Please watch the video above for the full review.
ORDER WISHBONE ASH ARGUS DELUXE FROM NOW SPINNING MAGAZINE
Wishbone Ash – Argus 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Box Set Review
A 360° Immersion Into a Timeless Classic
The 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition of Argus by Wishbone Ash is very much the latter. This is not just a celebration of a classic album—it’s a deep dive, a historical document, and for fans like myself, something that feels genuinely personal.
Having previously praised the Vintage Years box set, this release feels like its companion piece—focusing in on one album that, for many, defines the very essence of Wishbone Ash.
And let me say this right at the start…
this may well be one of the finest album-focused box sets ever assembled.
First Impressions – A Collector’s Dream
This is a limited edition of 5,000 copies worldwide, and it feels like it.
Inside you’ll find:
What’s in the Box
- 3 CDs
- Martin Turner remaster of Argus
- Live at Memphis (1972)
- Live at Alexandra Palace (1973)
- 2 LPs
- Original album (replica gatefold, remastered)
- Live selections (Alexandra Palace & Memphis)
- DVD
- Rare French & Swiss TV footage (1973–74)
- 7-inch single
- “No Easy Road” / “Blowin’ Free” (red vinyl)
- 48-page book
- Interviews, track-by-track insights, rare photos
This is multi-format collecting done properly—not duplication for the sake of it, but a curated experience.
The Book – The Heart of the Set
This is where the box truly elevates itself.
The booklet isn’t just a companion—it’s a deep archival exploration of Argus. You get:
- Track-by-track reflections from Andy Powell, Martin Turner, and Steve Upton
- Rare photographs and press cuttings
- The story behind the iconic album cover (yes… that warrior)
- Insights into the recording process and legacy
- Even reflections from later-era member Laurie Wisefield
It’s the kind of book you don’t just flick through—you live with it.
This is what I always talk about:
using all your senses when listening to music.
The Music – A Complete Journey
The Studio Album
The inclusion of the Martin Turner remaster is, for me, the defining version.
It sounds:
- Warm
- Detailed
- Balanced
- Completely immersive
This is the version I return to—and I understand completely why it’s been chosen as the centrepiece.
The Live Recordings
The live material gives context to just how powerful this band were in the early 70s.
- Memphis 1972 – radio broadcast quality, excellent stereo separation
- Alexandra Palace 1973 – slightly rougher, but full of energy
Yes, there’s a hint of that “bootleg edge” in places—but nothing that detracts. In fact, it adds authenticity.
And let’s be honest…
you can never have too many versions of “The Pilgrim” or “Phoenix.”
The Vinyl Experience
- The studio LP is beautifully presented in a replica gatefold sleeve
- The pressing is quiet and clean
- The live LP (on coloured vinyl) is a curated highlights set
If I had one tiny critique?
👉 A poly-lined inner sleeve would have been a nice touch.
But honestly… that’s splitting hairs.
The DVD – A Time Capsule
This was one of my favourite parts.
Not hours of footage—but what’s here is gold:
- Early 70s TV performances
- Raw, youthful energy
- Incredible musicianship
Seeing the band at that moment—young, focused, and on the brink—is genuinely moving.
The Album Itself – Why Argus Matters
Argus isn’t just a great album—it’s a statement of intent.
Tracks like:
- Time Was
- Sometime World
- The King Will Come
- Warrior
- Throw Down the Sword
…showcase that unique twin-guitar interplay that set Wishbone Ash apart.
People often compare them to Thin Lizzy, but this is something different:
- Cleaner
- More spacious
- Almost telepathic
Four musicians, in a room, completely locked in.
No gimmicks. No image. No excess.
Just music.
Who Is This Box Set For?
Let’s be honest—this is not aimed at casual listeners.
This is for:
- Collectors
- Long-time fans
- Those who feel a deep connection to Argus
And that’s absolutely fine.
These sets aren’t designed to sit on shelves for months.
They’re created with care, released… and then they’re gone.
Final Thoughts – A True Immersive Experience
This is what a deluxe box set should be.
Not just a collection of discs—but a complete, immersive journey into an album:
- The music
- The history
- The visuals
- The stories
It gives you a 360-degree view of Argus—from demos to live performances, from studio recordings to personal reflections.
And most importantly…
It reminds you why this album still matters.
Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautifully curated, deeply immersive celebration of one of the greatest albums of the 1970s.
If you love Argus, this isn’t optional.
It’s essential.
A numbered certificate of authenticity.
ORDER WISHBONE ASH ARGUS DELUXE FROM NOW SPINNING MAGAZINE
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
