Squeeze Revisits Teenage Rock Opera ‘Trixies’ After 50 Years

More than 50 years into their career, British band Squeeze has released Trixies (BMG), a rock opera originally written by founding members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook as teenagers in 1974. The album centers on a fictional south London nightclub and its cast of characters.

Early Origins and Shelving

Difford and Tilbrook created Trixies even as in their teens, recording the 10 tracks on a borrowed Revox tape machine. They believed it to be a substantial operate, but it was shelved as punk rock gained prominence and shifted the band’s musical direction. The album’s origins predate Squeeze’s breakthrough hits like “Cool for Cats” and “Up the Junction,” which earned the songwriting duo comparisons to Lennon and McCartney [3].

A Mature Reimagining

The rerecorded Trixies showcases the evolution of Difford and Tilbrook’s songwriting. While rooted in the propulsive pub rock of the mid-’70s, the album benefits from advancements in recording technology and the duo’s increased musical sophistication [1].

Musical Highlights

The album features a range of styles, including breezy acoustic numbers like “What More Can I Say” and “You Get the Feeling,” as well as more dramatic tracks like the Bowie-esque “The Place We Call Mars” and the piano-driven “Hell on Earth.” Difford takes the lead on “The Dancer” and “It’s Over,” portraying characters within the album’s narrative. Other tracks include a tango-influenced piece (“Why Don’t You”) and a song reminiscent of Nick Lowe (“The Jaguars”) [1].

A Potential Masterpiece

Some critics suggest Trixies may be Difford and Tilbrook’s personal masterpiece, a project that could only be realized after decades of experience. The album’s scope and ambition develop it a unique offering in their catalog [1].

Squeeze’s History

Squeeze was formed in 1974. The band’s lineup in 1979 included John Bentley, Chris Difford, Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland, and Glenn Tilbrook [1]. Difford and Tilbrook have written songs together for over 50 years, including hits like “Cool for Cats”, “Up the Junction”, “Another Nail in My Heart”, “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)”, “Tempted” and “Annie Get Your Gun” [2]. They also wrote the music for the British sitcom Girls on Top [2].