Squeeze
Spot the Difference
Anchor and Hope Music
Aug 10, 2010
Web Exclusive
The idea behind Squeeze's new album—14 re-recordings of classic Squeeze tracks—is that listeners should try to "spot the difference" between the original recordings (many of which are now over 30 years old) and these recreations. Rootsy-rockers Cracker did something similar a few years back as a screw you to their former record label, but instead of loose variations, Squeeze has reprised their hits here in faithful fashion. Sure, there is nothing new in these tracks, but it is surprising how well the songs stand up after so many years. Retrospectively, one can be tempted to write off Squeeze as guilty pleasures, but Spot the Difference reminds one how much Squeeze transcended the musical high-sheen narcissism of their era instead of being sucked in by its indulgences. Such songs as "Another Nail In My Heart," "Goodbye Girl," "Is That Love," and "Up the Junction" are pieces of pure pop perfection. Another revelation is how well the songs included from more-or-less forgotten Squeeze albums (1993's Some Fantastic Place, anyone?) stand up alongside the classics. Which makes Spot the Difference a new kind of greatest hits album, one that reestablishes a band you might have forgotten about and asserts its place next to the masters. (www.squeezeofficial.com)
Author rating: 6/10
Average reader rating: 5/10
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August 13th 2010
3:23am
Squeeze has forever remained one of my top 5 favorite bands of all time, along with XTC, Stephen Duffy/Lilac Time, Crowded House and Barenaked Ladies. This CD, however, just pisses me off. Perhaps if they had rerecorded each of these tunes with some sort of new twist instead of “faithful renditions” I could call it something new. Otherwise, it’s yet again another greatest hits CD from a band I’m feeling ashamed of at the moment, since they have a dozen or more reissues and greatest hits already under their belt. Difford and Tilbrook, you promised fans a newly recorded CD of original music in 2010; what the f*ck is this? Then you play live in the U.S. and don’t stop in Portland Oregon where fans of both your “I Never Thought It Would Happen 2008” tour and Glenn’s solo tour in 2009 yielded nice turnouts and terrific support from us Oregonians. You are seriously getting on my nerves. At least Crowded House is in town this month, just as they were a month before you in 2008. Get it together. Neither of you measures up to what the two of you have done together, even from separate rooms or houses or tour vans.