Comments on: The Graham Gouldman Thing /2006/12/10/the-graham-gouldman-thing/ Sun, 10 Dec 2006 03:51:28 +0000 hourly 1 By: Tony Sclafani /2006/12/10/the-graham-gouldman-thing/#comment-32 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-32 It’s good to see Gouldman be recognized for something other that 10cc and "I’m Not in Love."  His three hits for Herman’s Hermits — "East West," "No Milk Today" and "Listen People," are probably the most soulful and meaningful recordings the band ever did.  His way with a mini-story is equalled by his melodic inventiveness.

I interviewed Johnny Ramone for my college newspaper in 1985, when The Ramones were on their "Too Tough to Die" tour.  When I asked him about Gouldman (who had produced a previous Ramones LP), it sent him into a semi-comic tirade against how 10cc was wimpy and "I’m Not in Love" was terrible.  I don’t think he meant to be mean, but it did show me this is the way a lot of people view Gouldman. I wish I had saved the interview tape.

]]> By: djbrian /2006/12/10/the-graham-gouldman-thing/#comment-33 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-33 In reply to Tony Sclafani.

Hey Tony-

Well, I can’t say I’m surprised to hear that Johnny Ramone wasn’t a 10cc fan. But you’re right, Gouldman is a great story-teller and tune-writer. I love his own version of “No Milk Today” on The Graham Gould Thing. And “Bus Stop” – well, I’ve always thought that was just about the most perfect pop song ever. The opening track on the record, “The Impossible Years,” is another stunning gem of melody and storyline. Having said all of that, it would be fun to listen to Johnny ragging on “I’m Not in Love.”

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