Argent Original Album Classics

The only complaint I have is that my copy has a different cover shot than the thumbnail image Amazon features - but it's a minor quibble, as it seems to feature the original lineup (which the other photo does not) who were present for most of these albums. As these albums are difficult to find in the States, this is a great way to get them; there are no bonus tracks, just the 5 original albums in mini-LP covers in this cardboard sleeve, no notes, and really not much info beyond what was printed on the album covers. But it's reasonably priced, and really, what more do you need? A fine introduction to Argent.

I was never a big fan of Argent, having been originally unimpressed by my solitary hearing of their debut album on vinyl. I love The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle, however, and for the price offered thought it was worth paying to hear more of Rod Argent's work. My view of their debut album has, as a result, now changed. You can tell that it's just pre-1970s by the lighter sound and harmonies. The first seven tracks won me over, especially 'Be Free' and the playing on 'Dance In The Smoke'. 'Schoolgirl' meanwhile is an obvious retread of The Zombies' last hit, 'Time Of The Season'.Of the other albums my favourite is probably 'Nexus', which I didn't expect. As the track titles suggest this leans more toward a prog style than the others. The last two tracks on this nail it perfectly. 'Ring Of Hands' is my least favourite. I don't feel the content is good enough, but, as on all of the albums, its main strength is the musicianship on display. Argent didn't noodle as much as the likes of Yes or even Genesis, but they were clearly a formidable unit, whatever style they played. Most of the showmanship comes from Rod Argent himself.I expected 'All Together Now' and 'In Deep' to be their strongest efforts, not least because the first was their breakthrough album and because both feature their biggest hits. There is a dilemma here, however, as two approaches sit uneasily together. The extended 'Hold Your Head Up', with its twinkling atmosphere, has a prog feel to it, but is then followed by a series of driving, barroom r&b songs. On 'Keep On Rollin'' and 'He's A Dynamo' in particular, the band are hot, but the songs themselves are nothing special. The album then finishes with the twelve minute, ultra-prog 'Pure Love' which jars against the other tracks. Though well-executed as usual, it again is nothing special. 'In Deep' is perhaps more consistent in style, but the same applies: great playing, so-so material.I'm glad I bought this collection. Argent, like many artists of the era, put the vast majority of later bands firmly in the shade, but I'll be extremely selective with which of the discs I'll listen to.

If you like 70's rock music ,well written well played this is for you .Five albums 15 quid a bargain

This is one the best bargains I have ever bought. Argent were one of the finest bands around in the early 70's and these five album show their evolution very well. The most commercially successful albums were 'All together now' and 'In Deep', but give 'Ring of Hands' and 'Nexus' a good listen they too are gems.

The no-frills packaging of Sony's Original Album Classics may not be to everybody's taste, but five albums for a relatively low price is great value if you don't have any (or most) of the albums on offer. I bought this around five years ago and, for cardboard packaging, it has aged well, although I'm not sure why the picture of Argent on the cover isn't the "Mark I" version of Argent who made these, their first five albums. Bit of a mishap there from somebody unfamiliar with the band, I'd imagine.I've written individual reviews for each of these albums on the product pages, if anyone is interested in a more in-depth discovery of the first five studio albums from Argent, so this is a brief summary.Argent (1970) - Creative, trying to find their own sound (8/10)Ring Of Hands (1971) - Bit of a mixed bag (6/10)All Together Now (1972) - Probably the best Argent album of the first five (8/10)In Deep (1973) - Despite God Gave Rock And Roll To You's presence, probably the most disappointing of the five (5/10)Nexus (1974) - The most 'prog' of the five, with a regained creativity and intensity (7/10)I'd say this five disc box set was well worth owning for any fan of The Zombies wanting to know what Rod's post-Zombies work was like, anyone who likes Russ Ballard's writing or, simply, anyone who has a penchant for classic and prog rock. It's not all brilliant, but there are definitely more than a few brilliant moments.

I bought this set as I wanted to hear some music by the band before the High Voltage Festival 2010. Overall, I'm not that impressed. The keyboard playing is good, in a Keith Emerson Hammond organ style for those not familiar with the band. The all round musicianship is good but the compositions themselves seem generally weak by comparison to the better known Prog bands. Nexus is probably the best of the five albums with better formed songs. If you have no Argent in your collection and want to start, I think you'd be better off looking for a 'best of' compilation as that would cut the weak stuff out.

Five great albums for a very good price. The music is just as good as I remember. A great mate was a mad Argent fan at school in the seventies, we saw them live four tjmes over the years. Pity there isn't any of the sleve notes ,they would really make the collection.

Pure Class! I'd forgotten how good a band Argent were and these re-mastered re-issues show off their combined talents to the full. In Deep (one of my all time favourite albums) is still the real jewel in the crown of this pick but all the others are not far behind. Only disapointment is no insert or booklet to tell their story - still the music does that very well for them. Great value for the money and highly recomended.