The best moments during this 1001 albums project are when you start an album you know absolutely nothing about, and know from the very first note that you’re listening to something special. Go listen to “The Wall Street Shuffle” if you want to see what I’m talking about. With the amount of confidence, playfulness and precision on display here, I’m surprised I’ve never heard of 10cc. It’s top-shelf stuff, and even I, someone who often doesn’t even listen to lyrics, found myself loving the brilliant tongue-in-cheek wordplay (“Hotel” and “Clockwork Creep” are particularly fun). The songwriting is delightfully varied and inspired, whether it’s fuzz guitar, reggae or art-pop, and the musicianship is tight and professional throughout (indeed, each member is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist). The entire thing feels like a masterclass in sarcastic early 70s Art Rock. Er. Or something like that.
At any rate, this easily stacks up there with the Supertramps and Mothers of Inventions of the world.
_______________________________
Next up: Neil Young’s On The Beach
