By the late '90s,
Squeeze releases (
Domino, in particular) had begun to feel workmanlike, but with two songwriters as brilliant and clever as
Chris Difford and
Glenn Tilbrook, it seemed surprising. Following the tour behind
Domino,
Difford chose to stop touring, but
Tilbrook wanted to continue on as he had before. This difference of opinion led
Tilbrook to release his first album without
Difford in nearly 25 years.
The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook, titled by
Tilbrook to reflect the improbability of going solo this late in his career, is a sparkling gem of a pop record. At once relaxed and meticulously crafted, it encapsulates all that has made
Squeeze so great. Collaborating with artists such as
Aimee Mann and
Ron Sexsmith in the songwriting process,
Tilbrook didn't completely go at it alone, but he did manage to craft an album as instantly accessible as anything
Squeeze recorded. A bit of an R&B influence is tied in ("One Dark Moment"), as are
Brian Wilson-like harmonies ("Morning"), but quintessential
Squeeze songs are still sprinkled throughout. Synthesizers are more prevalent here than on the recent power poppy
Squeeze discs, especially on songs like "Interviewing Randy Newman" and "Sunday Breakfast Treat," which sound like throwbacks to early
Squeeze classics like "Goodbye Girl" and "Take Me, I'm Yours." And even though
Chris Difford was responsible for writing most of the trademark quirky lyrics on
Squeeze albums,
Tilbrook manages to turn a good phrase himself. "Interviewing Randy Newman" is an especially good example; it's an autobiographical tale of an ill-fated interview
Tilbrook conducted with the legendary
Newman that
Tilbrook himself says is "A true story. I wish it wasn't a true story, but it is." Being both clever and earnest were always two of the lyrical trademarks of
Squeeze records. While fans may mourn the end (although it's more of a hiatus, according to
Tilbrook) of the
Difford/
Tilbrook partnership, this release confirms that the magic is far from gone.