Consequences 10cc podcast 37 - Godley and Creme: Birds of Prey (1983)

Welcome to part 2 of our appreciation of Godley and Creme's adventures in the 80s. Paul and Sean are once again joined by our Stateside friend of the show Mike Ferreri. Here we launch into 1983's 'Birds of Prey', an album that by rights shouldn't have existed at all, given Kevin and Lol's punishing but highly successful video schedule. But somehow this album came into being, and it's a surprisingly meaty offering from the duo. Sean believes this is their finest work in the 80s; Paul and Mike aren't convinced! For Paul, it's all about the songs... We all admire Lol's development as his own one-man DIY backing band, with much more layered, realised and refined textures. Kevin's singing out of his skin too, with a huge dollop of Soul in his delivery, melodies and lyrics.  Even though the album doesn't have the obvious highlights (ie. the hits) of its predecessor, it's a much less erratic affair. There are some real highlights here: the affecting 'Samson', driving 'Worm and the Rattlesnake' and the haunting and beautifully old-fashioned 'Out in the Cold'. Others grab the podders by the ears or throat; some just impress with their lyrical darkness, honesty or power. But all of the tracks are given the once-over this week, and we hope that you enjoy Sean's brave efforts to enthuse his podcast partners! Hold tight for next week's controversial 'History Mix Vol.1'