Lost/Forgotten Album #95

[Jon]

 

 

Another jump in years, this time 16 years after "Just Testing" and the first studio album of the 90's for Wishbone Ash coming 7 years after their last studio album. Confused yet?

 

Interesting album this one. Titled "Illuminations", this was supposedly going to be a followup to 1972's "Argus" and it does contain the same prog/folk leanings as that album, but it doesn't really seem to fit in with "Argus" that much. 

 

It's not a bad album at all. This is quite the prog rock album, brings to mind Yes and especially Asia, especially with some of the vocals. Of course there's the stellar geetar work, but it's a bit more mellow than the other albums I've posted so far. 

 

It took me a couple listens to enjoy this one, it may for you too. 

 

 

Illuminations

1. Mountainside

2. On Your Own

3. Top Of The World

4. No Joke

5. Tales Of The Wise

6. Another Time

7. A Thousand Years

8. The Ring

9. Comfort Zone

10. Mystery Man

11. Wait Out The Storm

12. The Crack Of Dawn (bonus track)

 

 

Availability:OOP, but it's out there for around $10.

 

 

 

[Scott]

So I'm sitting around the house today watching reruns of "Metal Evolution" on VH1 Classic.  Great series by the way!  anyway, they're discussing the NWOBHM and Judas Priest is asked the question of what influenced their dual guitar attack and they instantly say that Wishbone Ash had been doing it and they loved the idea for themselves also.  Now Ive watched that episode a few times (I also kept them on my DVR) and that's the first time I heard that comment.  Cool stuff!

I didn't find the opening track very good, the guitar work is still good but the tune was just OK, I usually expect the opener to set the tone for the album and since this was a follow to Argus I had set my expectations to high, so ...

So with lowered expectations I can feel the groove of the album better.  But its really mid-tempo'd and poppy.  I am not hearing the fabulous geetars I was hoping to, don't get me wrong there is some good stuff here, like...

• Tales of the Wise:  Started slow but really turned into a nice with some crisp and clean geetar work
• Another Time: Kind of a jazzy fusion piece, very catchy.  The sound of bass reminds me a lot of Yes.
• Comfort Zone:  Kind quirky in a cool way.  Liked the riff for some reason
• Mystery Man: Nice beat, love the thumping bass line, I give it a 7.

The album got better after the first 3 tracks.  Still Im into this band and cant wait for the encore!  The best Wishbone Ash Jon has to offer!  Bring it on!!!

[Jon]

Oh, it's coming!

[RJhog (Admin)]

Listening now.  I'm loving the first track.  There's that twin harmony.  But I'm with Scott on the second track, it's not as good.  I kind of like Top Of the World.  It almost has a Joe Lynn Turner feel to it.

 

Don't care for track 4. 

 

Yep, Tales Of The Wise is mighty cool.  Enough for now, but this is a cool band.

[RJhog (Admin)]

Another Time is phenomenal.

[Mike Mills]

I ran through one time today, I'll give it another listen before I comment.