 As half of the iconic songwriter team Difford and Tilbrook of beloved pop legends Squeeze, Glenn Tilbrook has written some of the most enduring pop classics of the '80s UK New Wave invasion with such global hits as "Tempted" and "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)." With more recent performances at Coachella and on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Live From the Artist's Den, Squeeze has proven itself to be relevant and enduring as new generations of fans discover the band's incredible songbook.
Inventive, witty and stuffed with a twinkling treasure trove of brand-new melodies, Happy Trails proves
that the man's musicality and sense of craft are as fresh and energized
as ever. Tracks include the poignant orchestral story-song "Persephone;" "Rupert," a pean to Mr. Murdoch that's far more appealing than he deserves; the infectiously jaunty "Kev and Dave," about two brothers who run a pub; and a tender meditation on Beach Boy Dennis Wilson. Tilbrook is yet again in top form when co-writing with his old friend Chris Braide (currently
working with Beyonce and Lana Del Ray) on the acerbic but funny dig at
big businesses' lack of accountability in the catchy single "Everybody Sometimes." Lyrics are all by Tilbrook.
"What
I've tried to do is just strip my writing back to guitar or piano and
start out from there. One of the next goals I have is to make a sparse
record, because I'm very good at putting in detailed information. I just
like doing it."
But the details make this even more delightful. Beside Tilbrook
on masterly bass and guitar (plus iPad keys and "atmospherics"), there
are kazoos, sitar, Indian harmonium, ukuleles, bongos, Chinese drums and
a full string arrangement by Lucy Shaw. There's assistance from Squeeze drummer Simon Hanson, multi-instrumentalist Chris McNally and Nine Below Zero guitar man Dennis Greaves. Tilbrook's offspring Leon (aged 10), co-wrote track "Bongo Bill" and both he and his brother Wesley (aged 7) assist on vocals.
"I'm really, really vibed up on what I'm doing now," says Tilbrook. "To me, this record takes its place alongside [Tilbrook and The Fluffers'] Pandemonium Ensues and [Squeeze albums] East Side Story, Argybargy and Cool for Cats,
which are my favorite records that I have made. So that's five albums
that I've thought, 'Yes! I've actually done that properly now.'"
Happy Ending? Not likely. With something this bouyant, brainy and brilliant, Tilbrook's just getting started.
GLENN TILBROOK US TOUR DATES: Fri Oct 10 San Francisco, CA - Brick & Mortar (early show) Sun Oct 12 Denver, CO - Solid Dove Mon Oct 13 Kansas City, MO - The Record Bar Tue Oct 14 Saint Paul, MN - Turf Club Wed Oct 15 Chicago, IL - City Winery Thu Oct 16 Evanston, IL - SPACE Fri Oct 17 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom Sun Oct 19 Pittsburg, PA - Hard Rock Cafe Mon Oct 20 Asbury Park, NJ Wonder Bar Thu Oct 23 Riverhead, NY Suffolk Theater Fri Oct 24 Highland Lakes, NJ Seckler Stage At Highland Lakes Sat Oct 25 New York, NY Iridium Jazz Club
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