When Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford decided to abandon Squeeze and go out on their own in 1984, it was as if Lennon & McCartney had decided to work without George & Ringo. So of course their album, "Difford & Tilbrook" was a disappointment to many. Everyone expected "Rubber Soul" but got "Ram" instead. But just as time has been kind to "Ram," arguably one of the finest solo records by a Beatle, Difford & Tilbrook's sole solo album together (huh?) has not only aged quite well, it's actually one of the finest collections of tunes released by these two brilliant songwriters.
Tony Visconti adds just the right amount of quirk to the production, with odd rhythms and occasionally odder instrumentation. But where that may have been somewhat offputting to Squeeze fans forty years ago, it really isn't that far off from what they had already been doing on "Sweets From A Stranger" the album right before jumping ship.
I admit I was one of those disappointed fans in 1984, even though I loved "Sweets From A Stranger." I wasn't even thrilled with the Difford & Tilbrook show I saw at The Ritz. I think I was mad at Glenn and Chris for breaking up the band. But nothing sounded as good to me yesterday as this 1984 collaboration. Every song hit home in one way or another. The lyrics are there, as are the melodies. You may need to navigate through a few arrangements, but man, it is worth the trip.
7 comments:
I was very disappointed with this album when it first came out. This and “Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti” caused me to abandon Squeeze for many years. I only got back into them at your insistence but I never came back to this album. It’s time to dust it off and see if 40 years have made it age like a fine wine.
I love Squeeze. And I, too, was disappointed with this album. I had largely forgotten about it. I'm sure I don't own it anymore, so will have to go find a copy. Or see if I can stream it somewhere. Looking forward to revisiting it to see if I feel differently about it now.
I was in the same boat with you gents, and after seeing them live in NYC in 1984(?) and finding their live show a bit uninspired, I moved on but still listened to their early works. With age I revisited and ventured back a few years ago to catch them on tour. They've matured quite well and their live shows are exciting, rocking and musically sophisticated. Made a point of seeing them now a few times and am looking forward to their show at Radio City Music Hall (NYC) with the Psychedelic Furs opening. The Furs are one of my favorite college age bands that I never took time to catch live.
Picking Up The Pieces and The Apple Tree are a couple of the best tunes in the Difford And Tilbrook songbook. I've always loved this album.
So I listened today and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Nothing earth-shattering but certainly not the 'bad' album I imagined it to be. I think the issue may have been the production. It didn't sound like a Squeeze record to me at the time. Listening to it now, there are a number of good songs. No wow moments but certainly nothing to be ashamed about. Listening to it on its own the production sounds pretty good most of the time, especially on songs like 'Love's Crashing Waves' and 'Man for All Seasons'. On some of the other tunes though, I wish they would have been a little more daring. The prime example is 'The Apple Tree'. A really good tune but it begs for something a little more adventurous along the lines of 'There's No Tomorrow' from East Side Story. All in all a solid outing but I'm glad they got the band together again.
Will have to revisit this one--it's been a number of years. Like some of the others, the production turned me off. Same with Cosi Fan..
To be continued...
Bill
It's always a treat to listen to things I thought I hated 40 years ago - and be pleasantly surprised! (With the help of your blog, of course.)
I am so angry at myself for missing the last two Squeeze shows at The Stone Pony. Please come back!
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