Wishbone Ash – Argus

Analogue Productions is bringing out a 2 x 45 LP set “in the Summer” cut from the original master tapes. Anyone contemplating this box set should hang fire for that.

This is one of the most beautifully recorded and mastered albums that I have ever heard hands down. This version is just sublime. It is just so unbelievably stunning and balanced. I am speaking of the hexagonal label version specifically here.

My OG Decca is graded G and still sounds much better than this pressing

What a tight record! Sleeper. I need at least 10 words

Can definitely confirm this pressing is underwhelming, very uncharacteristic of a German press.

The sonic qualities are all over the place. At times there are some features that come through warm and present, while most of the recording feels flat.

Most notably, the vocals are very pushed back and blanketed, and the percussion suffers the worst. The cymbals have so much flutter on them that it sounds like it was sourced from a damaged tape.
The percussion is the biggest issue here, I can still enjoy and forgive the other deficiencies, but the symbals disrupt the expirence far too much.

Lovely album, disappointing pressing.

Such a badass album with incredible
dual lead guitar playing. A must have title.

This 1978 Japanese pressing is pressed on high quality vinyl. There is no noise beteen tracks or during acoustic lead-ins. Sonics compare favorably with the 1st UK pressing but have slightly less bass which I always found to be excessive on the UK pressing. In comparison, this Japanese version has substantially more bass than the 1st US pressing. There is NO muffling of sound quality that I can appreciate and there is no ear fatigue at high volumes. A very enjoyable listening experience.

Underrated classic from an underrated band. Any fans of hard rock or even progressive rock should give this album a listen!

Argus is and has been one of my all time favorite records, and this Japanese remaster sounds just, well, unbelievable. I've owned a first press on vinyl since the day it dropped, and it has been a staple on my turntable. Despite a record collection of 6015 12" black plastic waffles, I have been buying up select Japanese CD remasters of many of my favorite records. Titles like John Anderson's "Olias of Sunhillow", Chris Squire "Fish Out of Water", the entire Japan and David Sylvian back catalog, for starters. These remasters sound just incredible.

"Argus" has had new life breathed into it, using the original UK master tapes. The stereo separation is much clearer, vocals are pulled up slightly where they belong, and Martin Turner's Firebird Bass borders on Chris Squire territory, and is up in the mix as well. Despite things being pulled up in the mix, it does not sound cluttered or over compressed. Instead it's wide open with definition on everything, with none of the muffled sound of the original. Drums are much tighter sounding as well.

Don't get me wrong... Desert Island would be the OG vinyl first UK press , but as often as I listen to "Argus" this is a perfect addition to my collection. Don't underestimate the quality of these Japanese pressings. They are well worth the money and the extra space in your collection. 10/10

Got a NM copy of this, it sounds superb at a much cheaper price than the original press.