Customer Reviews

The Argent Anthology: A Collection Of Greatest Hits

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Argent were a strange band, in general: while they started out being HEAVILY melodic and Zombie-esque, Rod and Russ slowly started to move in a more progressive direction after their debut. Sadly, this (surprisingly short) collection is mostly of that later period; indeed, most of the Argent songs known by anybody (Hold Your Head Up, God Gave...) aren't really indicative of what they could DO. I suggest passing this up, and instead picking up their first two albums (Argent/Ring of Hands); trust me, if you dismissed them after hearing this, you'll be more than pleasently surprised.

Some serious issues with this release.
It's the epitome of budget hour.
Skimpy short and there are absolutely no liner notes or credits whatsoever.
In addition, this was released not long after CD's came out so sonically it's very lacking and in desperate need of a remaster.
Argent needs an updated Anthology that improves the audio and adds a few cuts that better represent the band.

Originally released in 1976, The Argent Anthology is a direct re-issue of the LP. It is not remastered and it has no bonus tracks. While this was good enough at the time, I can think of few bands in need of a remastered "best of" more than Argent.

Nevertheless, there are some excellent songs here (besides the classic Hold Your Head Up). Tragedy is a funky little number and Pleasure could have appeared on a Zombies record.

A revamped Anthology is needed. This single-disc compilation would have to include: Liar, Dance in the Smoke, Bring You Joy, Celebration, Rejoice, Pleasure, God Gave Rock & Roll to You, It's Only Money, Pt. 1 & 2, Hold Your Head Up, Tragedy and Pure Love/Fantasia/Prelude/Pure Love/Finale.

I suggest waiting for a proper collection.

[DW]

Very organ heavy, great vocals, excellent as background music. "Pleasure" is especially beautiful and that song alone makes this cd worth buying. Good covers of "Liar" and "Time of the Season." "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" is so much fun. Definitely worth buying and a dependable cd.

An often overlooked and underated band this disc belongs in everyone's collection. "Hold Your Head Up" is a timeless classic and worth the price of the disc by itself. The other tracks showcase the wonderful muscianship and terrific singing of Rod Argent and Russ Ballard. Buy this disc now!

Yes, this is a skimpy collection but I wasn't an Argent fan; so, basically, this just about fits my needs for Argent. It could stand a remastering job & some bonus tracks could be added. With that being said, I'll mention the best songs here: "Hold Your Head Up" (Argent's most famous song), "Liar" (they wrote it) & "God Gave Rock and Roll to You". There's a live version of "Time of the Season" written by Rod Argent when he was a member of the Zombies. You know how live versions of songs go: they change it around & add solos; I'd rather hear the original. There aren't any liner notes & the only place they have put writer credits is on the disc. Tell me, isn't there a better "Best of" for this group?

I have no idea what all the Argent bashing is down below. Then again, I consider myself more of a Jazzer and Soul Man than rock and roller. Yet, I never complain when tunes like Tragedy, Time of the Season and Hold Your Head Up come on (someone else's) radio. ...And I certainly don't go running to change the station when Steppenwolf, Santana, or the Allman's come on either. That sizzling Hammond does it for me... o.k. Its DEFINITELY not as hard hitting as some f the abovementioned groups, (and I'll have to add Humble Pie when it comes to the rock side of the B3)... but still.. the sizzling Hammond is there and along with Sugarloaf's Green Eyed Lady, I'd have to say that Time of The Season has one of my all time favorite Rock Organ Solos.

Incidentally, if you're interested in getting deeper into the B3 sound, check out Brian Auger and the Oblivian Express as well as Tony William's Lifetime (with Larry Young) !

Of course, I am going to fall even farther afield than some of the other opinions here, but I really like the Argent albums after Russ Ballard left, "Circus" and "Counterpoints" which were Argent at their most zealously progressive. Since no songs from that period are included here, this is, indeed, anything but a best of compilation.

This has to be one of the skimpiest compilations ever made. Based on the success of Rod and companies biggest hit "Hold Your Head Up" the rest of the cuts are mediocre at best. Hold out for Three Dog Night's version of "Liar" , the Kiss version of "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" and anyone else's version of "Time of the Season". Its amazing that the Zombies classic with Rod playing on it can be messed up so badly. So much for inovation. I wonder if Colin Blunstone gave his ok for it. I think not.

As a keyboardist, I was heavily influenced by Rod Argent.........lost touch for decades.....got this CD...........he isn't as good as I had remembered, but still totally relevant....interesting to see how he plays in different keys.....and how that doesn't translate as well now as it did then..........and how truly good the songwriting and vocals were.