Consummate, enduring tunesmiths Difford and Tilbrook have done it again, crafting a "song cycle" of gems reflecting the possible cause, effect and demise of a once perfect relationship. But then, with these guys, one can't always be sure. Should we take it at face value or read between the lines? Most of the tunes from, Play are of a similar fashion. Sometimes they're openly obvious and other times you may wonder. D & T have turned this" guessing game" into a clever art form, often allowing the listener a range of thoughts and possibilities to discern a songs meaning. "Satisfied", the first single, could be the most affectionate recounting of lovemaking ever put to music or a confessional description of infidelity in a dying love. Either way, it's achingly romantic and sensually exquisite. In the song "Crying In My Sleep", an uptempo number punctuated with horns, there is evidence of the aftermath in breaking up. A lover conceding to defeat and feeling sorry for himself, and regretting the choice he's made, recalls "the sound of her voice, the sound of her words but, now she's gone". The next song, "Letting Go", seeps with the uncomfortable air of cuddling up in bed one of the last times before splitting up. Neither one can admit or realize that it's time to let go, "I cannot be brave enough, she cannot say what we're feeling, we're going through the motions, we find it hard to let each other go." "The Day I Get Home", is a chronicle of daily life after the split. The main character celebrates his singleness or so he thinks, "I see the trees but not the wood." Singing the praises of all night carousing, "I get around and get up late", an African influenced call and response chorus closes this tune of confused emotions. "The Truth", is a ditty of unfaithfulness and lies: "When the truth needs to be told my blood runs hot and cold, the truth is not my middle name". With a lover such as this who needs a one night stand? "House Of Love", the most typically " Squeeze" tune on the whole album is full of bitterness, but danceable if you ignore the lyrics. "Cupid's Toy", describes the sadness of looking and never finding love or of knowing when it's right in front of you. "Gone To The Dogs", a painful narration of loneliness and confusion, is the funkiest tune on the album. "Walk A Straight Line", is a song of resolve and bittersweet affection, "together to plan time in our lives time on our own so one day we'll see our love has grown." In contrast, one of the happier tunes, "Sunday Street", becomes a celebration of the impending weekend. Next is a vengefully humorous tune, "Wicked and Cruel", with lines like," when I die I'll end up as a housefly and land upon your wall so I can see who you end up with if it's anyone at all. Did I say that? How can anyone be so wicked and cruel?". Sound familiar? "There Is A Voice", closes the album without providing any answers, only suggesting that a voice from the dark side in all of us is heard and heeded now and again, most usually resulting in chaos or great life changes. Perhaps the moral of the "play"? The liner notes read like a script from a play; it's a challenge to find and decipher the lyrics from the rest of the" stage cues". Invariably, lovely, superb musicanship abounds. Guests Bruce Hornsby on accordion and Steve Nieve (from the Attractions) on various keyboards fit in while adding to an already potent chemistry. New Producer Tony Berg, whose credits include Michael Penn and Edie Brickell, twists the knobs like he's been with the band since day one. This only serves to enhance a wonderful performance of confessional works that are enlightening as well as endearing. Making a smooth transition to a new label and producer, Squeeze have added to an already strong foundation of well crafted music without resting on their laurels. Catchy, witty, 'Thinkingpersons Pop', honed to perfection. Play is a delight. (SC) © 2000 Dr. Rock'n'Roll
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