Simply a great pop album. Back on November 23, 2010, I reviewed my original copy (1987 release) of this CD for this blog. My final comment in that post was "Argybargy was re-issued in 2008 as a two disc Deluxe Edition. If any of you want to get me something for my birthday or Christmas, this would be a welcome gift." My loving sister took this to heart and I did indeed receive the Deluxe Edition that following Christmas. So, while I will listen to the entire 2 CD set this morning, I'll limit my comments to the 25 bonus tracks. The 36 page booklet of liner notes is a wonderful new addition as well.
Album chart Peaks
- US Billboard 200: #71
- CashBox: #89
CD 1: Includes the original album release (see my thoughts on those wonderful songs here), plus 9 bonus tracks (previously unreleased tracks, b-sides, & demos). A lot of these bonus tracks sound like nondescript 1980 music, a blend of disco, pop, and new wave. It's not that they're bad, they often don't sound like Squeeze songs (i.e., Go and Going Crazy). Of the 9 bonus tracks on this disc, the best are Funny How It Goes, Pretty One, and Library Girl. Interestingly, there's an alternate version of the fun song Farfisa Beat, but the Farfisa organ is barely heard.
CD 2: this disc leads of with a 1980 radio ad for the the album; a historical curiosity, but certainly not something you'd want to hear more than once. This ad is followed by a recording of the group live at the historic Hammersmith Odeon on March 9, 1980. If these 15 live tracks recordings are any indication, Squeeze was already a great live band in 1980. They sound like they're just playing in a local pub for the boys having a pint. Lots of fun and lots of energy. If you've got the old CD, the live tracks make the Deluxe Edition a worthwhile purchase. There's even a good cover of Ray Charles' Mess Around.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: My sister gave me this edition for Christmas, 2010. Immediately ripped to iTunes, this new edition has probably received more playing time than the original.
Previously revisited for the blog:
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