Full Complement, The - Jools Holland

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... Read review

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Advantages: Very different
Disadvantages: Too different?

...This is one of the latest CDs that i have bought, to add to my very small, but very diverse, collection of music. (One of the other recent additions being the "Back to the Old Skool" Garage CD. The sound of seasick steve could not be further away from this if he tried. With most of his songs being played on a 3 string guitar. There is a lot of deep south country music influencing the sound. However it is also extremely unique. I have never head anything like it, and probably never will hear anything like it either. I must admit though it definitely would not be for everyones tastes. I would advise looking on youtube at a couple of live performances. I first saw him on Later with Jools Holland, a few weeks ago. I thought he was amazing straight away, and very talented. I do think you have to see him perform to gain the full appreciation... Read review

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Advantages: Who else has a left hand like Jools?
Disadvantages: Some tracks sound similar.

...in Circles) is rocky and will get your foot tapping. Wellar's voice is perfect for the song, although the lyrics are relatively uninspiring. Sam Brown's Valentine Moon is track 4, and is undoubtedly my favourite song on the album. Brown has sang with Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra for some time now, and although she is relatively unknown, her voice is unique and fantastic. Its a relatively simple song with Jools providing a vamp on the piano and some nice strings, but its this simplicity that brings it its beauty. Tracks 5 and 6 are Joe Strummer's The Return of the Blues Cowboy and Dr. John's The Hand that Changed Its Mind respectively. As the title suggests, the former is a simple bluesy piece with a small piano solo in the middle. The latter is another foot stomping jazzy number where we get to hear some Jools vocals. Track 7... Read review

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