Let The Day Begin...Let The Day Start!: Day 137 - Squeeze

1981's East Side Story was the first Squeeze album without the delicate keyboard touch of Jools Holland (though he would return for 1985's Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti), his replacement just for this album was Paul Carrack (though he did return to play on Some Fantastic Place in 1993).

The first thing that struck me listening afresh to the album was sheer insanity of the British Record Buying Public! Not those of you who bought the album or purchased the singles, but those who for one reason or another had their senses dulled and were unable to spot brilliant pop tunes even though they were right there in front of their faces! This album should have been massive, Top Ten at least, if not occupying at least one of the Top Three positions on the chart!

As for the singles, I really thought the three UK released singles must have been at least Top Ten so digging around to discover that only Labelled With Love broke into the Top Ten was a bit of a shocker! I mean, come on, Is That Love #35 and Tempted #41...all those who didn't buy them give yourselves an almighty slap on the forehead and shout in true Homer Simpson style, "Doh!" And especially give yourselves a double slap for not buying Tempted!

The second thing that struck me, not in a "Eureka" type of moment I must add, because I had known it before, but Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook really are great songwriters!

Anyway, it was released 35 years ago yesterday and such is the quality of the music that it has stood the test of time. Enjoy.

East Side Story.. Squeeze

A&M

Produced by Elvis Costello & Roger Bechirian*

Released 15th May 1981

UK Chart #19

US Chart #44

Canadian Chart #29

* All except "In Quintessence"which was Produced by Dave Edmunds, assisted by Neil King

Singles from East Side Story
    01. "Is That Love"
    Released: 1 May 1981

UK Chart #35

    02. "Tempted"
    Released: 10 July 1981

UK Chart #41

US Chart #49

    03. "Labelled with Love"
    Released: 25 September 1981

UK Chart #4

    04. "Messed Around"
    Released: 1981 (US only)

Did Not Chart

Personnel
    Chris Difford – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, lead vocal on "Someone Else's Heart" and "Heaven"
    Glenn Tilbrook – lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboards
    Paul Carrack – keyboards, backing vocals, lead vocal on "Tempted"
    John Bentley – bass, backing vocals
    Gilson Lavis – Drums

Additional personnel
    Elvis Costello - additional vocal on "Tempted"; backing vocal on "There's No Tomorrow"
    Del Newman - string arrangements
 

Let The Day Begin...Let The Day Start!