New wave is often seen as a disposable genre of one-hit wonders and weird clothes. Seen as too pop for punk fans yet too left-of-center for pop fans, this genre was born to have a short shelf life. But in its limited lifespan, there was some exceptional music produced. Squeeze’s “East Side Story” is one of those diamonds in the rough.
Released in 1981 and co-produced by new wave legend Elvis Costello, this album showed that it is possible to be both poppy and viable. This is in no small part because of the amazing songwriting team of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. They artfully create songs with smart and incisive lyrics while still keeping incredible pop hooks.
The brilliance of the duo is that they have the ability to make mundane and everyday situations magical and beautiful. In the effervescent “Piccadilly,” Tilbrook sings about a couple having a normal Saturday night out on the town. The swirling piano and pounding bass line makes this mediocre event something worth celebrating.
This is also the case for “Someone Else’s Heart.” Difford’s soft voice tells the story of two partners finding love while looking through each other’s past. This song still bounces around with the intricate drumming of Gibson Lavis and bass work of John Bentley.
It is amazing how Difford and Tilbrook can make heartbreak and relationship foibles so upbeat and positive.
This album is not all full of upbeat pop tunes, though. In the song “There’s No Tomorrow,” a slow and spacey piano works around Tilbrook’s bizarre vocals. Adding to the weird elements are synth effects fading in and out throughout the song. Along with the quirky “Heaven,” this song explores the far reaches of what pop can be. The band does country and western as well in the sweet ballad “Labeled with Love.”
As experimental as some of these songs are, the vocals of Tilbrook often help in making them more accessible. It has elements of soul while not being too intense; it creates a perfect pop record where the instrumentation alone would be too intricate and remote. Backed by an orchestra, Tilbrook is able to make the song “Vanity Fair” a soft and simple ballad.
Strangely enough, the standout track is not sung by Tilbrook nor by Difford, but by keyboardist Paul Carrack. “Tempted” is Squeeze’s biggest hit, and has been an alternative radio staple for over 20 years (as well as a Burger King ad). In fact, it is this song that got me into Squeeze, and it is still one of my favorite records of all time. It simply has that driving beat, the flowing organ and Carrack’s unbelievable vocals which make it timeless.
In true Tilbrook/Difford fashion, this outstanding song is about the simple act of packing before going on a tour. Unfortunately, Carrack left soon after the album was made to pursue a solo career.
This is not an album for everyone. It takes a certain appreciation for the craft of songwriting to understand the quirky beauty of it. But for those precious few, it is a testament to the hidden majesty of new wave.
Squeeze: East Side Story
A&M Records, 1981
Produced by Roger Bechiran and Elvis Costello
Personnel: Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook, Gilson Lavis, John Bentley, Paul Carrack.
Standout tracks: “Tempted,” “Is That Love,” Picadilly,” “Labelled with Love.”
