10 cc's KEEP YOU ALIVE

Record Mirror 3 December 1977 p. 17
By Jim Evans

10cc: 'Live And Let Live'
(Mercury 6641 698)

A DOUBLE album of live material from one of the most inventive bands of the decade has to be an important landmark. Not only is it their first live vinyl offering but it's also the first recorded product from the band's new line-up: Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Ric Fenn, Tony O'Malley, Stuart Tosh and Paul Burgess.

When Lol Creme and Kevin Godley departed many, myself included, thought this would be the beginning of the end for the band. Quips of 5cc were heard and seen in print. Likewise, the last studio album 'Deceptive Bends' met with mixed reaction.

But with this year's British tour the new 10cc proved that all was well. That without Creme and Godley they were still very much a force to be reckoned with. That as a live band they were: entertaining, lively and supremely confident both in stage presence and musical ability. And ally with this the fact that on stage they manage to approach the perfection they achieve in the studio.

Recorded at London's Hammersmith Odeon and the Apollo, Manchester, this double LP showcases the band's many talents. The musical ability of the band has never been questioned. The addition of Tony O'Malley on keyboards has proved a great success. They all play well together and there's no need to single out any particular break or contribution for separate praise.

The material ranges from the band's classics like 'Art For Art's Sake' and 'I'm Not In Love' to numbers from 'Deceptive Bends' like 'Good Morning Judge'.

The outstanding tracks in the live perspective turn out to be 'Feel The Benefit' and 'I'm Not In Love', the former being so catchy and irrepressible. In the field of song construction they're in a class of their own. Still.

Perhaps the departure of Creme and Godley gave Stewart and Gouldman a needed kick up the ass. Whatever, this album is magic. Call them boring old farts if you must but there'll always be room for music such as 10cc provide. + + + + JIM EVANS

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