Journalist, author and critic Annie Zaleski is as enjoyable as they come when the topic is Squeeze. As a polymath in the music community, she demonstrates an affinity for our subject matter: MTV, Music Television. Hopscotching from lip-synced videos to full-on concerts, we recall with humor the fond memories those times represented and the moonshot culture that propels Squeeze (along with Duran Duran) to actively participate in crafting a new frontier in today’s hard-to-categorize music community.

anniezaleski.com [https://anniezaleski.com]

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Annie Zaleski and the spectacular rise of MTV

Among those who are true and dedicated fans of Squeeze, David is among the top. Fortunate enough to not only see Squeeze live these past few decades, David has also worked with the band in many capacities, helping to run the first fan club with Jools Holland's mother June right up to the present day with his all-inclusive blog 'Packet of Three,' Join us as we stroll down memory lane, going to record shops, rain-soaked gigs and inside the vaults for a few surprises.

David's blog:
https://packetofthree.com [https://www.mixcloud.com/TheLyricShow/]

David's radio show:
https://www.mixcloud.com/TheLyricShow/

Conversation: David Bailey and life with Squeeze

The year 1989 saw the launch of 'Frank', which was an exciting prospect for Squeeze followers. At the time, it was meant to be the ultimate sequel to 'Babylon & On', and given its predecessor's success, 'Frank' was predisposed to be a hit. However, it did not live up to expectations, from the public or the record company. Nevertheless, both Adrian and I have an immense fondness for this record. Actually... we’re kind of passionate about this album, believing it to be an under-appreciated masterpiece in the Squeeze collection. The songs featured on 'Frank' are remarkable and personal and we can't help but be a bit enthusiastic when discussing them.

Conversation: Adrian Simpson and the enthusiasm for ‘Frank’

It’s a rare occurrence that by skimming a website after prompting a search for something written about Squeeze, you find an article from 10 years ago that stops you in your tracks.

Mike Duquette, founder of The Second Disc, discovered his love for Squeeze extended into that somewhat curious category of ‘back catalog.’

As we discover in this episode, Mike’s passion for the written word stood out after hitting a chord with me: his article on various incarnations of Squeeze compendiums and their worth for people seeking out the best way to appreciate them from a compilation standpoint is a gem - and insightful.

The site’s motto “if it’s reissued, remastered or expanded, you’ll find it here” pretty much says it all. And with Mike’s knowledge of this genre, we had a remarkable and varied conversation on what that means for a band like Squeeze, as well as some revelatory proclamations that can put a vital spin on where they should be heard in today’s challenging music environment.

You can find Mike and his editor Joe Marchese at:

https://theseconddisc.com

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Conversation: Mike Duquette discusses 'cataloging' Squeeze

Few journalists have been able to go deep when it comes to the back history of the songwriting partnership and longevity of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. In this episode, I spoke to Jim Drury, author of the 2004 book 'Squeeze: Song By Song.' In candid interviews with Chris & Glenn, Jim was able to get to the heart of their process, both as friends and partners in the realm of a collaborative, descriptive, and music-based biography. At that time, Squeeze was not in place functioning as a band. However, when presented with the prospect of delving into a rich and diverse project (even with an extremely tight deadline), Jim has supplied the Squeeze community with an insightful look into their songs, enriched through the unique dynamic lens known as Difford & Tilbrook.

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Interview: Jim Drury, Author 'Squeeze: Song By Song'

A brand-new song and several favorites! In this mini-episode, I review the EP 'Food For Thought.' Currently available for sale as a CD on the band's UK tour, this 6-song selection is now available to stream. While the title song's melody is very bright & poppy, the lyrics get right to the point with the always-pertinent discussion of the need to support food banks for the people who need it the most, both in the UK and the US. Please check out the websites:

https://trusselltrust.org

https://feedingamerica.org

NEW RELEASE: Squeeze 'Food For Thought' EP

To kick off Season 2, we’re in discussion with my friend Brian Coombes from the band Rocking Horse Music Club. Brian has a long and bountiful history within the music industry. First as a musician and then as founder of Rocking Horse Studio, he has worked internationally with numerous creative artists. In this episode, we have many topics to discuss, chief among them his good fortune in working with Chris Difford… not once, but twice! We talk about that history and how Chris has a significant role in Brian’s latest performing/collaborative creation ‘Circus Of Wire Dolls.’ And we’ll also dig deep into several musical genres, studio technology, and Brian’s recording experience at the historical Abbey Road Studios.

https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Interview: Brian Coombes on Chris Difford and 'Circus of Wire Dolls'

The name Miles Copeland elicits many reactions in the music industry. Even more so when he is associated with Squeeze. In this episode, I speak to the many sides of Miles in his managerial relationship with the band, his personal doings with Jools Holland and overall how from the perspective of someone who has been on the rebellious side of music for almost 50 years, why the reader can appreciate his unique sense of humor, his business acumen and let's face it, his legendary reputation!

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Steps-Forward-Step-Back/dp/1911036777/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Book Review: Miles A. Copeland III: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Many columns of type have been spread across the decades in the music press when it comes to Squeeze. However, very few books on the band have been published. Taking into account the crucial formative years in the global public eye, music journalist James Griffiths has penned 'The Pop Music Played,' a detailed deep-dive into the years 1978-1982. This time period - considered 'classic' by Squeeze fans - has rarely been chronicled as much as Griffiths has put to print in book form. In this podcast, he talks about not only his book but how how and where his musical inclinations started, how the band grew from small town pub group to Madison Square Garden headliners, all with a good-natured interplay from someone who has given us more to love (and read) about Squeeze. James' book can be purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Squeeze-Music-Played-Story-1978-1982/dp/1739957407 and brick-and-mortar stores wherever good books are sold.

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Conversation: Author James Griffiths - 'The Pop Music Played'

Few releases in Squeeze history generate as much commentary as 'Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti.' While 1985 saw the band reform with original keyboard player Jools Holland and introduced bassist Keith Wilkinson, this album has had its share of criticisms (from its 'sound' of the period) to praises (the songs!). Dan Rivkin weighs in with his enthusiastic and insightful observations on why this release needs to be revisited from a 2022 perspective and how we can help Squeeze fans appreciate the word 'synthesizer.'

Dan is the curator of They May Be Parted [//theymaybeparted.com], a weblog dedicated to an understanding, deep dive of The Beatles 'Get Back/Let It Be' sessions in January 1969.

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Conversation: Dan Rivkin and 'Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti'

Inviting you in for 'Black Coffee' and a chat about our fave UK band Squeeze. Drop a line anytime on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook @coolforcatspod and email: coolforcatspodcast@gmail.com

Cool For Cats: A Squeeze Podcast

Inviting you in for 'Black Coffee' and a chat about our favorite band Sqeeze.

Amy Hughes

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