Description: Brand new and sealed LP! The photo used is the stock photo for this version of the record. Brand new, sealed LP. ASHBURYEndless Skies LP EVERGREEN Randy Davis - lead guitar, electric guitar, acoustic and classical guitars, electric bass, lead and harmony vocals, synthesizerRob Davis - acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, synthesizerJohnny Ray - drumsJerry Van Dielen - acoustic grand piano on "Endless Skies"John Watts - all percussion - The Warning- Take Your Love Away- Twilight- Vengeance- Madman- Hard Fight- No Mourning- Mystery Man- Endless Skies restored original sound, mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony One of the biggest “re-discoveries” of obscure eighties US Metal/Hard Rock are Ashbury from Tuscon in Arizona. The band, led by brothers Randy and Rob Davis, did originally record two very hard to find albums: »Endless Skies« in 1983 and the (belated) follow-up »Something Funny Going On« (issued in 2010).However, the roots of the band go way back to the late 1970s, when multi-instrumentalist Randy Davis formed his very first band in Southern Oklahoma. “That was before Ashbury proper,” explains Randy. ”It was in late 1977 that Ashbury South was formed in Oklahoma. In early 1980 Rob and I returned to Tucson and formed Ashbury in June 1980. The original line-up of that band broke up a year later. Ashbury proper was born at that time as Rob and I were writing music and our long term objective was to record original music and we knew we had to have the right elements in place for that. Ironically, it would turn out that just the two of us would become the base for Ashbury, both then and now.”The story goes that Ashbury was offered an album deal by a major company(from Los Angeles) in the early 1980s. Which company was that? ”The label was Polydor,” states Randy, “and the 'offer' came in September 1983. We had recorded »Endless Skies« and self released the LP in May of the same year. Rob was 'shopping' it around all the major labels in L.A. (and agencies like William Morris). We were looking for a major label's interest in order to possibly re-record the album again (maybe with a larger budget and major label producer), or to at least gain better distribution, etc. Ashbury had only existed as a 'cover' band up until the release of »Endless Skies«, so we had not attracted the interest of A&R people at the major labels. The label, however, wanted to 'shelve' the whole record and sign us for something entirely different. They had in mind an acoustic sound featuring our songwriting and vocal harmony skills (i. e.: England Dan & John Ford Coley). We were not interested in that and turned them down. Ironically, we now perform an acoustic show as a duo and it is a major source of our music income. We perform the show locally here in Tucson, but have also performed acoustically as a duo in Greece and Sweden, while there to perform Ashbury shows.”The original vinyl edition of »Endless Skies« came out in 1983 (with a circulation of 1,000 copies). ”It was a complete indie project all the way,” states Rob Davis. “The early processes were handled by Randy and another guy who was instrumental in putting everything together. His name is Stone Age, he went on to found other Metal bands like Butcher. He also was the artist that conceived and drew our 'Rocker' logo, and he found the artist Ernie Polo that painted the artwork for the »Endless Skies« cover (from our own conception). We worked mostly on a budget of $ 5,000 for the entire project, financed by a backer named Mac Whitton. Our distribution was through Tower Records in the western U.S. ... and we put that together ourselves also. Tower Records was the #1 "Record" store in the western U.S., and we had secured distribution in several western states.”Ashbury's sound has sometimes been compared to Jethro Tull, would that be a fair comparison? ”We both have a big smile on our face with that question”, expain the Davis brothers. “Yes, we are proud to be compared with Jethro Tull, and can easily live with that comparison. Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson's writing were a huge influence on us both. Ironically, Ian Anderson and Martin Barre were the stable members of the band while many others came and went, similar to us, except for the amount of success and sales - haha - that's where the comparison ends!”The first album does feature an iconic artwork. Who was responsible for it and what does the cover signify? ”Responsibility for the concept lies with Randy, Rob and Stone Age,” is the answer to the question. “Once we knew what we wanted, the search for the right artist began. Stone Age was not only a musician, but a very good artist (remember he conceived and drew our 'Rocker' logo), but he felt the cover art needed a more talented artist/painter than he was. He began the search, and found an artist named Ernie Polo working in Tucson, and subsidizing his art by selling shoes in a mall shoe store. We commissioned him and with relative ease he delivered the painting in just a couple of weeks. The cover signifies Creation, and the choices we all make. The cover obviously coincides with the opening song 'The Warning', about the Prophet who warns against bad choices, evil and greed. The final touch was a 'fantasy' setting, a look just off from any real world appearance.”Were Ashbury catering to a metal audience back then at all? Or were they exclusively playing to normal rock audiences (locally?) in the States? ”Exactly!,” exclaims Randy Davis. “We were playing to 'Rock' audiences in night clubs throughout the western U.S. We did not consider anything about Ashbury to be catered to a 'Metal' audience. The irony might be that Stone Age was as "Metal" as Metal gets. During pre-production, he actually mentioned that we needed to have at least one song to appeal to the Metal fans, and we wrote 'Vengeance' at that time and Stone was very thumbs up on the song. Looks like he was right.”Randy and Rob Davis are playing as brothers in Ashbury, they have always been the core of the band: ”We would not continue performing as Ashbury without both being involved. We write independently, and also together, therefore the very creation of the music would be different if one of us left the band. We also both sing lead vocals, so the sound of the band would be altered. I might refer to a recent tour concerning Styx - touring without Dennis DeYoung - therefore it's NOT Styx.”Matthias Mader Ashbury is an American band whose 1983 album "Endless Skies" is a hidden gem in the realms of hard rock and proto-metal, often associated with the NWOBHM movement due to its cult following among fans of that era, though the band itself hails from the U.S. The band formed in Tucson, Arizona, and released this album as their debut, blending elements of classic 70s rock, progressive rock, and folk with a heavy, mystical atmosphere that sets it apart from its contemporaries. "Endless Skies" OverviewRelease Year: 1983Label: Ashbury MusicMusical Style: A blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal. The sound is often characterized by its dual guitar harmonies, acoustic interludes, and melodic songwriting. There's a heavy influence from bands like Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, and Led Zeppelin, combined with mystical, fantasy-themed lyrics.Atmospheric and Melodic: "Endless Skies" offers an introspective, almost ethereal atmosphere that feels more relaxed than the aggressive speed and intensity of the NWOBHM. There’s a strong focus on melody, intricate guitar work, and expansive songwriting, which gives the album a timeless, almost epic feel.Lyrical Themes: The lyrics often touch on fantasy and mysticism, evoking imagery of far-off lands, quests, and mythological themes, similar to the more mystical side of Rush or Wishbone Ash.Key Tracks"The Warning" – A standout opening track, combining acoustic melodies with heavier guitar riffs. It sets the tone with a folk-inspired, progressive rock feel."Endless Skies" – The title track is an epic, featuring dual guitar harmonies and a soaring melody, embodying the band's unique blend of hard rock and progressive elements."Madman" – One of the heavier tracks on the album, with chugging riffs and a more driving rhythm, making it one of the more traditionally hard rock-oriented songs."Mystery Man" – A slower, more introspective piece that highlights the band’s ability to balance melodic songwriting with atmospheric instrumentation."Vengeance" – This track returns to a faster tempo, featuring more aggressive riffing and showcases the band's ability to create dynamic shifts in mood.Legacy"Endless Skies" didn’t achieve much mainstream success upon its release but has since become a cult classic, particularly in underground metal and hard rock circles. The album's combination of melodic rock, progressive song structures, and fantasy lyrics has made it a favorite among collectors and fans of bands that straddle the line between hard rock and traditional heavy metal. 50 Similar Artists:Wishbone AshThin LizzyLegendBudgieBlue Öyster CultRushUriah HeepDiamond HeadHawkwindJethro TullSaxonWitchfyndeIron ClawQuartzPraying MantisRiotCaptain BeyondLucifer’s FriendNight SunBlackfootPentagramBuffaloSir Lord BaltimoreMountainDustBangTankJaguarSaracenCloven HoofTygers of Pan TangAngel WitchManilla RoadRenaissanceAsh Ra TempelDemianStrayGroundhogsCamelKansasScorpions (early era)April WineJerusalemCovenLeaf HoundGrand Funk RailroadBudgieMay BlitzArmageddonCaptain BeyondAshbury’s "Endless Skies" holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate melodic, atmospheric hard rock with an otherworldly, fantasy vibe. Its timeless appeal continues to draw in fans from both the metal and progressive rock worlds.
Price: 30.99 USD
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
End Time: 2024-10-24T22:18:21.000Z
Shipping Cost: 7 USD
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All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Budgie, Hawkwind, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Morbid Saint, Motörhead, RAZOR, Rush, The Rolling Stones, UFO, Yes, ashbury, pagan altar, pentagram, saint vitus, truth and janey, winterhawk
Record Label: High Roller Records
Release Title: Revival
Case Type: Cardboard Sleeve
Color: Green
Material: Vinyl
Inlay Condition: Mint (M)
Edition: Anniversary Edition, Collector's Edition, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition
Type: LP
Record Grading: Mint (M)
Format: Record
Release Year: 2024
Sleeve Grading: Mint (M)
Style: 1970s
Record Size: 12"
Features: Import, Sealed
Genre: Acid, Metal, Rock
Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
