Customer Reviews

Pandemonium Ensues

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I preface this by noting that I love Glenn Tilbrook and Squeeze, having seen Mr. Tilbrook about 50 times in concert since 1982. Pandemonium has several moments of excellence, but is dragged down by excess experimentation and five horrible songs (Product, Slaughtered Artist, Happy Disposition, Beachland Ballroom and Too Close To The Sun). If those songs were at least average, Pandemonium would be a three or four star album. It is frustating for what it could have been.
On the positive side, Tilbrook delivers brilliant vocals, lyrics and melodies on Best Of Times, Still, Black Sheep and Melancholy Emotion. Best Of Times and Still sound so passionate I almost get chills hearing Glenn belt them out.
In its best moments, Pandemonium is polished and catchy. The bad (like Lucy Shaw singing lead on Product) is truly awful.
In spite of the bad songs, it's still a must have for the Squeeze lovers out there. Just do what I did, transfer the nine best songs to your i-Pod and leave the five mentioned above out.
You will then find yourself smiling and singing along.

After not being too impressed with Glenn's 2nd cd Transatlantic Ping Pong I came to this slightly skeptical, especially after one reviewer said it sucked. Never trust another's opine!! This one is EXCELLENT! The 2nd CD TAPP I thought was rushed because of the enthusiasm of the first solo album and how great it was. These songs are all typical Tilbrook. Hooks, humor, excellent guitar, not rushed. Each song is awesome, even the one or two sung by the girl and the instrumental. I get a little suspicious when I see a second songwriter that is not CDifford. But man, this one is Aces. Some songs totally reminds me of later Squeeze (Domino, Ridiculous)and others just plain Tilbrook. I have even gone back to TAPP and sort of like most of it now. Not all. If you are a true fan then you must know you can never really go wrong with anything related to Glenn, Chris or the band. Ever! Enjoy it and thanks Glenn and band.

I've been a fan of Glen Tilbrook's since 1982 when I first heard "Another Nail In My Heart." I have both of his solo albums and "Pandemonium Ensues" is along the lines of the two previous records. This album contains some really strong efforts,my favorites among them "Still" and "Black Sheep". Anyone,who takes issue with Lucy Webb singing lead on "Product" should watch the you tube video of Tilbrook singing it himself. It is much more effective sung by a woman. Anyone who might be on the fence about "She Makes Me" should watch the you tube video of this performance. It will definitely sell you. Yes,there are some lesser efforts(Slaughtered Artist,Happy Disposition) but if you scratch this album because of those few missteps,you'll be missing out.

This album is such a great listen. Tilbrook once again shows what a great talent he is. With such a shortage of such smart, catchy pop/rock music being produced nowadays, this album will get lots of work in my iPod! I hope I get the opportunity to catch this group in concert.

I'm not sure what the some of the others are listening to.
This CD is fantastic!!!. Has lots of variety, interesting instrumentation. I'm floored on 2 listens. There is alot to delve into.
I saw the fluffers in CT and the musicianship was tops.
I'm a long time squeeze fan and this CD fills the void.
Glenn and the fluffers , nice one!

I'm with Dave Alan. I don't get the naysayers. This is the best thing Glenn Tilbrook has done since Squeeze. It's full of his trademark melodicism. Not every song works. I could do without the punk rockish numbers, but there are a number of really first-rate tracks. Even Lucy Shaw's vocal turn is neat. If you like Glenn Tilbrook, get this.

Wow! That Glenn Tilbrook sure is an amazing singer--such a distinctive voice! I guess his voice is just as distinctive as the sound of his guitar. He's always a pleasure to listen to. Wonderful!

Although the previous reviewer took issue with some of the songs on this record, I have to disagree. I liked the whole thing. There are some Squeeze-like moments--deliciously catchy pop melodies combined with thoughtful lyrics exploring the tragic and/or joyful details of ordinary, daily existence. "Best of Times" is as good a pop song as you'll find anywhere (but with that little touch of sadness to keep things real). I can't stop humming it! I can't get it out of my head--and I don't want to! And I really enjoyed the wacky "Japanese Mod Sci-fi movie theme, circa 1966" vibe of "Too Close to the Sun"--partly an over-the-top spoof and partly truly fabulous!

I've had this CD for less than a week, but I can already see that I'm going to play it again and again in the coming years. Good stuff!

"Still" FLUFF...Something of little substance or consequence, especially light or superficial entertainment...Glenn needs to stop wasting time with this shallow attempt of a side project band...all he needs is his VOICE & GUITAR not untalented leeches to stroke his ego (Lucy) "Product" are you kidding me?...his solo career is slowly going down the road to oblivion with each consecutive release and it truly pains my heart...Pandemonium Ensures is unfilling and unwarranted and without a doubt the low point in Glenn's glorious musical career

P.S. Glenn please pick up the phone & give Chris a call, it's time...