Album Results
Album Reviews
After proving they could keep 10cc alive as a duo act with 1977's successful Deceptive Bends, Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman pressed on in 1978 with Bloody Tourists. Although it scored some notable hits, it was a less consistent and less memorable affair than its predecessor. The problem with Bloody Tourists is that it feels like a group of session musicians trying to come up with songs in the 10cc style instead of a proper 10cc album. The eccentric humor that once flowed freely feels forced on this album: "Reds In My Bed" is a lame stab at Cold War satire that never really succeeds in saying anything while "Shock On The Tube (Don't Want Love)" tries to be daring with its tale of a subway sex fantasy and instead comes off as smutty and dull. Another problem is that the music propping up these narratives is lacking in both hooks and inspiration: the backing track for "Take These Chains" is a dull attempt at rockabilly that sounds like an especially poppy Eagles outtake and "The Anonymous Alcoholic" has a disco-parody portion that merely sounds like a mediocre example of the music it is supposedly sending up. However, the album's singles present a few bright moments: "For You And I" is a lovely ballad that fortifies its attractive melody with some strong vocal harmonies and "Dreadlock Holiday" chronicles the exploits of a hapless tourist in Jamaican against a catchy pop-reggae backdrop. Sadly, these are the first two tracks on the album so when they have passed there isn't much to look forward to. In the end, Bloody Tourists is competent enough to keep the 10cc's hardcore fans happy but the casual listener is advised to track down its hits on a compilation. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
Track Listing
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Use Somebody Kings Of Leon |
| When Kings of Leon were announced as one of the headline acts of Glastonbury last June, it was accompanied by a cloud of doubts. Questions about the bands legitimacy for such a prestigious slot were all answered when the Followill's delivered, what was for many, one of the highlights of the festival. As well achieving this milestone the band completed a sold out world tour and, in "Only By The Night", released one of the defining albums of the year. "Use Somebody" captures the band at their most reflective, revealing a desire to turn away from philandering ways and settle down. Could it be that the band's notorious womanising days are behind them? Whether the lyrical content is autographical or not is irrelevant, the track is just another example of how the band provides mainstream rock that doesn't, fortunately, fall into Snow Patrol territory. Anthemic without ever feeling overblown, "Use Somebody" is the sound of the band fully hitting their stride. Expect a sea of lighters when this gets played live and while you may feel a bit cheesy for complying, with songs of this standard it's perfectly acceptable. ©2008 Shazam Entertainment Limited. All rights reserved. | |
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