happy_ending

I said that if the “taster” single, “Everybody Sometimes” was an indication of how this album would go, then Glenn Tilbrook’s Happy Ending was bound to be as much of a joy to listen to as any of his best work with the beloved Squeeze.  And I was right.  And the greater beauty of this record is its low-voltage vibe – acoustic guitars rule the day.

Let’s dive right in – “Persephone” immediately strikes me as a loving nod to Andy Partridge/XTC; a gorgeous acoustic-based riff laced with strings and a (by now standard impassioned) Tilbrook vocal; “Mud Island” is a weird, kazoo and bongo propelled number that’s strangely hypnotic and charming.  “Everybody Sometimes” is an “I can hear this on the radio” instant pop classic; “Hello There” shimmers with tight, clean harmonies and a warm tune.  “Kev And Dave” is a light-hearted duet that (I’m presuming) is Glenn with Dennis Greaves of Nine Below Zero/The Truth (there’s a name we haven’t heard in years); “Fruit Cake” is a waltz-like trip down memory lane of a relationship gone awry (think “Up The Junction” or “Vicky Verky”).

It’s Glenn Tilbrook – nowhere does he go wrong on this album.  How can he?  With that voice, the guitar skill and his songwriting credentials, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything to criticize.  With Squeeze or on his own, Glenn Tilbrook is still truly one of the greats.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

http://www.glenntilbrook.com/

Album Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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