Record Reviews

ARGENT ~ ARGENT / RING OF HANDS BGO 480 (Barcode: 5017261204806) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2000 1st & 2nd albums (recorded 1970/1971) by the group ArgentFind albums by this artist. After the Zombies disbandedFind albums by this artist, Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist & Russ BallardFind albums by this artist formed Argent. As expected, their extraordinary ability to write brilliant pop songs came to full bloom in this group and those two albums are full of magnificent material, performed brilliantly as always. The songs are more complex that the Zombies material, but even more moving.

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ARGENT ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS EPIC 44547 (Barcode: 886974454724) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1974 Released: 2009 This great Box Set includes five original albums released on the Epic label and recorded between 1969 and 1974 by the great British Prog group ArgentFind albums by this artist, created by Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist after the demise of the ZombiesFind albums by this artist, one of the most important and talented representatives of British scene: "ArgentFind albums with this title", "Ring Of HandsFind albums with this title", "All Together NowFind albums with this title", "In DeepFind albums with this title" and "NexusFind albums with this title". The albums are remastered and packaged in album replicas (mini-sleeves), housed in a cardboard box, and with the price tag of a double album this is a tremendous bargain as well. Essential!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GARY BOYLE ~ THE DANCER ESOTERIC 2307 (Barcode: 5013929430747) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2012 This is the 1st solo album by the excellent British guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, recorded after his excellent group IsotopeFind albums by this artist disbanded. A brilliant guitarist, Boyle enjoyed success as a sideman both in the Prog and Jazz circles in UK, and the work with Isotope firmly established his reputation as a formidable Jazz-Rock Fusion player. This album, recorded with a dreamy team of superb players: keyboardists Zoe KronbergerFind albums by this artist (who also contributed two compositions), Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist (ex-Matching MoleFind albums by this artist) and Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist (ex-ZombiesFind albums by this artist), bassist Doni HarveyFind albums by this artist, drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist and many others, is a classic example of the British Fusion, full of intricate melodies and virtuosic performances. There is not a dull moment here, from start to finish, and Fusion fans, who for some strange reason might have overlooked this treasure are about to discover a goldmine of pleasures. A must to any intelligent Fusion fan!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ZOMBIES ~ DIFFERENT GAME COOKING VINYL 889 (Barcode: 711297538922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 Yes, The ZombiesFind albums by this artist are back! The British Rock group, founded in 1961 (that is 62 years ago!) is still led by the two founding members: vocalist Colin BlunstoneFind albums by this artist and vocalist / keyboardist Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist, and now includes also guitarist Tom ToomeyFind albums by this artist, bassist Soren KochFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve RodfordFind albums by this artist. A string quartet plays some delicate arrangements on several tracks. The album presents ten original songs, nine of which were written by Argent and one by Blunstone. This is the seventh studio album by the group and it follows the 2015 album “Still Got That HungerFind albums with this title”. The unmistakable sound of the electric piano and the vocal harmonies, which characterized the group’s sound since their debut single “She’s Not There” from 1964, are all here, and why not, since they still sound absolutely gorgeous. All the ten songs are if fact simply perfect, beautifully melodic and touching, as if the time of the Golden Decade was still here, standing in shrieking contrast to the cacophony that surrounds us dauntingly today. Argent proves that his songwriting ability is completely intact and each and every one of his songs is a true gem. No pretentiousness, no BS, just great melodies, which grab the heart instantly. That is a great songwriting gift and we are lucky to be able and enjoy it once again, especially since almost nobody writes songs like these today. Blunstone’s vocals are as touching / heartbreaking, as they were decades ago. Overall, this is a stunning piece of music, which took me completely by surprise. I admit that I was expecting to hear once again a geriatric effort by musicians trying to revive their glory days, but this album is nothing like that. It is an instant Rock classic, with great songs, wonderful vocals and elegant, heartfelt performances, which kicks the butt mercilessly, emphasizing how ridiculous contemporary Rock sounds most of the time. Welcome back, o ye heroes of grand times!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 08/05/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend