Monday, September 30, 2013

10cc - Windows in the Jungle

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Windows in the Jungle, the ninth album from the British pop band 10cc. It charted at number 97 in Canada, number 70 in the UK and number 7 in the Netherlands. It would also be the last album the band would release until 1992.


At this point, the line up for the band consisted of Vick Emerson (keyboards), Rick Fenn (vocals, lead guitar and acoustic guitar), Graham Gouldman (vocals, bass and percussion), Eric Stewart (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards and percussion) and Stuart Tosh (vocals and drums). Additional musicians on the record included Mel Collins (saxophone), Steve Gadd (drums), Simon Phillips (drums) and Mike Timony (keyboards).

Side one opens with “24 Hours”. As the first single, it peaked at number 78 in the UK. The album cut is eight minutes in length, starting with a tribal drum beat and switching quickly to an urban sound-scape and story.

“Feel the Love (Oomachasaooma)”, the second single, went to number 87 in the UK, number 76 in Australia and number 7 in the Netherlands. This one about the overwhelming feeling of attraction carries a reggae rhythm.

The heartfelt declarative “Yes I Am!” features Collins’ soulful saxophone.

“Americana Panorama” blends R&B and jazz into a colorful portrait of American culture.

Side two begins with “City Lights”, a funky celebration of living for nights on the town.

The bouncy “Food for Thought”, released as a single only in the Netherlands, charted at number 18.

“Working Girls”, the story of women who are trying to rise to the top and of the concessions they have to make to do so, is up next.

“Taxi! Taxi!” brings things back around to the beginning by again putting things back into a big city tableau.

I had not heard Windows in the Jungle prior to doing this review; however I rather enjoyed it on first listen. Here 10cc reminds me a lot of music by Steely Dan - very laid back and harmonious songs. It is definitely one I would pick up were it to pop up on the digital downloading scene.

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