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Argent con in inventive BY El Of Th( Being a hard core Argent found the band's new album, Argent's most musically ac polished production to date. Argent sound in favor of a coi After several years and th "Tell Her No," "Time of the Zombies, Rod Argent formed first album was released collection of soipgs penned I White, who had retired from production. The song writ together until the current a] guitarist Russ Ballard, who v ("Liar") was picked from ob single for Three Dog Night. Six years later comes thE "new" Argent. Gone is Chr although he is still around ii Russ Ballard, who chose a so was becoming too complex Virtually gone, too, is wha his very Hammond organ however, being phased out or shock to notice its near-abse very rich, full sound with twi electric piano, synthesizer, another Argent trademark: The album's theme is th( passions, their needs and the fast paced song with electric laced together with dynami establishing the purpose of "The sound of laughter of the ring. But all are seeking the love of the are reaching out; in th( "The Clown" follows, ai production on this select witness to suggestions < synthesis of Argent's soun, Stevie's. This is one of th( lush tunes this band always at. Incorporating Ar beautiful harmonies and d structuring along with Won, vocal inflections and ser delivery, the song also fe some of the sensitive lyrics are still another A trademark. "And so I stand at last re And who can doubt thiE Who maybe has no mir Would ever walk where And gain the laughter < Oh, who would doubt the circus stage has alway "Trapeze" is the first son Argent has recorded, and i section of bass and guitar electric piano and scantily-t portion that sounds so con' remind oneself who it actua with abundant flourishes b) "Shine on Sunshine" is al always been a strong point I great deal like some of Pi "Long and Winding Road' Wonder thrown in for accei "The Ring" is a short i serving as a bridge from "S final chord is allowed to fade band crashes into "The Jest up tempo way to end the possibly be a crackerjack sil out behind Rod for his closi Scott Joplinesque piano pass in by the engineers. "Circus" reaffirms this re premiere keyboard virtuoso fast and clever as Rick We being as determinedly ovi Emerson's penchant for bui Rod Argent exhibits as mut never feeling the need foi municates his purpose. No si natural theatrics if and whi Rod Argent is an artist yor evolving musician and con does not sound like past ver Argent sound like the Zo promises style album 'Circus' 11 ANDERSON Gamecock staff fan from the word "go," this reviewer "Circus," a paradox. It is at one hand complished, inventively conceived, and At the same time it compromises the old nbination of their's and other styles. ree monster singles ("She's Not There," Season") with the British pop group the his own band, Argent, in late 1968. Their in 1969, and featured a rather mellow >y Rod and fellow former-Zombie Chris performing and opted for composing and ing team of Argent and White worked bum. The other major contributor was vrote two songs for the album, one of which scurity on this album and became a huge album "Circus," the first work of the is White's collaboration in song writing, ri the capacity of co-producer. Gone is lo career because he felt the band's music to suit him. t had become Rod Argent's trademark: -dominated sound. This sound was, i Argent's last album "Nexus", so it is no nce on "Circus". The band maintains a > lead guitars, bass, drums, Rod's piano, melotron, some Hammond organ, and Their delicately woven harmony vocals. people who make up a circus: their ir drives. The opening cut is "Circus," a piano sounding a bit like Chick Corea and ic yet ethereal guitar work, yet firmly the album: is in the wedding found crowd, and all circus. id the ion is >f the d with slow, excels gent's elicate der-ful ise of atures which Lrgent vealed a clown: painted fool d at all he might fall )f us all painted fool upon this been a clown. . g composed by bassist Jim Redford that s made up of a doggedly funky rhythm s with a frosting of benignly distorted ised synthesizer. There is a quiet middle rincingly like Stevie Wonder one has to Ily is. The opening theme then returns Rod on synthesizer. nother slower tempo number which has or this band. This composition sounds a tul McCartney's better pieces (perhaps in particular) with a pinch of Stevie it. astrumental exercise on electric piano, hine on Sunshine" to "The Jester." The , and before its dissolution is complete the er," a spunky rocker. The tune is a very ilbum, is very dance-worthy, and could agle. The song ends with the band falling ng signiture in the form of a very bright age with a slight echo discretely sneaked viewer's estimation of Rod Argent as the in rock music today. He is every bit as skeman and Keith Emerson, but avoids arbearing as Wakeman and by-passes glarizing the classics. Unlike Emerson, :h restraint as the style of music allows, r non-stop flash if subtlety better com pinning pianos or tanks for this band, only en the music dictates. can love for his taste. He is a constantly iposer, and although this 'niew" Argent sions of the band, neither did the earlier mbies. "Circus," then, is a logical Send The Gameco THAT P1 Convenience St Groceries - Jewelry - Beer - W GALLO ' $2.48 / % gal. BEER Check our Prices - The CIGAREl 35* OPEN TILL 10 Next door to Saluda Ave 714 Saluda Ave. - SPECIAL OL VOLUNTI NEEDE] The Voluntary Action ( volunteers to help with the P Special Olympics for retard~ USC track on April 10th. PEOPLE WITH EXPERIE AND FIELD EVENTS ARE El If you have a few hours April 10th and would like to retarded kids in this great pi call VOLUNTEER SERV 177.27W0 ck home LACE ore ine and Things VINE $1.59 / fifth ir Fantastic 'TES :00 P.M. . Wine Shop r79-5413 YMPICS ,ERS D!! ouncil needs Aidland's area ed kids at the NCE IN TRACK SPECIALLY NEEDED! to give on work with rogram lust ICES