The 100 Greatest Bands of all time - #79 Squeeze

In most lists of great songwriting teams you’ll find Lennon & McCartney, Jagger & Richards, Morrissey & Marr, or Strummer & Jones, but that list wouldn’t be complete without Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook. Up the Junction, Pulling Mussels (From the Shell), Tempted, and Black Coffee in Bed are just the start of all the great songs that have come from these guys. Starting in London in 1975, they found great success in England, but only had a few hits here in the States. I also have to mention the fantastic keyboardists that have played with Squeeze; founding member Jools Holland until 1980, followed by Paul Carrack who debuted with the band for their classic 1981 album East Side Story. Difford and Tilbrook are still touring. I hope they come to Seattle.


Fantastic first single. Take Me I'm Yours. Because dreams are made of this. Forever there'll be a heaven in your kiss.





Beautiful song. Great storytelling. Up the Junction.





Cool for Cats





My favorite Squeeze song. In fact, one of my favorite songs of all time by anybody.

Behind the chalet, my holiday's complete.
And I feel like William Tell, Maid Marian on her tiptoed feet.
Pulling Mussels from a shell.





Not a single or a hit, but still one of their best. I love this song.

In the corner with his book and tissue
All he can do is pretend to miss you,
Closes his eyes as he sees her body
Pulls funny faces and that's his hobby.
On the other hand love ain't a happy word
On the other hand love ain't a piece of skirt,
Makes for something special in your football shirt
In quintessence.





Probably their most well known song here in the States.

Tempted by the fruit of another
Tempted but the truth is discovered
What's been going on
Now that you have gone
There's no other





and we conclude our look at Squeeze with the classic Black Coffee in Bed. This has one of my favorite keyboard riffs.