Review by LarryG
4 stars out of 4
After reaching their peak in the early 80s with the great, fun Beatlesque
records Argybargy and Eastside Story, Squeeze lost their way, breaking
up in the mid 80's. They've lost most of their audience but the records
they've made since getting back together have been quite good (though
they seemed to be running out of gas by 1996's Ridiculous). Play
is a perfect example of how a pop band can grow old gracefully; it's
mature but still fun. It would be more accurately called Musical
in that Play really is the score for a great musical that apparently was
never staged. Play is best listened to programmed in the order of the
accompanying script. The cd traces the decline of a relationship doomed
by the man's irresponsibility. Glenn Tilbrook achingly sings and
writes the heartbreaking songs about a guy who knows what he should do
but can't bring himself to do the right thing. Chris Difford's lyrics
are adult and wise. The slow songs like the poignant curtain closers
for each "act", There is a Voice and Letting Go, are highlights
but Tilbrook retains his gift with a pop hook on enjoyable digressions
like the "overture" Sunday Street, Gone to the Dogs and the
joyful The Day I Get Home. There's not a bad song in the lot. The closest
to a dud is the failed attempt at a commercial single, Satisfied.
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