Listen to the albums here: podcasts.progrock.com/2023/01/10/sea-of-tranquilitys-ranking-the-albums-wishbone-ash/?fbclid=IwAR3kHYXILUg6iE2f-hpH2YwJ3AIKZpOBZIbs5WgZwoaLkJpToAd3nHWwhK0
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
@@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.
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-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
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
Pete..this is the coolest thing about your show..Wisbone Ash is a band that has immediate name recognition for me but for some reason I never got into the band..dont know why. Didn't realize they had such success. Now you have opened a whole new world of great music to explore and enjoy....THANKS
Great list Pete. Really enjoying being reminded about these old bands - will make me relisten. Apart from the first two classics I remember enjoying New England a lot. Don't think I ever heard There's The Rub. Will checkout now. Thanks.
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.
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
Thank you very much, Pete! I've been dying to hear your take on my beloved Wishbone Ash. By the way, I was the interviewer on the re-issues' Bonus-Discs, huge honour. Here's my list, totally cheating by putting many albums on the same rank: 01. Argus 02. Pilgrimage 03. First Light / Wishbone Ash 03. Illuminations 03. Bona Fide 03. Blue Horizon 04. No Smoke Without Fire 04. Number The Brave 04. Coat Of Arms 05. There's The Rub 05. Elegant Stealth 06. New England 07. Strange Affair 08. The Power Of Eternity 09. Wishbone Four 10. Just Testing 11. Here To Hear 12. Clan Destiny 13. Raw To The Bone 14. Twin Barrels Burning 15. Frontpage News 16. Nouveau Calls 17. Locked In The Trance albums are not even included here as the are no WA albums to me but a project. No, I don't like them - but I don't hate them either...
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
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.
So great to catch this, always a great live act and still going strong if the last album is anything to go by. But really although there are really strong albums like The first one, No smoke without fire and Just testing, it's really about Argus. My all time favourite album and one that time will never erode. Every track is a stand alone classic and those guitar passages just make me sigh even now.
HA ! Hey Pete, I've got the same Argus tee shirt. I was 15 back in 1972. I watched this band on the late night BBC show here in the UK called 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'. The show featured album bands, some on film and some playing live in the BBC studio. WA were on film, concert footage of them performing 'Blowin' Free'. I'd never heard of them before. I was blown away. A few days later, me and my twin brother went out and bought Argus. It was the very first album I ever bought, and to this day it is still in my Top 10 albums ! A truly great album.
this is a band that needed your special touch...great job...loved your version of 'vas dis'...it is a tough discography to rank...each album has it's great qualities...and ya' gotta love the inside joke of their intrumental album's title 'nouveau calls' (no vocals)...once again, an excellent job my friend...stay well...rocky
So glad you did this. I met Tony Kishman a number of years ago (bass on Illuminations and Live in Geneva). He was touring with Beatles Tribute band "Classical Mystery Tour". He said that Wishbone Ash was the band that inspired him in his music and that he was honored to play with them for a short period of time.
"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!
@@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 ...
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 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.
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.
Thanks Pete ! When I think of Wishbone Ash I think of a college friend who loved this band and the show today inspired me to find Randy Bascik from Erie PA. I listened to Argus and Self titled so far and did order them for my car. Being a bass player I especially like Handy from the first one. And I am continuing on with New England and Front Page news... Number the Brave is next because of Wetton . Again ... you’re a daily inspiration ... thank you ! And Randy ...if you’re still out there... get a hold of me
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
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.
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 !
Mr. Pardo: We are in sync. Really love There's The Rub. Went to a Renaissance concert at the Capitol Theater in Portchester, NY in the mid-70s. Supporting act was Al Stewart (never heard of him before) with Laurie Wisefield in his band. For the encore Powell (the band lived in nearby Westport, CT at the time) came on stage to audition Wisefield for WA. They played All Along the Watch Tower and the guitar dual BLEW ME FREAKIN' AWAY! Later caught WA supporting Robin Trower at MSG. Color me impressed.!!
saw these guys 20-odd years ago at a county fair. i had never heard of them, but my father was insistent that we had to go see these guys, which surprised me, cos he has never really been into music in any discernible way. turns out this had been his favourite band back in the day.
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.
Pete nice ranking!! I always so love the band as you know and a new years eve show and birthday show🎂, caught Wishbone Ash in 74. Eric Burdon Band opening. Stellar show. It was the usual first few albums that got me into the band. I wasn't familiar with There's The Rub as didn't hear anything back then. Course we have internet today to hopefully hear things before one buys into stuff. So whatever they played from it I'm sure it was good. Thus anyone that hasn't and that hasn't got into or heard of the band, you simply must. (No Matter What.) It's well worth the effort and I once you are you won't regret it. I was one that got into them back then and today need to so catch up in more ownership in what I have heard over the years of the output of albums. I don't know if I will own all 25. But need to go with which ones I have my ears get into owning. Not a completist at all costs unless I can afford it and have the space to. So Pete I differ with change in top 3 for now. 1. Argus( Just love the album and I know you do too. No problem here. Love putting it in on with cd playing and have the album I bought Long long time ago. It does it as No. 1) 2.Wishbone Ash-Debut ( had songs on cd. Recently saw and got vinyl copy and just love the debut) What a nice play on turntable and surround system.) 3. Pilgrimage ( have a vinyl copy and plays great for as long as had it from way back) *And when I want to just relax on and enjoy live Wishbone Ash I will put on Live Dates Vinyl or stream listen to what a concert show is to hear. I got a cassette picked up when got debut of "Hot Ash". And the 3D cover with yea looks cool of having those glasses. And somewhere I have some of those. A nice little live set of stuff to listen to as well. Take care and good health to you. Brighter days are bound to be ahead as they tell us. 🎶😎
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
Hi mr. Pardo. I like very much your concepts and knowledge in the making of this rankings. A request, please: can you try some day do the ranking studio albums of mr. Steve Hackett solo’s career. Thank you, best wishes....
You have covered my two favourite bands this week - Hawkwind and Wishbone Ash. Seen both bands loads of times. Your order is about right. Agree that the recent albums are decent. But hard to get away from Argus. They still perform around half that album every gig. Thanks!
New England is my absolute fave!! Been listening to it all week. I was born in 67'. The reason I know about them & so many amazing bands, is having one bro 58 & other bro 61. Both audiophiles! 👍
I have most early WA albums, been listening since 1972. One of my favorites I've never seen performed live is Lonely Island, from New England album. Beautiful!!
Just bought Argus and Spacial Ritual this week. Very pleased. Yes, Camel, Jethro Tull, AMAZING!!! I'll continu m'y journey in Prod Rock bands. Thanks you mate. Good work.
Great ranking of a great band, been a fan for years. I absolutely love the Coat of Arms CD listen to it a couple times a week. My favorite is The 40 Anniversary Concert cd and DVD.
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
Pete!!!! Fav albumS of the year, I know I know with family n other type shows time is limited but for the 70’s each year has to have 10 if not more in your catalog??! Also love Monsters Den and thanks for your vids...like family for your in my living room everyday
My Top ten; 1.Argus 2.New England 3.Wishbone Ash 4 4.pilgrammage 5.Pilgramage 6.Theres the Rub 7.Double Barrel 8.Wishbone Ash 9.Front Page News 10. Coat of Arms Such a underrated Band and a long time coming so thanks Pete.😎
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
After watching this vid, I discovered their song "The Pilgram" and I haven't been able to stop listening to it for the past two days. Incredible! Thanks, Pete!
I like Wishbone but I've never even tried to listen to anything in their discography outside of their 1970's work. I applaud you for making the effort Pete.
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
Really Great to see The Ash reviewed,and Pete your taste is very close to mine in many of these reviews.Faves include The Rub,New England ,Pilgrimage ,Argus and No Smoke w/ out fire.Interesting to Note that the Next LP Bill Szymcyk produced after the Rub was I believe Hotel California.
love Argus saw them live about then .also one of my all time favorite album covers, but you have to se the vinyl gatefold cover. Its my screen saver. LOVE IT
1. Argus 2. Wishbone Ash 3. Pilgrimage 4. There's the Rub 5. Wishbone 4 I listened to the early 80s NWOBHM albums they did and didn't like them. Thank you Pete!! I've been waiting for you to rate these guys!!
One of the greatest, and most consistent band in history of rock. Great from the start and still strong on latest releases. Psychic.. and Trance... are so bad that even Jethro Tull 'Under Wraps' looks like a masterpiece, but all others are really good. I do even like 'Nouveau calls' and 'Here to hear'. Great ranking as usual by Pete!
Such a fantastic band! My top 5: “Argus”(a touch of prog), “There’s the Rub”(killer hard rock with crankin’ guitars from Powell and Wisefield), “Front Page News”(a touch of West Coast smoothe), “New England”(not quite as immediate but rewards repeat listening), and “Locked In”(with the stellar “Say Goodbye” closing an album derided in its slightly muddy original production but given real wings in Pete Reynolds’ box set remaster which adds two great bonus tracks). To my ears “Illuminations” deserves higher recognition and, as Pete and many others have stated, an honourable(sic) mention for “Coat of Arms”. I saw Ash on the tour when the mighty “Live Dates” was recorded...Newcastle City Hall’s version of “Blowin’ Free” running to over twenty minutes as guitar techs attended to broken strings whilst the fans went wild at the glorious improvs. Happy days!
My dad had Pilgrimage. I loved the cover and loved the music as a kid. Later discovered Argus in mid 80s! Awesome. Still love those 2 albums. Finally saw WA live in 2019 when they played all my favs. Soooo happy :)
Love this reaction to wishbone ash….I have all the back catalogue bar none and about another 25 live bootlegs still growing ……Argus is off the scale as no. 1 defo….love all their songs a fan since 1971 …..superb live band go see them…
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 real enjoy your videos man! you're definitely the best rock-n'-roll channel on RUclips that I've seen! Also, have you thought of doing any videos over The Gun Club, The Melvins, or Pagan Altar?
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 👍
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
I turned my 25 year old heavy metal son to Wishbone Ash. He loves the entire catalog.Just a great statement to their talent and how well their sound has aged.
I saw Wishbone Ash in 1969 at a free concert in one of our local parks in Hull, fantastic bought the first album as soon as it came out. Loved the first 4 albums
Another excellent review Pete, what an amazing band, could easily have just gone down the heavy rock route, but were never afraid to push the boundaries, which as you pointed out yourself on another Ash review, possibly held them back from even greater critical acclaim. But personally I love the variety in their music ,keep up the great work.
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".
Man, there's a lot of Wishbone Ash I haven't heard yet... Props to Pete because I really got into them when I started following the channel. I'd say from most of what I've heard though that their albums are pretty even in comparison to each other, with the exception of Argus, There's the Rub, Locked In and their debut- all of which I'd rank higher than everything else...
Listen to the albums here: podcasts.progrock.com/2023/01/10/sea-of-tranquilitys-ranking-the-albums-wishbone-ash/?fbclid=IwAR3kHYXILUg6iE2f-hpH2YwJ3AIKZpOBZIbs5WgZwoaLkJpToAd3nHWwhK0
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!
Just thoroughly enjoyed Time Was CD in the 🚨🚗 . Phoenix blind eye and all the rest! Underrated!
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.
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
'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.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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-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
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.
Thank you for ranking Wishbone Ash!! 🎤🎸🎵🥁
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’ve been waiting for this!! Adore WA!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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/
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.
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!
"In Crisis". Awesome song. I see them every time they come around I see them. Thanks for doing this!
I am going to check out "Coat of Arms". Thank you!
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!!
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
Argus helped me through a difficult time, huge. Love the first album and Pilgrimage. Superb musicianship from Turner, Powell, Turner and Upton.
This made my day. Thank you. Love the top 10 . And there's the rub in the top 3 is awesome! Good work Pete.
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.
Pete..this is the coolest thing about your show..Wisbone Ash is a band that has immediate name recognition for me but for some reason I never got into the band..dont know why. Didn't realize they had such success. Now you have opened a whole new world of great music to explore and enjoy....THANKS
Great list Pete. Really enjoying being reminded about these old bands - will make me relisten. Apart from the first two classics I remember enjoying New England a lot. Don't think I ever heard There's The Rub. Will checkout now. Thanks.
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.
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
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.
Thank you very much, Pete! I've been dying to hear your take on my beloved Wishbone Ash. By the way, I was the interviewer on the re-issues' Bonus-Discs, huge honour.
Here's my list, totally cheating by putting many albums on the same rank:
01. Argus
02. Pilgrimage
03. First Light / Wishbone Ash
03. Illuminations
03. Bona Fide
03. Blue Horizon
04. No Smoke Without Fire
04. Number The Brave
04. Coat Of Arms
05. There's The Rub
05. Elegant Stealth
06. New England
07. Strange Affair
08. The Power Of Eternity
09. Wishbone Four
10. Just Testing
11. Here To Hear
12. Clan Destiny
13. Raw To The Bone
14. Twin Barrels Burning
15. Frontpage News
16. Nouveau Calls
17. Locked In
The Trance albums are not even included here as the are no WA albums to me but a project. No, I don't like them - but I don't hate them either...
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
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.
Fuck yeah, just loads of content. Thanks pete for covering the bands we love.
So great to catch this, always a great live act and still going strong if the last album is anything to go by. But really although there are really strong albums like The first one, No smoke without fire and Just testing, it's really about Argus. My all time favourite album and one that time will never erode. Every track is a stand alone classic and those guitar passages just make me sigh even now.
HA ! Hey Pete, I've got the same Argus tee shirt.
I was 15 back in 1972. I watched this band on the late night BBC show here in the UK called 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'. The show featured album bands, some on film and some playing live in the BBC studio. WA were on film, concert footage of them performing 'Blowin' Free'. I'd never heard of them before. I was blown away. A few days later, me and my twin brother went out and bought Argus.
It was the very first album I ever bought, and to this day it is still in my Top 10 albums !
A truly great album.
this is a band that needed your special touch...great job...loved your version of 'vas dis'...it is a tough discography to rank...each album has it's great qualities...and ya' gotta love the inside joke of their intrumental album's title 'nouveau calls' (no vocals)...once again, an excellent job my friend...stay well...rocky
So glad you did this. I met Tony Kishman a number of years ago (bass on Illuminations and Live in Geneva). He was touring with Beatles Tribute band "Classical Mystery Tour". He said that Wishbone Ash was the band that inspired him in his music and that he was honored to play with them for a short period of time.
"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 ...
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 really like Strange Affair, the title track absolutely shreds. I love that so much
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.
Finally got around to watching this in its completeness.. once again awesome job bro..
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!
Thanks Pete ! When I think of Wishbone Ash I think of a college friend who loved this band and the show today inspired me to find Randy Bascik from Erie PA. I listened to Argus and Self titled so far and did order them for my car. Being a bass player I especially like Handy from the first one. And I am continuing on with New England and Front Page news... Number the Brave is next because of Wetton . Again ... you’re a daily inspiration ... thank you !
And Randy ...if you’re still out there... get a hold of me
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
As a fan of bad puns I have always loved the title title of Nouveau Calls
Speaking of... It would be fun to see an episode on favorite Hipgnosis album covers...or maybe I missed it..
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!
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 !
Mr. Pardo: We are in sync. Really love There's The Rub. Went to a Renaissance concert at the Capitol Theater in Portchester, NY in the mid-70s. Supporting act was Al Stewart (never heard of him before) with Laurie Wisefield in his band. For the encore Powell (the band lived in nearby Westport, CT at the time) came on stage to audition Wisefield for WA. They played All Along the Watch Tower and the guitar dual BLEW ME FREAKIN' AWAY! Later caught WA supporting Robin Trower at MSG. Color me impressed.!!
saw these guys 20-odd years ago at a county fair. i had never heard of them, but my father was insistent that we had to go see these guys, which surprised me, cos he has never really been into music in any discernible way. turns out this had been his favourite band back in the day.
Yeah, a "pilgrimage" every time they played Portland in the seventies, had forgotten how glorious heavy they were in the heyday, wow.
Great review dude. Of a very underrated band. Got every album, and fan for life. Class band.
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.
I’ve been waiting for this one for a while 😃
This video got me to check out the Wisefield albums. Amazing stuff, thanks Pete!!
Professional! I dig prog because of your introduction. Thank you very much
Pete nice ranking!! I always so love the band as you know and a new years eve show and birthday show🎂, caught Wishbone Ash in 74. Eric Burdon Band opening. Stellar show. It was the usual first few albums that got me into the band. I wasn't familiar with There's The Rub as didn't hear anything back then. Course we have internet today to hopefully hear things before one buys into stuff.
So whatever they played from it I'm sure it was good. Thus anyone that hasn't and that hasn't got into or heard of the band, you simply must. (No Matter What.) It's well worth the effort and I once you are you won't regret it. I was one that got into them back then and today need to so catch up in more ownership in what I have heard over the years of the output of albums. I don't know if I will own all 25. But need to go with which ones I have my ears get into owning. Not a completist at all costs unless I can afford it and have the space to.
So Pete I differ with change in top 3 for now.
1. Argus( Just love the album and I know you do too. No problem here. Love putting it in on with cd playing and have the album I bought Long long time ago. It does it as No. 1)
2.Wishbone Ash-Debut ( had songs on cd. Recently saw and got vinyl copy and just love the debut) What a nice play on turntable and surround system.)
3. Pilgrimage ( have a vinyl copy and plays great for as long as had it from way back)
*And when I want to just relax on and enjoy live Wishbone Ash I will put on Live Dates Vinyl or stream listen to what a concert show is to hear.
I got a cassette picked up when got debut of "Hot Ash". And the 3D cover with yea looks cool of having those glasses. And somewhere I have some of those. A nice little live set of stuff to listen to as well.
Take care and good health to you. Brighter days are bound to be ahead as they tell us.
🎶😎
I really did not know anything about Wishbone. I have now added alot of their songs to my spotify list. Thanks for turning me onto the band.
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!
Very cool I heard Argus many moons ago in high school from my bud's older brother. Still love it today.
Hi mr. Pardo. I like very much your concepts and knowledge in the making of this rankings. A request, please: can you try some day do the ranking studio albums of mr. Steve Hackett solo’s career. Thank you, best wishes....
You have covered my two favourite bands this week - Hawkwind and Wishbone Ash. Seen both bands loads of times.
Your order is about right. Agree that the recent albums are decent. But hard to get away from Argus. They still perform around half that album every gig.
Thanks!
My first 2 concerts in 1970 featured Wishbone Ash and Hawkwind. Neither was the headliner. Great times.
New England is my absolute fave!! Been listening to it all week. I was born in 67'. The reason I know about them & so many amazing bands, is having one bro 58 & other bro 61. Both audiophiles! 👍
I have most early WA albums, been listening since 1972. One of my favorites I've never seen performed live is Lonely Island, from New England album. Beautiful!!
Just bought Argus and Spacial Ritual this week. Very pleased. Yes, Camel, Jethro Tull, AMAZING!!! I'll continu m'y journey in Prod Rock bands.
Thanks you mate. Good work.
Oh, and Live Dates is an amazing live showcase - saw them re-tour this album recently.
Great ranking of a great band, been a fan for years. I absolutely love the Coat of Arms CD listen to it a couple times a week. My favorite is The 40 Anniversary Concert cd and DVD.
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
Pete!!!! Fav albumS of the year, I know I know with family n other type shows time is limited but for the 70’s each year has to have 10 if not more in your catalog??! Also love Monsters Den and thanks for your vids...like family for your in my living room everyday
Thanks to Pete's previous videos I've rediscovered Wishbone Ash after many decades. I really like their "Coat of Arms" album released this year.
My Top ten;
1.Argus
2.New England
3.Wishbone Ash 4
4.pilgrammage
5.Pilgramage
6.Theres the Rub
7.Double Barrel
8.Wishbone Ash
9.Front Page News
10. Coat of Arms
Such a underrated Band and a long time coming so thanks Pete.😎
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
Yep Wishbone Ash always a long time favorite here in the Midwest. Do you like the band Charlie at all?
Yes!
After watching this vid, I discovered their song "The Pilgram" and I haven't been able to stop listening to it for the past two days. Incredible! Thanks, Pete!
Try "Phoenix" ... probably even better
I've never listened to this band before you rank them. Thank you very much, a very good band
I like Wishbone but I've never even tried to listen to anything in their discography outside of their 1970's work. I applaud you for making the effort Pete.
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
Really Great to see The Ash reviewed,and Pete your taste is very close to mine in many of these reviews.Faves include The Rub,New England ,Pilgrimage ,Argus and No Smoke w/ out fire.Interesting to Note that the Next LP Bill Szymcyk produced after the Rub was I believe Hotel California.
love Argus saw them live about then .also one of my all time favorite album covers, but you have to se the vinyl gatefold cover. Its my screen saver. LOVE IT
1. Argus
2. Wishbone Ash
3. Pilgrimage
4. There's the Rub
5. Wishbone 4
I listened to the early 80s NWOBHM albums they did and didn't like them.
Thank you Pete!! I've been waiting for you to rate these guys!!
One of the greatest, and most consistent band in history of rock. Great from the start and still strong on latest releases. Psychic.. and Trance... are so bad that even Jethro Tull 'Under Wraps' looks like a masterpiece, but all others are really good. I do even like 'Nouveau calls' and 'Here to hear'. Great ranking as usual by Pete!
Such a fantastic band! My top 5: “Argus”(a touch of prog), “There’s the Rub”(killer hard rock with crankin’ guitars from Powell and Wisefield), “Front Page News”(a touch of West Coast smoothe), “New England”(not quite as immediate but rewards repeat listening), and “Locked In”(with the stellar “Say Goodbye” closing an album derided in its slightly muddy original production but given real wings in Pete Reynolds’ box set remaster which adds two great bonus tracks). To my ears “Illuminations” deserves higher recognition and, as Pete and many others have stated, an honourable(sic) mention for “Coat of Arms”. I saw Ash on the tour when the mighty “Live Dates” was recorded...Newcastle City Hall’s version of “Blowin’ Free” running to over twenty minutes as guitar techs attended to broken strings whilst the fans went wild at the glorious improvs. Happy days!
You nailed it again, Pete!
My dad had Pilgrimage. I loved the cover and loved the music as a kid. Later discovered Argus in mid 80s! Awesome. Still love those 2 albums. Finally saw WA live in 2019 when they played all my favs. Soooo happy :)
Love this reaction to wishbone ash….I have all the back catalogue bar none and about another 25 live bootlegs still growing ……Argus is off the scale as no. 1 defo….love all their songs a fan since 1971 …..superb live band go see them…
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 real enjoy your videos man! you're definitely the best rock-n'-roll channel on RUclips that I've seen!
Also, have you thought of doing any videos over The Gun Club, The Melvins, or Pagan Altar?
Yes Pete please do a wishbone Ash live album video too I fir one would love to see that
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!
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.
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) ruclips.net/video/srRy5bjnpGo/видео.html
Top tip regarding Wytch Hazel. I hear some VERY strong Wishbone references. Tx Brian.
I turned my 25 year old heavy metal son to Wishbone Ash. He loves the entire catalog.Just a great statement to their talent and how well their sound has aged.
I detected Talas-"Stop in the Name of Love" in the background there. Awesome!
I saw Wishbone Ash in 1969 at a free concert in one of our local parks in Hull, fantastic bought the first album as soon as it came out. Loved the first 4 albums
Another excellent review Pete, what an amazing band, could easily have just gone down the heavy rock route, but were never afraid to push the boundaries, which as you pointed out yourself on another Ash review, possibly held them back from even greater critical acclaim. But personally I love the variety in their music ,keep up the great work.
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".
Man, there's a lot of Wishbone Ash I haven't heard yet... Props to Pete because I really got into them when I started following the channel. I'd say from most of what I've heard though that their albums are pretty even in comparison to each other, with the exception of Argus, There's the Rub, Locked In and their debut- all of which I'd rank higher than everything else...