Lost/Forgotten Album #94

This week we're going to jump ahead 8 years and 6 studios albums from 1972's "Argus" and, as promised, to the 80's with "Just Testing", which was released in....1980!

Funny thing is, this album kinda sounds like something from the 80's even though there wasn't really an 80's sound in....1980. But there ya go, sometimes things happen.

Those expecting "Argus 2" might be a little disappointed. This isn't really a prog album, more like hard rock/new wave with the harmony geetars. Try and erase "Argus" from your memory and go into this album with an open mind and it might surprise you.

After this album, bassist/vocalist Martin Turner left the band and was replaced for a couple albums by some guy named John Wetton. Sadly, for me at least) both those albums are OOP and I ain't spending $50+ to get 'em. Oh well, at least we have this one...

 Just Testing

 1. Living Proof

 2. Haunting Me

 3. Insomnia 

4. Helpless

 5. Pay The Price

 6. New Rising Star

 7. Master Of Disguise

 8. Life Line

Availability: The remastered import version with extra tracks can be yours starting around $7.

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Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on May 21, 2012 at 2:13pm

Jon, this is really good stuff you are sharing with us. I have liked all 3 Wishbone Ash posts you have made, and I think every week it's been slightly better than the previous week. And you are right, this sounds quite different than Argus. But man, I like it. The first two songs are just killer. So is the last track. The third song is the only one that I didn't care for, but that's still 7 out of 8.

I just can't praise the guitar work enough. It's stellar!

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Permalink Reply by Scott on May 21, 2012 at 3:25pm

Not sure why, but I feel like taking a dip!! 

For whatever reason I get a "Cars meets 10cc meets Foghat (Tight Shoes period)" vibe... None of which are a bad thing! In fact the more I listen the more I hear that Foghat time period... Defintely a period piece!

Very melodic in a New Wavy kind of way but the jamming really really makes it very cool and really sets it apart from the bands I mentioned above.

Liking this band more and more!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Mills on May 22, 2012 at 1:37pm

Yeah, I hear the Cars & Foghat in this. It definitely has an 80's feel & as rocking as the guitars are, it still sounds more New Wave than anything. That being said, I like it! The guitar work's outstanding! And the picture's Great, I love how they captured the sun reflecting off the crystal blue water of the pool!