1980
3 keepers
keeper avg .272
Despite the fact that it wasn't a successful single in the US "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)"**** has lived on as a staple on adult alternative radio, to the extent that my only impression of the song was that annoyingly sing-song-y main hook that you can hear in your head right now. For decades I have mistakenly dismissed it as milquetoast background music, missing Chris Difford's amusing anecdote, the interesting key changes, and the driving but sophisticated rocker underneath. However much I appreciate its more-rewarding aspects now I still think it's a sign that the third Squeeze outing is a different animal from its predecessor, "Cool For Cats" (1979).
Songs like "Another Nail in My Heart", "Misadventure", and the slightly repetitive "Vicky Verky" are peppy enough. Glen Tillbrook may have further developed his impressive compositional chops, heard for example in the complex melodies of "Another Nail in My Heart" or the way mid-tempo "Separate Beds" alternates atmospheric with heavily accented parts. The very Elvis Costello "Farfisa Beat"**** features a great rhythmic hook and quick but understated guitar work. "There at the Top"**** drives with a strong R&B pulse, and "Wrong Side of the Moon," another song with "Cool For Cats" style backup vocals, is driven by a jaunty piano.
Critical consensus is consistently more favorable toward this album than the spunky, less polished "Cool For Cats," maybe because the result sounds better alongside R.E.M. and Police singles. But the new wave edge of great songs like "Slap And Tickle" and "Hard To Find" and the un-self-conscious goofiness of "It's Not Cricket" and "Cool For Cats" has been refined away, leaving behind something more socially acceptable but less memorable. Also, the typically idiosyncratic Chris Difford vocal songs ("I Think I'm Go Go" and "Here Comes That Feeling") are decidedly draggy.
Of the Six of One... box set bonus tracks "Go" at least seems to have had less of its gawky but endearing character pared away.
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