Put the Squeeze on the 4th: Climb Everest!
English pop band Squeeze will swing into Chicago for an outdoor concert. The current lineup, led by critically acclaimed songwriters Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, has been performing since 2007. Longtime bassist John Bentley will also be on board, along with drummer Simon Hanson and keyboardist Stephen Large, both of whom previously played in Tilbrook’s backup band.
Squeeze has broken up at various times since forming in 1973, but the chemistry between Difford and Tilbrook always seems to bring them together again. Reportedly, they’re working on material for a new CD, and in the meantime, Squeeze will be profiled on an upcoming BBC documentary. Best known in America for the singles “Tempted” and “Hourglass,” the band has an extensive catalog of clever and catchy pop tunes, ranging from the satirical “Cool For Cats,” delivered in full cockney accent, to the more sensitive “His House Her Home.” Whatever the subject matter, Difford and Tilbrook’s tales are delivered via harmony vocals and complex arrangements. (7/6@Charter One with The B-52’s.)
— Terrence Flamm
Everest subscribes to the “School House Rock” thesis that the number three holds a mysterious, mystical power. The band’s third album, Ownerless (ATO), finds the California boys finally coming into their own as Laurel Canyon day-trippers. Two previous efforts seesawed between foot-stomping rockers set ablaze with psychedelic fury and gauzy introspective ditties that felt off the cuff and unfinished. That’s not to say 2008’s Ghost Notes or 2010’s On Approach lacked bona fide hits. The backporch charm of “Rebels In The Roses” and the stirring double drum kit assault of “Let Go” cemented the foursome’s electric chemistry – a frequency their biggest supporter Neil Young tuned into from the beginning. This time around, frontman Russell Pollard and his shaggy partners trim the fat and deliver 11 nimble tracks that mix Metallica-ready palpitations (“Hungry Ghost”) with a snaking ’60s hangover (“Letter”) and The Who-worthy power pop (“Rapture”). The fuzz box swagger of “Into The Grey” stands out along with the swooning fearlessness of “Hologram.” (7/5@ Lincoln Hall with Alberta Cross)
— Janine Schaults
Also be sure to check out the Independent Chicago Songwriter Festival this coming week. Held at Jerry’s Sandwiches (1938 W. Division), 2012’s lineup includes 26 vetted songwriters whose views on immigration and health care won’t bother you for an evening. Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray, Alana Grelyak, Facing Winter, and Elisabeth Pixley-Fink are among those set to perform. (WednesdayToSaturday@Jerry’s Sandwiches.)
Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly
