A BBC4 documentary, 'I'm Not in Love: The Story of 10cc', has prompted a reassessment of the band's legacy, coinciding with their 50th anniversary tour. The film explores the creation of their iconic hit 'I'm Not in Love', revealing the innovative studio techniques that defined the band's sound.
The song began with Eric Stewart's lyrics, to which Graham Gouldman added chords and a bossa nova rhythm. Initially disliked by bandmates Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, it was transformed by a 'tsunami of voices'—three weeks of recording harmonies that were then multiplied using tape loops to create a 624-voice choir. The track was finished with a whispered line from studio secretary Kathy.
The documentary highlights how 10cc were essentially two bands in one, pioneering and inventive, pushing musical limits. Their influence has endured, and the film argues that their clever, crafty songs deserve respect rather than embarrassment.
As 10cc embark on their 50th anniversary tour, performing classics like 'I'm Not in Love' and 'The Things We Do for Love', the documentary serves as a timely reminder of their artistry. The tour revives the pop classics that defined the 1970s, showcasing the band's enduring appeal.
