Deceptive Bends

by 10cc

Overview

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. ~ Donald A. Guarisco

Product Details

Release Date:	02/24/2023
Label:	Proper Records
UPC:	0805520240161
Rank:	38042

Album Credits

Performance Credits

10cc   Primary Artist
Graham Gouldman   Bass,Dobro,Organ,Guitar,Vocals,Autoharp,Triangle,Fuzz Bass,Tambourine,Handclapping,Guitar (Bass),Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Guitar (12 String),Vocals (Background)
Eric Stewart   Organ,Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Maracas,Keyboards,Slide Guitar,Moog Synthesizer,Piano (Electric),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background),Whistle (Instrument)
Jean Roussel   Organ,Keyboards,Piano (Electric)
Terry Bozzio   Drums
Del Newman   Strings,Conductor
Tony Spath   Oboe,Piano
Paul Burgess   Gong,Bells,Drums,Piano,Claves,Congas,Cabassa,Triangle,Bell Tree,Percussion,Tambourine,Vibraphone,Wood Block,Handclapping

Technical Credits

Graham Gouldman   Composer,Producer
Eric Stewart   Composer,Engineer,Producer
10cc   Producer
Del Newman   Arranger
Hipgnosis   Cover Design