Art For Art's Sake by 10cc

Album: How Dare You! (1975)

Charted: 5 83

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In The Daily Mail, May 27, 2007, Graham Gouldman of 10cc said: "'Art For Art's Sake' was a wry comment on the values of the music business, which became ever more apparent as our career developed."
Graham Gouldman's father, Hymie, had a keen wit and often helped Graham refine his writing. Hymie often said, "Art for art's sake, money for God's sake," which was the basis for the title.
Graham Gouldman started with the title and worked backwards to write this song. He completed it with band member Eric Stewart, who does the lead vocal on this song along with Lol Creme.
The album version runs 5:59. It was cut down to 4:12 for a single.
This is one of several 10cc tracks that were big in the UK but had little impact in America. It was their seventh UK Top 10 hit, but in America, only "I'm Not In Love" and "The Things We Do For Love" cracked the Top 10.

Comments: 2

Luke from Auckland, New ZealandI love this song, the guitar riffs, melody, instrumentation and what it's about - clever and catchy.
Kenny from Clydebank, ScotlandWhat a cool beat going thru this song. 10cc are so multi-layered, but a tongue-in-cheek band that can be underestimated. Their songs are at their best when there is real sentiment there, not jokey, though saying that, 'Life is a Minestrone' is a funhouse rollercoaster ride... delicious, served up with parmesan cheese.

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