In the early ’80s, Squeeze was one of many burgeoning new wave bands that came out of Britain on the heels of MTV. With such critically acclaimed albums as East Side Story and their collection of singles, 45’s and Under, they put their mark on both the US and British charts.

The songwriting team of Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, who were often referred to as the Lennon/McCartney of new wave, led the band during its success. Soon, though, the band disintegrated. They regrouped in the late `80s but never achieved the same levels of success.

Now without longtime songwriting partner Chris Difford, Tilbrook has gone out on his own with The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook. It is an album with a contemporary feel, yet it retains the new wave sensibility he had with Squeeze. This is a true artist at work.

With help from such artists as Aimee Mann, Tilbrook has crafted a collection of songs that boast both range and scope. The feel of the album ranges from the slow ballad “You See Me” to the disco influenced “Up the Creek.” Still, Squeeze’s influence permeates every song.

The most revealing song of the entire album is “G.S.O.H. Essential.” Tilbrook deals with the current musical scene and where he fits in it. He sings, “Considering the experience remembering when I was 10/The Monkees weren’t a real band but I still loved them/Now I flick on the remote and it’s happening again.I know it’s a changed world/And that these things aren’t meant for me/Now fame’s the intention/You just really wanna be.”

Fans of Squeeze will enjoy this album. For those of you who haven’t heard of Squeeze or even new wave, it is permissible to liken Tilbrook to perhaps Sting-only without the pretension and commercial drive. For those of you who haven’t heard of Sting, leave the cave immediately!

Overall, this album is a wonderful combination of early `80s quirkiness and contemporary songwriting ability. Tilbrook used his experience with Squeeze to create an album worth praising.