Salford-born GRAHAM GOULDMAN is the latest songwriter to be honoured with a compilation album in Ace Records Writers series. ‘Listen People… the Graham Gouldman Songbook 1964-2005’ collects together 24 of his best songs performed by artists from across a number of genres.

Best known, perhaps for writing pop smashes for the Hollies, the Yardbirds and Herman’s Hermits (all have tracks included) Graham was also one quarter of the hugely successful 10CC and their included track is the jaunty ‘The Things We Do For Love’.

The interest for soul collectors here is the inclusion of Dee Dee Sharp’s version of ‘I’m Not In Love’. A little more strident than the sensitive original, it does offer a fresh perspective. Soul-wise, you also get Larry Williams and Johnny Guitar Watson’s reading of the Yardbirds’ ‘For Your Love’.

Interestingly there’s also cuts from Morrissey and McFly. McFly’s tune is a 2005 Gouldman song, ‘I’ve Got You’. It closes the album and contrasts nicely with the opener – a 60s beat classic from the Mockingbirds (fronted by Gouldman), ‘That’s How It’s Gonna Stay’.

Graham Gouldman still tours today – both in an incarnation of 10CC and solo. His solo shows are well worth checking out – full of anecdotes and lots of great tunes….. like these here!

‘Listen People… the Graham Gouldman Songbook 1964-2005’ is out now on Ace Records.