 |
 |
|
| 10CC - The Complete UK Recordings 1972-1974 |
 Released: 2004 Label: Varese Sarabande Cat. No.: 066505 Total Time: 57:44 / 48:24 | |
Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, May 2004 I have been captivated by the sound of 10CC for 30 years now. It all started for this lad when I first heard their album 10cc. I had never heard anything like it before (shortly after that I discovered Queen, and loved them as well). Their unusual lyrics combined with pop and rock made me think, and they still do, although now I have an adult’s perspective on their musical satire. There was politics and cynicism towards the establishment found throughout their lyrics and it all came across as brilliant and hilarious. The Complete UK Recordings is actually their first two classic albums Rubber Bullets and Sheet Music including rare tracks on two discs. The sound sparkles like never before on this set and it reaffirms how important 10CC was to pop and rock music and their part in the development of many genres. After immersing myself in prog rock over the past few years, I could hear how that genre was an important element in their music. Differentiating layers of instrumentation created complex compositions with vocals changing from one member to another during a track, one of the many characteristics of progressive music. It is truly amazing how talented this band was at every position; they were indeed an unheralded super group. Kevin Godley, Lol Creme, Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman were not the as popular as those other four gents from the U.K., but if we had paid more attention to their fabulous talents things may have been entirely different. In any event that is all she wrote. The historical account of modern music is bound to change as time goes on and perhaps 10CC will get their due yet. Their music is timeless and I never tire listening to it. There was not a band in the world that sounded like them, and there probably never will be again, which makes their music more precious than ever. Before their U.S. smash, “I’m Not In Love,” all the members of this band were involved in making music many years before we discovered them here in the U.S. and this set is a testament to that legacy. I have said it before and I will say it again - they just don’t make music like this anymore. It was such a thrill for me to have the opportunity to write about one of my all time favorite bands and I hope in the future that the band members, some who are actively recording, will give me a chance to hear what they are up to these days. This is a can’t miss for your collection and the kind of music any age group would appreciate. If you recall any of their music over the last thirty years, it’s a bull’s eye right to your heart, if you are just discovering them; this is a good place to start. Rating: 5/5 More about The Complete UK Recordings 1972-1974: Track Listing: Disc One: Johnny, Don't Do It! (3:35) / Sand In My Face (3:35) / Donna (2:54) / The Dean And I (3:04) / Headline Hustler (3:33) / Speed Kills (3:50) / Rubber Bullets (5:15) / The Hospital Song (2:43) / Ships Don't Disappear In The Night (Do They?) (3:07) / Fresh Air For My Mama (3:09) / Hot Sun Rock (3:02) / 4% Of Something... (4:02) / Waterfall (3:41) / Bee In My Bonnet (2:04) / Donna * (2:59) / Johnny, Don't Do It! * (3:55) / Rubber Bullets * (3:44) / The Dean And I * (2:52) (*UK Single Versions) Musicians: Contact: Website: Discography
| |
 [Review Index] [Home] [Top]  © Copyright 2004 ProgressiveWorld.net/Keith Hannaleck |