[Take a Walk on the East Side] -- In May of 1981, a mere four decades ago as I write this, Squeeze released their fourth studio album, East Side Story. This was the first record to feature new, and brief, keyboardist/vocalist Paul Carrack. Even with Carrack featured on the lead vocals of "Tempted," the band's first hit in the US, and some influence from primary producer Elvis Costello, this record was still very much a Difford and Tilbrook jaunt. I'm calling it a jaunt because, though the usual elements are in place, East Side Story's songs delved into other sounds such as rockabilly, blue-eyed soul, Merseybeat, etc. According to AllMusic, East Side Story is "regarded as Squeeze's grand masterpiece." An I have to agree. The record peaked at #44 on the US Billboard Pop Albums chart and at #19 on the UK Official Albums Chart. The four singles released from this album include the aforementioned "Tempted," the snappy "Is That Love," the mournful "Labelled with Love," and the rockabillesque "Messed Around." All but "Messed Around" appear on Squeeze's 1982 compilation Singles – 45's and Under (well, at least on the US version, but that's a story for another post). All 14 tracks of East Side Story's original release are included in this week's embedded YouTube playlist.
Flashback: East Side Story (May, 1981)
That's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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