...In 1980, Argybargy saw London band Squeeze developing towards a wider variety of styles such as the mini opera of Separate Beds, the full blooded pop of Pulling Mussels From A Shell and the swing of Wrong Side Of The Moon, written by Jools Holland and Chris Difford and sung by the former. With I Think I’m Go-Go Difford and Glenn Tilbrook succeeded in conveying the automaton like aspects of the pop start existence without falling into self indulgence, singing a verse each with appropriate backing textures to suit their contrasting voices.
Gilson Lavis was still present on drums, but the album saw the debut of John Bentley on bass after Harry Kakoulli had departed, later to resurface with ex Dart John Dummer in the outrageous True Life Confessions.
It was by no means as good as Squeeze or Cool For Cats, but Argybargy was still a good...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Unique pop, strong songs, Take Me I'm Yours Disadvantages: A bit patchy
...Squeeze were a motley crew; the angelic Glenn Tilbrook sung in a light, melodic style that complemented his looks and played slick, fluid lead guitar, while lyricist Chris Difford looked and sounded rougher, playing scratchy, churning rhythm guitar and singing in a gruff, low pitched, deadpan style. Jools Holland, invariably dressesd in sharp suit and a selection of colourful ties, came over as the archetypal wide boy complete with shades, huge cigar and fast talking stage raps. Harry Kakoulli, with shoulder length hair, and the powerfully built Gilson Lavis completed a visual image that defied stereotyping.
Squeeze’s first single after signing to the major A&M label, Take Me I’m Yours, was a complete break from punk, sung in octave unison by Tilbrook and Difford against a disco beat and Holland’s swirling synthesisers. It was a hit...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Cool for cats, up the junction, other strong songs Disadvantages: A bit patchy
...The title track of Squeeze’s second album Cool For Cats (1979), produced by John Wood, along with the likes of Slap And Tickle, It’s Not Cricket and the ambiguous It’s So Dirty (actually a put down of sexist attitudes) continued Chris Difford’s obsession with nights out with the lads looking for birds and booze. Cool For Cats and Up The Junction both made number 2 in the UK charts, the latter a sad tale of young marriage doomed to failure sung by Tilbrook to one of his most enchanting melodies. Slap And Tickle also made number 24 when released as a single, confirming Squeeze’s new found popularity as pop’s heirs to Ian Dury’s Cockney crown.
The album also included The Knack, Slightly Drunk and Revue amongst others and was a very strong set, a distinctive step forward from their first album....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
15.10.2000
15.10.2000
15.10.2000
