By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Review: SQUEEZE at the Baycare Sound-Clearwater, FL – September 20, 2024
In 1974, South London mates Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook began writing music together under the moniker Squeeze (paying homage to the Velvet Underground’s album of the same name). Fast forward to 2024, and the band is still strong (even after a few break-up bumps and line change-ups through the years). For Rock At Night, it’s been a summer of 80s bands, and coincidentally, on the cusp of Fall, Squeeze rolled into the Baycare Sound.
Performing after Boy George is a tough act to follow, but the band sounded full and fresh as ever. They began the evening with the New Wavy synth-driven “Take Me I’m Yours” and the very catchy “Hourglass.” Along with old favorites, the band performed ‘new’ songs “One Beautiful Summer” and the beautiful acoustic-driven “You Get the Feeling.” Another gem was Tilbrook’s song ‘Trixie’s Hell on Earth” with its theatrical flare. Apparently, Difford and Tillbrook wrote these layered and sophisticated songs in their teens and are currently recording them for their upcoming album.
Other highlights were the punky “Slap & Tickle” and the reinvented “Goodbye Girl,” which sounded zydeco with its accordion and mandolin touches. The Beatlesque “Is That Love” sounded pop-perfect and fresh. Highlights of the evening included a stripped version of Tilbrook performing “Tempted” and the bouncy ska song “Cool for Cats.”
Squeeze hit it out of the ballpark last night. My only criticism—and it’s not the band’s fault—was the volume. Even with my earplugs, the concert was louder than some of the metal concerts I’ve attended in the past.
Many of Squeeze’s songs didn’t chart in the US in the day, but we Anglophiles got our hands on the albums. Squeeze’s songs are clever, catchy, and well-written, proving they are among the most underrated bands. Hearing the band’s vocal harmonies and full-sounding arrangements live gives one an appreciation of their accomplishments and the timelessness of songs written 40 to 50 years ago. Try to catch them on tour and revisit their albums if you appreciate music from the 80s.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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