Squeeze: Song by Song [Paperback]

Jim Drury (Author), Glenn Tilbrook (Author), Chris Difford (Author)

Book Description

Series: Song By Song | Publication Date: December 2004

One of the finest bands of the British New Wave, Squeeze shot to the top of the charts in the 1980s with a string of hits including "Cool for Cats," "Up the Junction," "Another Nail in My Heart," and "Tempted." In this definitive account, Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford, the band's creative heart, discuss Squeeze's history, their distinctive sound, and the creative process behind their catchy melodies and provocative, emotional lyrics. The book also includes lyric sheets and a detailed discography.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing, Ltd. (December 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1860746047
• ISBN-13: 978-1860746048
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #654,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For casual and hardcore fans alike, December 25, 2004

By 

Sherry Chiger "schiger" (New Rochelle, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Squeeze: Song by Song (Paperback)

Given the topsy-turvy fortunes of this underappreciated band, it was a surprise to come across a book devoted to the backstory and recording of every Squeeze song. But while the book, which presents Chris Difford's and Glenn Tilbrook's memories and opinions on every song they wrote together, will no doubt please Squeeze fans (such as me), any afficionado of Britpop, pop or rock music, or songwriting in general will appreciate this book. It describes the nuances of the writing process, unlikely sources of inspiration, and happy accidents of the production process. It also shows why partnerships between two equally talented, complementary yet contradictory personalities rarely survive the long term. One quibble: While every Squeeze song is discussed, the lyrics for some of the songs are missing. If you're hoping to read the correct lyrics to "annie Get Your Gun," for instance, you're out of luck.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a Heartbreaking World, indeed, August 1, 2005

By 

D. Gorman (TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Squeeze: Song by Song (Paperback)

I love Squeeze. I have since I saw them open for Elvis Costello in 1981. Had no idea who they were until then but became a big fan and faithfully bought everything that they put out. I loved the music and tried to figure out the sometimes undecipherable lyrics and the British idioms but that was fine with me. I followed them through the various incarnations and lineups and wondered "Whatever happened to John Bentley" or Don Snow or Harry what's-his-name...they went through a lot of guys. I never knew much about the creative process that was behind "Difford-Tilbrook." Until now. And I'm almost sorry to have read it. This is an amazing behind the scenes fly-on-the-wall type of book that is uncomfortably voyeuristic at times. Unflinching portraits of two towering musicians who were a songwriting "team" in a real stretch of the word. Difford wrote the sometimes tortured lyrics; Tilbrook put it all to music. They wrestled for control of the band at times and they rarely worked in the same room and occasionally went months without speaking to each other. I was fascinated. You will be too if you either love this band or want to see the what the music world is really like.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool for Cats, December 25, 2004

By 

Craig (Washington, D.C. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Squeeze: Song by Song (Paperback)

This book arrived just in time for Christmas and what a treat it was. Having been a long time Squeeze fan, I'm used to waiting for material from the band and having to fight to get it. This book was worth the effort.

I guess I'm always surprised when I read these band accounts and find out everyone doesn't get along all that well. I always sort of picture the big house like the Beatles had in Help, with four separate doors, but everyone hangs out and sings all day. This was not the case with Squeeze.

Still being a big fan, it was great to get insight into the songs and to learn what was going on behind the scenes. I admire them even more.