MUSIC FROM CONSEQUENCES

The splitting in two of 10CC was largely brought about by Kevin Godley and Lol Crème's desire to develop their Gizmotron invention. The first result of this was a bloated and completely unmarketable triple LP collection titled "Consequences". The album predictably bombed, not just because of its size, but also due to the fact that it was packed with totally indulgent experiments in sound.

In an effort to recoup some of the astronomical sums they had sunk into this musical equivalent of the Titanic, Phonogram/Mercury selected the best (or least worst) parts of the album, and released them as this single LP compilation. Peter Cook's play within a play was pretty much ditched, the main challenge being not in the pruning, but in retaining enough of value to make up a 40 minute album.

The tracks are presented in a sequence which is intended make this compilation form a cohesive whole. They are therefore not in the same order as they appeared on the full release. "Five o'clock in the morning", which kicks things off, originally opened side three of the triple LP set. It is the most commercial track here, rich in 10CC harmonies set against a melancholy vocal. All too soon though, we are into the appropriately titled "When things go wrong", a song with some funky sax (played by Mel Collins) and a slight reggae feel.

Sarah Vaughan adds some atmospheric female vocals to "Lost weekend", the song being another piece of downbeat 10CC reflection. This makes for a welcome variant on the procession of such tracks which follow.

Peter Cook does appear on "Rosie", his distinctive tones playing it straight (rather than for comedic effect). The 14 minute "Blints' Tune" which closed the original set is also omitted altogether.

It is only when we get to the final four tracks of this compilation that we find the Gizmotron taking centre stage. A cynic would say that this is where the 10CC songs ran out, and the compilers were obliged to resort to the weird and wonderful world of the real "Consequences". It is certainly interesting that these tracks are placed at the end of this compilation, whereas they were decidedly up front on the original album. Those who enjoy the experimental music of Roger Eno and other such avant-garde musicians may find these brief glimpses interesting. 10CC fans will probably check their CD player for defects!

Overall, it quickly becomes obvious that the plan of attack used for this compilation was to accentuate as far as possible the 10CC aspects of the music, while relegating the Gizmotron to brief, blink and you'd miss it, appearances. On that basis, it is a success; It certainly manages to bring together the most commercial parts of the monster G&C originally came up with. On the downside, most of the tracks which fit this prerequisite are of a similar type, rendering the package somewhat monotonous.

As a bargain priced taster (it is currently available as half of a 2 on 1 CD which includes the second album "L") this is a practical way of finding out what all the fuss was about.