Search - Chris Difford :: Last Temptation of Chris

Too Much of a Pleasant Thing

Timothy P. Young | Rawlins, WY, USA | 07/29/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Difford has been responsible for co-creating some of the finest pop of the last 30 years. Squeeze is/was a great band that brought us great songs ranging from proto-synth-pop ("Take Me I'm Yours") to pure pop ("Pulling Mussels from the Shell") to the R&B-inflected songs that still get played ("Tempted", "Black Coffee In Bed"). Difford was often the lyricist for the more poignant songs in the Squeeze catalog, creating character sketches and first-person narratives to craft great songs. Not for nothing were he and Squeeze partner Glenn Tillbrook compared to Lennon and McCartney.



Difford's 2008 release, 'The Last Temptation of Chris,' has several shining examples of great songcraft. The opener "Come On Down" serves as a companion piece to Squeeze's great "Up the Junction," "Julian and Sandy" explores a tale of two gay fashionistas in 60s London, and the catchy single "Fat as a Fiddle," which bemoans the aging process in humorous fashion, could easily sit next to Randy Newman's "I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It).



Musically, it ranges from pure pop to music hall to tuneful balladry. Tillbrook's vocals are clean and emotive throughout, and the supporting musicians whip up a very English stew that give Tillbrook a fine base to sing over.



However, the length of the album (13 songs) is a problem. The smooth production, the clean melodies and vocals, and the lack of tempo variety (it's mostly either ballad or mid-tempo) lends a certain sameness to the sound of the album. There are exceptions here and there, of course, but it just seems to go on a song or two too long. Which ones would I cut? I have no idea. The level of songcraft is so high in the Difford home that there's not a bad cut on the album...there's just not enough variance to keep me consistently interested for 13 songs. Give me 10 songs and there's a much tighter album that I could have given a higher rating to.



It's pleasant, and I like it quite a bit. I wanted to love it. In the end, it's just too much of a pleasant thing.



3.5 Stars."

Finally!

Lanzarishi | NY | 07/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, He has done what I hoped he would since Squeeze really stopped being their priority. Chris Difford has made what I have been waiting a long time for. A totally excellent solo album with all his charm, humor and amazing lyrics as one would expect from him. His voice is superb, the song writing/production top shelf and his personality comes shining through on every song. There is not a weak song. I put it up there with ECs Spike, Glenn's first solo or anything else that you just know is excellent music. Mostly though it is the honesty and hooks that always grab me and this has got many. You will not be disappointed if you are a real Squeeze fan. It is impossible. Thank you Chris. Now I really can put Squeeze behind me. Yes!!"

Music For the Trip Home

Julia Reed Zaic | California | 02/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the Business Travel Editor of Bella Online[....] I think good music on a flight should complement your mood. For the trip home, check out the albums "The Last Temptation of Chris" and "South East Side Story".



I (re)discovered Chris Difford, one of the founding members of Squeeze, and a prolific songwriter while watching the A&E program "Private Sessions" while sitting, well, where else? On a cross-country flight home from a trip where my sneakers rested peacefully in my suitcase for four days. He sang a song called "Fat As a Fiddle" as I contemplated my guilt over getting no exercise on the trip. His voice hasn't changed much from the "Tempted (By the Fruit of Another)" days. Still deep, still soothing. The album is mixed with emotions, most of which are really very compatible with the denouement of a trip when you are gathering your thoughts, or wanting to be in someone else's head for a change. His music is a journey in itself.



This rediscovery sent me back to an earlier album called South East Side Story that features Difford singing a bunch of older Squeeze tunes which he wrote, but did not serve as the lead singer. The other founding member of Squeeze, Glen Tilbrook, usually took the lead. Yet the effect of Difford recording these songs in his voice is that of a more mature sound with more emotion, more depth, and more meaning than might have been delivered via F.M. radio in the late 70's and early 80's. Dial up "Take Me I'm Yours" on your iPod after a long trip. It will deliver you home before the plane does. The song and the way he sings it, erases time.



Unfortunately, his music can't erase the pounds (lbs. that is) likely put on during a trip. What is it about business travel and weight gain? If there is one common personal complaint many business travelers share, it seems to be that one. "Fat as a Fiddle" describes getting Zen about your weight. The song encapsulates the essence of fighting age, genetics and Mother Nature. Mr. Difford reminds us that it's not a fair fight. So go down swinging...or eating...either way, just go.



Between the lack of personal time for exercise, lack of available brain space, the abundance of available food and drink, a lack of patience, and that common thought on the road that says "oh forget it, I'll just have some cashews from the mini-bar and go to bed", it's a lovely relief to hear such a refreshing perspective on the importance we place on being thin, and the drive many of us have to defy time. These things can become intensified while traveling for business most likely because the trip is usually about making others happy and taking care of others, not ourselves.



"Fat As a Fiddle" is a momentary oasis away from that internal free-flowing fire hose of emotions on a stressful trip that by the end usually includes the thought `once again, I packed my sneakers, and never worked-out.' The guilt will likely come, but until it does, enjoy rising above and reaching out to the "greater part" of you in this song, and the rest of Chris Difford's music. Your sneakers needed a rest anyway.



Relax. Have another bag of peanuts.

"