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Title: 10cc – The Original Soundtrack (1975) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2010]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

10cc’s third album, The Original Soundtrack, finally scored them a major hit in the United States, and rightly so; “I’m Not in Love” walked a fine line between self-pity and self-parody with its weepy tale of a boy who isn’t in love (really!), and the marvelously lush production and breathy vocals allowed the tune to work beautifully either as a sly joke or at face value. The album’s opener, “Une Nuit a Paris,” was nearly as marvelous; a sly and often hilarious extended parody of both cinematic stereotypes of life and love in France and overblown European pop. And side one’s closer, “Blackmail,” was a witty tale of sex and extortion gone wrong, with a superb guitar solo embroidering the ride-out. That’s all on side one; side two, however, is a bit spottier, with two undistinguished tunes, “Brand New Day” and “Flying Junk,” nearly dragging the proceedings to a halt before the band rallied the troops for a happy ending with the hilarious “The Film of Our Love.” The Original Soundtrack’s best moments rank with the finest work 10cc ever released; however, at the same time it also displayed what was to become their Achilles’ heel — the inability to make an entire album as strong and memorable as those moments.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: 10cc – Deceptive Bends (1977) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2014]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

After Kevin Godley and Lol Creme left 10cc in 1976, Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman continued as a duo with drummer Paul Burgess. Their 1977 album Deceptive Bends defied expectations, delivering a strong collection of lush, witty pop songs. While less eccentric than earlier 10cc works, it compensates with catchy, well-crafted tracks. The hit “Good Morning Judge” blends a funky pop sound with a humorous tale of a career criminal. “The Things We Do for Love” is a Beatles-inspired hit showcasing 10cc’s vocal harmony mastery. “People in Love,” a straightforward ballad with lush strings, became a modest chart success. Non-hit tracks like “Marriage Bureau Rendezvous” and “You’ve Got a Cold” offer catchy hooks and clever arrangements. “Marriage Bureau Rendezvous” satirizes dating services, while “You’ve Got a Cold” pairs misery with a lively melody. The closing medley “Feel the Benefit” falters due to its length and vague lyrics but is redeemed by a catchy mock-Spanish section. Deceptive Bends is 10cc’s finest post-Godley and Creme album, ideal for fans of Sheet Music or The Original Soundtrack.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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