Biography
Between Squeeze's 1982 dissolution and its 1985 return, founding members Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford sustained their partnership through separate projects. They supplied material to Helen Shapiro, Paul Young, Billy Bremner and Jools Holland while also composing the score for the musical revue Labelled With Love. The pair continued appearing live under the name Difford and Tilbrook. Teaming with Tony Visconti—known for prior work alongside David Bowie, Moody Blues, Thin Lizzy and T-Rex—they completed the self-titled album Difford and Tilbrook, issued in July 1984.
Though the record only grazed the upper half of the British pop charts, it left a lasting impression on both artists. During a July 1984 conversation Tilbrook observed, “The songs (on Difford And Tilbrook) are ones of emotional nature mostly,” adding that this focus prompted a correspondingly emotional shift in his vocal delivery. The two songwriters nevertheless held contrasting ideas about the album’s musical identity. Difford favored a rhythm section reminiscent of Sugar Hill, whereas Tilbrook advocated a cutting-edge, double-synthesizer Euro-pop approach.
Though the record only grazed the upper half of the British pop charts, it left a lasting impression on both artists. During a July 1984 conversation Tilbrook observed, “The songs (on Difford And Tilbrook) are ones of emotional nature mostly,” adding that this focus prompted a correspondingly emotional shift in his vocal delivery. The two songwriters nevertheless held contrasting ideas about the album’s musical identity. Difford favored a rhythm section reminiscent of Sugar Hill, whereas Tilbrook advocated a cutting-edge, double-synthesizer Euro-pop approach.
Albums
Singles
