Album Info
| Artist: | 10cc |
| Album: | Art For Arts Sake |
| Released: | Australia, 1981 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Une Nuit A Paris | |
| A2 | The Second Sitting For The Last Supper | |
| A3 | Flying Junk | |
| A4 | Blackmail | |
| A5 | I'm Not In Love | |
| B1 | Don't Hang Up | |
| B2 | Art For Arts Sake | |
| B3 | People In Love | |
| B4 | Feel The Benefit |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Art For Arts Sake" stands not just as a song but as a powerful emblem of 10cc's musical philosophy. While it's not an album in itself, being a standout single from the "How Dare You!" album released in 1976, it's worthy of a close examination due to its influence and the themes it encapsulates.
The title "Art For Arts Sake" is an old aesthetic creed suggesting that true art is divorced from any didactic, moral, or utilitarian function. In the context of the song, it's a sardonic commentary on the commercialism of the music and art industry, where art is often commodified, its value determined by its market appeal rather than its intrinsic quality.
Musically, the track is a fascinating blend of 10cc's signature elements: catchy hooks, intricate arrangements, and layered harmonies, underpinned by a pulsing bassline and the clinking sound of coins – a sonic metaphor for the commercial aspect of the art world. Eric Stewart's guitar solo is a highlight, bursting forth with flair and providing a delightful contrast to the track's predominantly pop structure.
Lyrically, the song is rich with irony and wit. Lines like "Sell yourself for tuppence" and "Cash for trash" serve as jabs at the commodification of art, suggesting that in the rush for commercial success, true artistic integrity can sometimes be sidelined.
Beyond its catchy chorus and pop sensibilities, "Art For Arts Sake" is a testament to 10cc's ability to combine commercial appeal with thoughtful commentary. They never shied away from addressing the paradox they themselves lived – being commercial artists who constantly pushed the boundaries of mainstream music.
The song's success in the charts, reaching the top 10 in the UK, is somewhat ironic given its subject matter. It's a testament to the band's knack for packaging profound observations in pop-friendly formats. In many ways, "Art For Arts Sake" is a meta-commentary on 10cc’s own position in the music industry, balancing commercial success with artistic innovation.
In the broader musical landscape of the '70s, this track, and indeed the "How Dare You!" album, showcased a maturation in 10cc's sound. While they retained their experimental edge, there was a distinct move towards more polished, radio-friendly tracks. Yet, as "Art For Arts Sake" proves, they never lost their critical edge, their ability to comment on the world around them, and their desire to push the boundaries of what pop music could be.
In conclusion, "Art For Arts Sake" is a shining example of 10cc at their best: musically inventive, lyrically astute, and always willing to challenge the status quo. It's a track that invites listeners to dance along but also to think deeply about the nature of art, commerce, and the space where the two intersect.
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