Are you familiar with "Play," the 1991 release from Squeeze? The casual Squeeze fan usually says, "No." About a year prior to its release, a friend who was working at Warner Brothers, told me with great excitement, that the label had signed Squeeze, and she would be working the record, doing all the PR. The closer it got to the release date, my friend began inviting me to various album release parties. I got to see the band upclose, once at a private office concert and another at a school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This record was going to put the band back on top. This was exciting, indeed. It came out. It died almost instantly. Nice job, Warner Brothers.
"Play" is the band's adult masterpiece. On most days, usually after I play "Play," I am certain it is Squeeze's best record.
So that's my pitch. Listen to "Play" today. Warner Brothers sure didn't.
I've been listening to a lot of Squeeze this week, not just "Play," though yesterday I listened to "Play" twice and chose "The Truth" as the SOTD. I thought it would be fun to offer up a quick deep cut six pack for your listening pleasure.
Here it is, featuring three cuts from "Play," one from "Domino," ("Domino?" "Yes, Domino,") one from "Sweets From A Stranger" and one b-side.
SIX PACK TRACKS
Satisfied
What The Butler Saw
Letting Go
In the Morning
Walk A Straight Line
Tongue Like A Knife
zip
13 comments:
Been a huge Squeeze fan for years. Extremely ironic you posted this today, Sal, as the mailman will be delivering a nice Japan vinyl issue of 'Sweets From A Stranger' later today and a German issue of 'Play' is a just few days behind (strange that Germany is the only place the vinyl was pressed).
Favorite Squeeze album for me is a toss up between 'Play' and 'Some Fantastic Place'
Randy
"Play" is a terrific album. Always loved the song 'Sunday Street'. Great call for today. To be honest, I didn't care much for "Domino", but loved "Some Fantastic Place". Overall a really good period for the band, there were a lot of great songs in that time.
Off to listen to "Play"
Troy,
Yeah, "Domino" is pretty weak. But there are a few gems. Love the track here and "To Be A Dad."
That soundtrack album for BBC show a few years back is pretty damn good.
excellent and very interesting assignment to revisit later works of bands of our youth (ish). I'd nominate a couple for your consideration: Garland Jefferys "14 Steps to Harlem (2017...with track standouts Venus, his take on HELP, Time Goes Away and the title track), and Ian Brown, late of Stone Roses and this years Ripples (stand out tracks First World problems Black Roses, Blue Sky Day and Break Down the Walls.
Didn’t know “Play”....diggin’ it now! Sounds way cool....Thanks.
More Squeeze, pleeze. Six pic't 'n' mix't is not enough...
(but thanks for this nonetheless)
Squeeze is so great. Play just might be my favorite. Really loved the last two releases as well. Hope they come out with another one soon.
I love Play. Remember buying the CD at HMV the weekend it came out.
Looking forward to seeing Squeeze at Pier 17 later this month.
Great call. Love this album. Letting Go is one of the greatest in the Difford and Tilbrook catalog.
Just listened to Play the other week and it's a very strong album. Luckily found a hard-to-find vinyl pressing of it in May at a record in Chicago (for only $8!!).
I'm glad it's not just you and me (and a dog named Boo) who remember "Play", a much underrated and under...er...played little album. Thanks for the zip & the chance to hear a Squeeze mix. Cheers!
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