1979's 'Cool for Cats' was vastly superior to their epoymously titled debut album. However, ArgyBargy improved even more on it's predecessor. Although they retained their distinctly British sound, Squeeze put together an astonishly catchy set of tunes that, despite the bleak landscapes, embodied lively, effervescent pop music, that was truly endearing to most fans of 'honest' music and melody.
Difford's sharp and penetrating reflections of day-to-day living in Thatcherite Britain was as rich and intense as Tilbrook's melodies were gorgeous. The double entendre of the plaintive classic single "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)," which describes details of the characters on a typical English seaside holiday. The highlight (of which there are many) is the often forgotten "Vicky Verky," which is in the same league as "Up the Junction" for it's simple magnificent tale of breaking up and young heartbreak.
ArgyBargy is full to the brim with perfect, ageless pop music and is probably the band's finest moment and most astounding achievement. Although a landmark recording of the early 80s, it is by no mean dated and is as refreshing today as it ever was. What makes it so special is the economy of the lyrics and the 'pocket rocket' length of the songs. In each song, the 'story' is told very quickly but with precise descriptions-and a full-speed- ahead performance that is bona fide rock-and-roll. It is bulging with humour and very,very clever lyrical gems.
Squeeze released three more classic albums;the aforementioned East Side Story in 1981 (produced by another very cool lyricist!) and two of the best albums of the 90s - 'Play' and 'Some Fantastic Place'. They were great records, but Argybargy was and is their greatest hour.
Running Order:
1. Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
2. Another Nail in My Heart
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
3. Separate Beds
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
4. Misadventure
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
5. I Think I'm Gonna Go
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
6. If I Didn't Love You
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
7. Farfisa Beat
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
8. Here Comes That Feeling
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
9. Vicky Verky
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
10. Wrong Side of the Moon
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
11. There at the Top
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)