Search - Glenn Tilbrook :: The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook

The bonus disc is where it's at!

William T. Morgan | Champaign-Urbana, IL USA | 01/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of Squeeze who has actually gotten up on stage and played a song with Glenn in the past, I was highly anticipating this album. When I heard that there was going to be a entire bonus disc of tracks featuring nothing but Glenn's voice and acoustic guitar, I could barely wait.When I finally received the album, I put in the bonus disc and was simply astounded. The disc really conveys the intimate feel of Glenn's live shows, and proves (if there was ever any doubt) that you don't need corporate sponsored pre-pubescent boys synchro-dancing on a million dollar stage to make good music. In fact, you don't even need a band. Just a guitar, a voice, some talent of course, sincerity, and apparently, more than a little courage. And you get all of those by the truckloads on this disc. Strip away the layers of effects and the electronic manipulations of a studio and what you have left is a heartfelt, energetic and refreshing album. And most importantly, you get a clear idea of what Glenn is contributing to it: everything! The listener really senses that Glenn's own personality is present in the sound captured on this disc. You'll find an array of emotions spread across a variety of very well crafted (power) pop tunes with real, honest melodies, great guitarwork, and of course, Glenn's great voice.After I had played the bonus disc about 50 times, I decided I ought to give a listen to the album proper. What a difference! The studio album is just a mess! All the trappings of modern studio wizardry can be found here, and in abundant supply, and guest artists rotate in and out on every track, resulting in a confused and muddled sound that is devoid of emotion and soul.Don't get me wrong, I generally like the guest artists and co-writers that Glenn works with. In fact I think the Aimee Mann co-written track ("Observatory") is probably the best track in the collection. It's just that there is no consistancy across the tracks. There is no "sound" which you can recognize as Glenn's, or anyone else's for that matter. There might be two drummers playing on the album, or there might be a different one on every track. Who can tell? The resulting sound is just generic, and could be any one of a number of mediocre albums from the last couple of years.And come to think of it, over-produced arrangements are also what made Squeeze's worst material unlistenable. It always sounded best when they kept it simple.As a perfect example of what I'm saying, take the track "Interviewing Randy Newman". Several other reviewers have commented that they can't stand this song, and I tend to agree, but only if we are talking about the studio track. The studio arrangement is quirky in a rather unpleasant way, and just sounds like a failed experiment. But, on the bonus disc, the song escapes that awkwardness, and comes across as sincere and moving, as well as being a fun little ditty.The bonus disc only has one fault: it was poorly recorded (in Glenn's living room?) and it suffers from a boomy, bassy sound. I would love to hear a properly recorded purely acoustic album from Glenn. Maybe Glenn will have the courage to do his next album this way and forget the studio altogether. Hey, Roddy Frame did it, and the results were stunning!Finally, I give the bonus disc five stars, and the regular album maybe two stars if I were feeling generous."

Tilbrook needs Difford

Maureen M. McCarty | 02/02/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This just does not make it. Glenn Tilbrook is an immensely talented musician with an incredible voice, but something is missing. The combination of Difford and Tilbrook is unbeatable and this album is missing that spark. Their eponymous, non-Squeeze album from 1984 (sadly out of print I think) stays in heavy rotation on my stereo some 16+ years later. Their talent together is timeless. This is just boring, and at times downright bad. Good thing that "Interviewing Randy Newman" is near the end or I may not have even listened that far. That song may be the worst ever to pass through my speakers. So disapointed."

Sharing The Love...

smckellep | Louisville, KY United States | 07/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"as a hardcore glenn fan, i was delighted with TIGT; it's one long ride of sing-along fun, with catchy lyrics, infectious rhythms, and of course glenn's fabulous voice & guitar. "this is where you ain't" is sure to have you bouncing in your seat, and "observatory" will play on continuous loop in your mind long after the cd's finished. (this is a good thing, trust me!) i can't even imagine being disappointed by this collection of glenn's solo efforts; having seen him perform many of these tunes live, (and looking forward to attending 2 more upcoming shows on his US summer tour!) every listen makes me smile. and if you get the chance to see glenn live, by all means, GO...he's such a brilliant live performer, you'll not regret it, i assure you! check quixotic.com for tour dates. while you're buying music, go ahead & get "i didn't get where i am," by the lovely & talented chris difford. the 2 cds play off each other nicely; listen to them one after the other, and dream, as i do, of a squeeze reunion! : )"