Customer Reviews

South East Story (Bonus Dvd) (Pal)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're reading this, you likely already know Chris Difford was the lyric-writing half of the Difford and Tilbrook partnership that was Squeeze. This collection is Difford's take on the Squeeze catalog, including some hits and some obscurities. His unique vocal style (best remembered from "Cool for Cats") is bolstered by harmonies from a female singer and the other guitarist. Chris and his backing musicians (two, sometimes three acoustic guitars and a pedal steel guitar) perform warm covers of 10 Squeeze songs on the CD. Sometimes the tempo is altered, changing the original mood of the song, but it never sounds "gimmicky."

I also want to point out that this $13.99 domestic release version includes the same DVD as the $40 import release, even though Amazon doesn't list it in the description. The DVD is wonderful, capturing a December 2005 performance of the same band that plays on the CD, and includes live performances of 16 songs:
1. Up The Junction
2. Labelled With Love
3. Cowboys Are My Weakness
4. Slap & Tickle
5. Goodbye Girl
6. Lamas Fayre
7. Another Nail In My Heart
8. Tempted
9. Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)
10. Take Me I'M Yours
11. Hourglass
12. Black Coffee In Bed
13. Cool For Cats
14. Encore: Slaughtered, Gutted & Heartbroken
15. Cool For Cats
16. Take Me I'M Yours

Between songs, Chris tells stories about the songs, or the circumstances during which they were written.

The final overall feel of the CD and DVD is a little bittersweet, as Chris mentions in the liner notes that this is his way of closing a chapter in his life (ending rumors of a Squeeze reunion any time soon), but his obvious affection for the songs comes out in the performance, making this a celebration of the band's history, and definitely not a "greatest hits" package designed to make some quick cash.

I was pleasantly suprised to see and hear this wonderful concert. Chris is vastly underrated as a performer and singer in his own unique style. Chris's voice captures the old Squeeze sound and Dorie Jackson does a remarkable job doing Glenn Tilbrook's part. While some songs really do miss drums and keyboard, the concert itself is very entertaining. Its just a shame that Glenn and Chris can't continue to perform together and realize all their unfilled commercial goals.

This won't set the world on fire, but it's great to hear these Squeeze songs re-imagined as acoustic country/americana staples. Chris has great taste, and the set nevers veers into maudlin. If you are a Squeeze fan and are ready for a bit of an adventure, then I recommend it. After all these years, you don't trust him?

Having recently watched Glen Tilbrook both live and on his DVD "One for the road" I purchased the Chris Difford CD/DVD package and its so slow and low key and from time to time downright boring. I haven't even watched the DVD yet but if it's similar to the CD it'll be hard staying awake. Sorry......