper and Captain Beyond. Yikes
Wishbone Ash and the 80s trap: Another band with their roots in prog rock territory with lyrics about mythical bravery. Filigree structures, woven by twin lead guitars, which could hold an impressive amount of rock. Coming into their middle ages Wishbone Ash decided to leave the middle ages behind. They were not edgy enough for the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, not trendy enough for the airwaves and not big enough for the elephants’ graveyard. So they kept on playing vacuous rock music instead of throwing down the sword.
I detected Talas-"Stop in the Name of Love" in the background there. Awesome!
1. Argus
2. Wishbone Ash
3. There's the Rub
4. Pilgrimage
"Argus"..... A true masterpiece written and conceived by the bass player.. the little brother of one of the guitarists.. Also, there was a double LIVE album that was put out a little after this time... kicks ass... Thanks for sparking the old Wishbone flame!
Martin and Ted Turner are not related.
@@seaoftranquilityprog Correct. Martin & Steve Upton were the original band members who advertised for guitar players & auditioned Ted Turner & Andy Powell around 1969 to join them ... all was fine then until late 1980 / early 1981 ...
New album is very good.
Here to hear was a great album, should have been ranked a lot higher in my opinion. Still what do I know! Thanks for your vids I enjoy them immensely!