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. As for the remainder of the album, 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. "Feel the Benefit," the lengthy medley that closes the album 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.

Label-Mercury

Sel #-SRM-1-3702

Country-US

Year-1977

Vinyl-EX

Cover-Gatefold cover is VG+ with lower left corner cut. Includes inner picture sleeve with lyrics.

Tracklist
A1 Good Morning Judge 2:54
A2 The Things We Do For Love 3:32
A3 Marriage Bureau Rendezvous 3:47
A4 People In Love 3:54
A5 Modern Man Blues 5:43
B1 Honeymoon With B Troop 2:44
B2 I Bought A Flat Guitar Tutor 1:45
B3 You've Got A Cold 3:42
Feel The Benefit
B4 Reminisce And Speculation 4:20
B5 A Latin Break 2:44
B6 Feel The Benefit 4:30