Country Joe McDonald used to be amusing even when he wallowed in his own mire. He was cynical and stubborn, but he was funny: remember "The Fish Cheer" and "Feel like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag"? "Tricks," a cut from his new release, is not funny, at least not lyrically. It is also not new. It was originally written by McDonald for a movie about the Cockettes and it goes something like this:

Oh baby would you like to dance

Come on and find romance in your pants

Yeah, I said take a chance

Romance in your pants

Come on baby, don't keep it all hid

You know tricks are made for kids.

It gets worse. Musically, it is comparable only to its lyrics.

For old times' sake, McDonald has thrown in a political tune, "Save the Whales!," another idea that isn't new. Crosby and Nash laid down a similar track recently, minus the "special effects"—a very laid-back whale crooning in the night. It may be timely and it may be hip, but it definitely is not a hit.

There is one song (autobiographical, I believe) that verges on the humorous. "Holy Roller" is about a guy who was known "in every bar in town." But he found religion. The song has some adequate gospel backing vocals, and you can tap your toes to it. It is also uptempo, commercial and pretty funny. It's the old Joe.

Unfortunately, Paradise with an Ocean View doesn't make me want to dance, find "romance" in my pants or even laugh. And that's what Country Joe McDonald was always good for. (RS 205)

CYNTHIA BOWMAN