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10cc - Deceptive Bends (1977) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2014]
FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Full Scans included | 1,27 GB


 When Kevin Godley and Lol Creme left 10cc in 1976 to pursue a solo career, many thought it was the death knell for the group. However, Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman kept the group alive as a duo (with the assistance of percussionist Paul Burgess) and turned in a surprisingly solid album with 1977's Deceptive Bends. It may lack the devil-may-care wackiness that popped up on previous 10cc albums, but it makes up for it by crafting a series of lush, catchy pop songs that are witty in their own right. Deceptive Bends also produced a pair of notable hits for the group: "Good Morning Judge" told the comical tale of a career criminal over a hook-laden, surprisingly funky pop backing while "The Things We Do for Love" was an irresistible Beatles pastiche that showcased 10cc's mastery of pop vocal harmonies. "People in Love," a surprisingly straightforward ballad built on a gorgeous string arrangement, also became a modest chart success. The remainder of the material doesn't stand out as sharply as these hits, but each of the tracks offers up plenty of naggingly catchy pop hooks, oodles of catchy riffs, and surprising twists in their arrangements. Highlights among the non-hit tracks include "Marriage Bureau Rendezvous," a satire of dating services set to a lilting soft rock melody, and "You've Got a Cold," a portrait of illness-influenced misery set to a percolating pop melody. The only place where Deceptive Bends slips is on "Feel the Benefit," the lengthy medley that closes the album. Its excessive length and hazy lyrics make it less satisfying than the album's shorter tunes, but it is kept afloat by a catchy, mock-Spanish midsection and some lovely string arrangements. All in all, Deceptive Bends is the finest achievement of 10cc's post-Godley and Creme lineup and well worth a spin for anyone who enjoyed Sheet Music or The Original Soundtrack.  


Tracklist:

 01. Good Morning Judge
 02. The Things We Do For Love
 03. Marriage Bureau Rendezvous
 04. People In Love
 05. Modern Man Blues
 06. Honeymoon With B Troop
 07. I Bought A Flat Guitar Tutor
 08. You've Got A Cold
 09. Feel The Benefit: Reminisce And Speculate / "A" Latin Break / Feel The Benefit
 10. Hot To Trot
 11. Don't Squeeze Me Like Toothpaste
 12. I'm So Laid Back, I'm Laid Out

enjoy