ladyislingering

Before I begin with the Squeeze feature, I've got to throw in a couple videos I watched this morning that totally blew me away. These are a couple songs I feel I've already talked about, but here's two live performances that are absolutely stellar.

Gayle McCormick has serious pipes of gold. If you can listen to her and not be impressed, you're probably tone deaf. The song below is a cover of the Shirelles' original hit; it's also been covered by the Carpenters, the Beatles, Cilla Black and even Ace goddamn Frehley.

Smith - "Baby It's You" (1969)



I know I've posted this next song at least twice, but I just found this video this morning. This is a live performance (though I can't tell if the music itself is a pre-recorded track) and the vocals are outstanding. Mark Stein appears to be on something funky as he bangs away at the organ like he's having an orgasm and grooving at the same time. Maybe that's all part of the charm.

I love this song (originally by Diana Ross & The Supremes); I love this group.

Vanilla Fudge - "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1968)



Sometime during 2008/2009 I rediscovered this terrific group from London, Squeeze. Glenn Tillbrook and Chris Difford, two insanely skilled and clever songwriters, were the leaders of this new wave/power-pop group. I'd venture to say they were England's version of The Knack (except maybe a little less filthy).

Most American people remember Squeeze for this track. I know I did. This one's from 1981. The lyrics always made me a little uncomfortable because they're so difficult to figure out, but you can bet the vocals are smooth as hell. Here's some super-sexy vinyl.

Squeeze - "Tempted"



Apart from this song, I wasn't truly aware of the genius of Squeeze for years. Then I heard this. It's dumb, it's poppy, but it was different. Check that Cockney accent. Here's an early track from the late 70s.

"Cool for Cats"

The squaw is with the corporal, she's tied against a tree.
She doesn't mind the language; it's the beating she don't need.



Also from "Cool for Cats", this song will always remind me of one of the grossest human beings I ever had the misfortune of knowing. He was a chronic masturbator, and just an all-around disgusting creature. Good riddance.

"Touching Me, Touching You"

I'm always touching myself,
I've got nothing better to do,
and when I'm touching myself
I'm always thinking of you



Yet another odd track from "Cool for Cats", sort of disco-y but the lyrics are just fantastic.

"Slap and Tickle"



Though this is my favorite from the album. It's so pretty.

"Goodbye Girl"



I have Squeeze's first LP on limited edition red vinyl. Why? I don't know; I had to have it, I guess. Here's a gem from that album (1978). I'm sort of surprised this song wasn't courtesy of Giorgio Moroder. I absolutely love this song.

"Take Me, I'm Yours"



I'm relatively certain I have "Argybargy" (1980) in my collection but it's been a good year since I've looked at the majority of my records. This song always stood out to me.

"Another Nail in My Heart"



I've always really loved this song, too. Maybe it's just the strange sound of it; I don't even really know what I love about it. I just love it. Maybe it's just so typical of the era, and so new-wavy. Or maybe it's just the synth sounds. I don't know; it's just cool.

"I Think I'm Go-Go"



No truer words have ever been sung - "if I didn't love you, I'd hate you" - very accurate in my black and white world. More brilliant lyrics; it's just the Squeeze way.

"If I Didn't Love You"



I do have to admit that I'm not terribly familiar with "East Side Story", Squeeze's 4th album. It's in my collection but I've never actually listened to it past "Tempted". I'll work on that sometime.

From their 5th album, "Sweets from a Stranger" (1982), a song that everyone's probably heard at least once at the grocery store.

"Black Coffee in Bed"



This next one is just brilliant. I don't know what set of lyrics to quote here that could sum it all up; it's just lovely and lush.

"Tongue Like a Knife"

She was the jewel that sparkled in darkness,
she was the love of everyone's life,
she was the catch of everyone's parties,
she was the one with a tongue like a knife.



I sort of lost interest in Squeeze past this album, but this next track (from 1987's "Babylon and On") is pretty cool. The brass is very typical of the late 80s, as are the rapidly-sung lyrics. But it sounds more like classic Squeeze than anything.

"Hourglass"



I'll throw this one in for good measure. It's a b-side from "Argybargy".

"Annie, Get Your Gun"



And I almost hate to admit it, but this song plays in my head whenever I've been in West Seattle.

"Up the Junction"



As you can tell, my obsession with Squeeze was brief and not terribly extensive. Perhaps someday I'll extend my knowledge of their catalogue. For now, this will have to do.

Though I really loved this hilarious song by Chris Difford. It sounds like something Weird Al wrote; it's just funny as hell.

Now I have tits just like my mum,
I'm out of breath before I run,
I like to eat, because it's fun!

"Fat as a Fiddle"



Next time: the genius of Weird Al Yankovic?? We'll see.

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