Throughout their now terminated career. Squeeze could be as boyishly charming as your kid brother, and occasionally just as silly. The band's somewhat thin sound and uncharismatic image helped to focus public attention on the songwriting: the sassy interplay of Glenn Tilbrook's lithe, energetic melodies with Chris Difford's acutely observed, deceptively mundane lyrics. Their genuine affection for the breadth of pop music, from synthy DOR to Broadway ballads, led to some surprising successes (the C&W weeper "Labelled with Love") and, predictably, a gaffe or two (the hokily jazzbo "When the Hang-over Strikes"). This assortment of Squeeze's hits sticks to their more mainstream uptempo tunes – the sort that were just beginning to garner them the popularity they deserved when they broke up. As such, Singles–45's and Under is an enjoyable, if limited, celebration of their talents.

Since most listeners will be more familiar with Squeeze's recent material – "Black Coffee in Bed," "Tempted" – this collection offers an opportunity to sample some of the group's earlier work. Tilbrook's boyish, reedy tenor, bolstered by Jools Holland's nimble keyboard playing, turns the dark tale of "Up the Junction" into a moving, unsentimental account of a breakup. Tilbrook's guitar work shines particularly well on the twin raveups from Argybargy, "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)" and "Another Nail in My Heart," as does Difford's amiably croaky lament in "Cool for Cats." "Goodbye Girl" is here as well, but in the slightly sludgy studio version rather than the propulsive live rendition that appeared on an EP a few years back. But that's my sole complaint; Singles–45's and Under is a fine farewell from a capable band, and from two songwriters from whom more will be heard as time goes on. (RS 389)

CHRISTOPHER CONNELLY