Customer Reviews

Squeeze: Song by Song

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book would be worth five stars just for the insane stories about Squeeze's experiences with John Cale, but it's got much, much more going for it than just that. The song-by-song analysis provides wonderful insight into the inspirations, both musical and lyrical, for Squeeze's great collection of songs. Biographical interchapters provide valuable back story, especially for those of us American fans who never really knew how well the band was received in the UK--to us they were always just a great band that was inexplicably under-appreciated by the masses. Tilbrook and Difford come off as genuinely nice folks, a rare and edifying quality one rarely finds in heroes.

Loved learning more about one of the most criminally underrated bands to come out of the UK. This book is not just for Squeeze fans but for fans of intelligent pop music and for those who are interested in the craft of songwriting. The interviews with Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford were fascinating, honest and revealing. This book will inspire you to revisit your Squeeze records and hopefully motivate new fans to check out their work. Glenn's documentary "Glenn Tilbrook: One For The Road" is coming out soon and Glenn and Chris have some fab solo CD's available as well. When will Squeeze be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Drury could have provided a bit more context and perspective, rather than just tossing whiffle balls at Glenn and Chris. Still, it's better than nothing and serves as a powerful reminder of just how great Squeeze was.

Tres bien! This is an absolute MUST HAVE for any Squeeze fan. Since reading this book I have rediscovered this fantastic musical group.

...will forever love you. Yes, I am a diehard Squeeze fan, thus my interest in the book, but I can recommend it to anyone who is interested in the craft of music; to anyone who is interested in what makes a musician tick, and perservere, despite the lack of overarching success. Squeeze definitely perservered, and at times prospered from their genius, but a series of misfortunes and misdirection, from within and without, kept them from achieving the success they truly deserved. After reading this book, my Squeeze discs, tapes, albums etc. have all hit the stereo once again, and to me they sound as wonderful as always, but again, the sight through lens of the diehard fan must be acknowledged. Of all the music I listened to in the 80s and early 90s, Squeeze was one of a small number of bands that I absolutely LOVED beyond all reason.

The insight provided by the duo, at the prompting of Drury, is nothing short of fascinating, though it is a bit disconcerting to hear favorite tunes dismissed as twaddle. However, their perspective, decades after the fact, is honest and interesting. The background provided about the band is more interesting still. I heartily recommend it to all fans of the band, and to anyone who enjoys music. And when you're done, hunt up your Squeeze back catalog and have a good listen. You'll never let those cassettes grow dusty again.

I was quite surprised when I stumbled across this book on Amazon. Being that it is now 2006, eight years after Squeeze released their last proper album, I thought this was something I would never see. Being a self=proclaimed die hard Squeeze fan, I quickly snatched it up. First of all, it is a very easy read, you will not feel encumbered at any point to stick with it.
I loved the accounts of the early days of Squeeze, how they managed to come together and had a great time simply playing their music. Chris is quite forthcoming in the way that he describes the impact that alcohol had on his life and how it lead to a certain amount of alienation between Glenn and himself. Chris and Glenn admit the trouble that they had communicating with each other, which one might not expect since they had spent so much time together in their life. This book covers the highs from "Cool for Cats" to the lows of being ignored in the publicity department on their later albums.
I agree with others who have said it would have been nice to have some insight from other band members- Jools Holland, Paul Carrack, or Gilson Lavis- to get a fuller picture of the band.
This book is a welcome gift for those who have enjoyed Squeeze's wonderful music over the years. A nice portrait for those to reminisce over the music that has brought much joy to our hearts.

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.