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Thursday, February 26, 2026

Argent - Counterpoints (1975 uk, elegant art rock with prog elements, 2025 japan remaster)



Dropped by long time record label Epic, the band signed with United Artists (RCA in the UK), releasing 1975's  Chris White, Rod Argent, and Tony Visconti produced "Counterpoints".    The band's second post-Russ Ballard album was apparently recorded under trying circumstances which included drummer Bob Henrit coming down with a nasty case of hepatitis which required Genesis' Phil Collins to step in for most of the recording sessions.  As on earlier albums, Rod Argent was responsible for most of the material with bassist Jim Rodford and singer/guitarist John Grimaldi contributing the remaining material.   Musically the band seemed to be trying to navigate the thin line between artistic integrity and record label pressure to generate commercial viable material.   

The problem was they seemingly couldn't figure out where that sweet spot was.  The end result was an album that was too commercial for progressive fans, and too progressive for their pop fans.   Add the absence of any standout number ('Rock and Roll Show' was probably the most readily commercial tune), and you had an album that disappeared in a heartbeat.   The band toured in support of the LP, but needless to say, within a year Argent itself was history.
by Scott Blackerby


Tracks
1. On My Feet Again - 3:15
2. I Can’t Remember But Yes - 3:05
3. Time (Jim Rodford) - 7:18
4. Waiting For The Yellow One (John Grimaldi) - 2:50
5. It’s Fallen Off (John Grimaldi) - 2:45
6. Be Strong - 4:14
7. Rock 'n' Roll Show - 4:04
8. Butterfly - 3:06
9. Road Back Home - 7:36
All compositions by Rod Argent except where indicated

Argent
*Rod Argent - Organ, Electric Piano, Vocals
*John Grimaldi - Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar
*John Verity - Guitar, Vocals
*Jim Rodford - Bass, Guitar, Vocals
*Bob Henrit - Drums, Percussion
With
*Phil Collins - Drums, Percussion