Entertainment News

SOPHIE KOH ALBUM OUT NOW & ALBUM LAUNCH DATES ANNOUNCED.

Sophie Koh’s debut album “All The Pretty Boys” is out now.
As her support tour with The Go-Betweens winds to a halt, Sophie Koh’s much acclaimed debut album “All The Pretty Boys” has hit the shops. Also, her new song “Fall Into Space” is on the airwaves; the follow up to the very popular singles “Anywhere”(as seen on Rage and Video Hits) & “Easily Broken”

Ever so softly but surely Sophie Koh has slipped into the public eye.

“..simple, heartfelt and elegant: pop as it should be.”
Beat Magazine

Fall Into Space
Fall Into Space is the second single from “All The Pretty Boys”. It’s a wonderful counter-point to the breezy pop of “Anywhere”. Fall Into Space is a hauntingly beautiful epic of a song (”From my angsty late-90s phase!” - Sophie). The collaboration between Sophie and ARIA award winning producer Richard Pleasance is given full rein. The result is magical.

“..stunning…lofty..beautiful.. [4 stars]”
Limelight

Sophie Koh Update
Sophie Koh(and her band) are very busy. Sophie has two weeks to recouperate after The Go-Betweens tour before heading out on her own Album Launch Tour.

It is only fitting that Sophie Koh (& band) is kicking off her tour in Darwin, where she was JJJ Unearthed only 2 short years ago. She playing on Tuesday August 23 as part of the Darwin Festival. Sophie also plays key shows on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, before heading back home to Melbourne for a huge show at Northcote Social Club on September 3. She is then playing in Sydney as part of Come Together 2, before some dates with Pete Murray and her own launch shows in Sydney(Oct 1) and Adelaide(Oct 8th).
“..Koh has a voice that drips melodies like honey from a spoon”
Herald-Sun

For more info visit: www.sophiekoh.com

SOPHIE KOH TOUR DATES
Tues 23rd Aug

Darwin Festival

Darwin, NT

Star Shell. 8pm.

Tickets on Sale Now

Ph: 08 8980 3333

www.darwinfestival.org.au

Fri 26th Aug

The Chophouse

Gold Coast, QLD.

Tickets At The Door Only

Sun 28th Aug

The Troubadour, Brisbane.

Tickets At The Door Only

Sat 3rd Sept

Northcote Social Club, VIC

w/ The Guild League

Tickets On Sale Now.

Ph: 03 9486 1677

www.northcotesocialclub.com

Sat 1st Oct

The Hopetoun, Sydney

details soon.

Sat 8th Oct

The Grace Emily, Adelaide.

details soon

“Peter Brocklehurst - Intimate and Live”

Australia’s newest opera sensation, Peter Brocklehurst, will present a series of intimate concerts on Friday and Saturday nights at Gasworks Theatre, Albert Park, commencing July 22 and 23. Peter will sing beautiful love songs and arias including a variety of songs from his latest album ‘For You’ and his first album ‘Boots and All’. Both albums have been hugely successful, with ‘Boots and All’ topping the ARIA Classical Charts last year. Accompanying Peter will be the brilliant musician Vladimir Vais and soprano Margaret Orr, who also sang on his latest album.

Friday 22nd July at 8:00pm and
Saturday July 23rd July at 8:00pm

Venue: Gasworks Theatre, Albert Park
Tickets: $49.50 (all inclusive)

Bookings and enquiries: 03 9699 3253

For more information visit www.gasworks.org.au

The Melbourne Musicians are proud to present Stabat Mater

Wednesday 10th August at 8:15pm and
Sunday 14th August at 2.30pm
Venue: St John’s Southgate, City Rd, Melbourne

Tania de Jong - soprano; Christopher Field - countertenor
With the Melbourne Musicians Chamber Orchestra conducted by Frank U. Pam

Performing Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, composed by Pergolesi on his death bed at the age of 26, and Handel Popular Arias

Bookings and enquiries: 03 9817 4221

With special thanks to Dame Elisabeth Murdoch for her support of these performances

Hot on the heels of excellent reviews for the debut CD The Josh Owen Band Live , you can catch Josh and the band on Saturday 6 August at The Wick at 259 Brighton Road, Elwood - no cover charge.

Josh launched his debut CD at the Evelyn Hotel to a full house last month.

Box Office ph: 9486 1677
open 12 - 8pm Monday - Friday
Tickets at the NSC box office at 301 High St, Northcote or online from www.northcotesocialclub.com
Doors 9.30 Supports from 9.45 Headline acts from 10.45
All shows smoke free!

GIGS THIS WEEK

Wed 27 July ED KUEPPER WITH JEFFREY WEGENER (QLD) and Peter Oxley (Sunnyboys) – two sets

Thurs 28 July THALIA ZEDEK (USA) with Sodastream

Fri 29 July INTERSTATER album launch with THE COSMIC PSYCHOS

Sat 30 & Sun 31 July SERENA RYDER (Canada) with HAWKSLEY WORKMAN (Canada)

Tues 2 Aug CARUS with Loren

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT (USA) with Josh Ritter - SOLD OUT!
Sat 27 August SOLD OUT!
There are still tickets available for the ’smoke free’ Martha Wainwright show at the Corner Hotel on Wed 7 September.
Call the Corner box office on 03 9427 9198 or www.cornerhotel.com for details.

MATTHEW (featuring Pinky Beecroft from Machine Gun Fellatio) with Gus and Frank
Sun 14 August
This is the debut Melbourne show for the new band for Machine Gun Fellatio’s Pinky Beecroft.
$8+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.machinegunfellatio.com

SPOON (USA) with special guest
Thu 8 Sept
US band Spoon have just released their fifth album, ‘Gimme Fiction’ The album continues Spoon’s exacting approach to intelligent pop and is their most successful album to date. ‘Gimme Fiction’ is now also the most successful ever album for the Merge label clocking in at over 58,000 sales in just six weeks.
$34+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.spoontheband.com

THE GIG GUIDE

ED KUEPPER with JEFFREY WEGENER (QLD) and PETER OXLEY (Sunnyboys) – two sets
Wed 27 July
Expect to hear classics such as The Saints’ ‘Know Your Product’ and ‘Swing for the Crime’, the Laughing Clown’s ‘The Crying Dance’, Theme From ‘Mad Flies, Mad Flies’, ‘Collapse Board’ and ‘Eternally Yours’ + ‘All Of These Things and Messin’ Pt.2′, from Ed’s solo years. There’s even a healthy smattering of cover versions from the Rolling Stones, Velvet Underground, Del Shannon, Dean Martin and many others. Best of all, Ed & Jeffrey perform the whole evening.
$18+bf – selling fast
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.tt.net/hot/kuepper

THALIA ZEDEK (USA) with Sodastream
Thu 28 July
Thalia Zedek is one of the most important and talented vocalists in American rock. Over her 20+ year career as singer and guitarist with bands like Come, Live Skull and Uzi, she has brought an unparalleled intensity and emotion to underground music. Her most recent album for Thrill Jockey, ‘Trust Not Those In Whom Without Some Touch Of Madness’, featured in a number of critics’ 2004 year-end lists.
$28+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.thrilljockey.com

INTERSTATER album launch with THE COSMIC PSYCHOS
Fri 29 July
Melbourne rockers Interstater launch their eagerly anticipated new album. ‘Martyrs & Freaks’ is distributed by MGM and features all of the band’s singles and crowd favourites, and will be available on the night for the special once only price of $10. Good buddies The Cosmic Psychos will be providing support and probably drinking the rider dry!
$10+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.interstater.com

SERENA RYDER (Canada) with HAWKSLEY WORKMAN (Canada)
Sat 30 and Sun 31 July
Canadian singer songwriter Serena Ryder returns to Australia to follow up her recent national tour supporting Missy Higgins.
$22+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.serenaryder.com

CARUS with Loren
Tues 2 August
Carus is currently touring Europe and returns to Australia for a brief national solo tour with his friend Loren in support.
$10+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.carus.com.au

TRIPOD – POD AUGUST NIGHTS
Thursday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August
Every year popular local comedy trio celebrate the month of August in style with a residency over four nights throughout the month
$15+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.3pod.com.au

YOUTH GROUP with Red Riders
Fri 5 August
Youth group have just finished a sold out tour of the UK with The Music and are heading to the USA in June. Their album ‘Skeleton Jar’ is out on Epitaph overseas and will be re-released in Australia on July 11. The new edition features brand new track ‘Someone Else’s Dream’ which has not been available until now.
$12+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.youthgroup.com.au

DOM MARIANI with The Shimmys (Sat) and special guests (Sun)
Sat 6 and Sun 7 August
Dom Mariani plays two nights in support of his brand new anthology release ‘Popsided Guitar.’ The new double album is out on Citadel Records through Shock distribution and is a compilation of 38 of Dom’s tunes over two decades from the Stems, The Someloves, DM3, the Stonefish and Majestic Kelp and includes a 16-page booklet.
$16+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.dommariani.com

‘A.C.E’ benefit featuring ASH GRUNWALD and ROB SAWYER
Tues 9 August
Ash and Rob perform a special benefit show to raise money for the Happy School Project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Happy School is a place for children to play and learn in a safe, colourful and supportive environment. Guest Speaker Steve Jolly and MC Ben Hardwick.
$13+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.acecambodia.org.au

DOWNSYDE (WA) with James De la Cruz
Wed 10 Aug
Since releasing their ‘Land of the Giants’ LP in March 2003, WA hip hop crew Downsyde have taken some giant steps; racking up loads of radio play and album sales and playing major events such as Falls Festival, St Kilda Festival, Homebake, Splendour in the Grass and the national Big Day Out tour.
$15+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.downsyde.com.au

BLUEBOTTLE KISS (NSW) with Matt Handley & the Dagger Stares
Fri 12 August
‘A Little Bit of Light’ is the first single from Bluebottle Kiss’ upcoming album ‘Doubt Seeds’ (due February 06). Two years after the release of their last album and a seemingly endless run of dates throughout the US, UK and Europe, Bluebottle Kiss are back for their first proper Australian tour since last year.
$12+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.bluebottlekiss.com

67 SPECIAL with Ben Birchall
Sat 13 August
Local rock n roll band 67 Special was one of the highlights of last year’s Meredith festival and also recently supported Stereophonics. Their debut album comes out August 1st
$12+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.67special.com

MATTHEW (featuring Pinky Beecroft from Machine Gun Fellatio) and Gus and Frank
Sun 14 August
This is the debut Melbourne show for the new band for Machine Gun Fellatio’s Pinky Beecroft.
$8+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.machinegunfellatio.com

THE DARLING DOWNS album launch with special guest
Wed 17 Aug
Darling Downs is a new project for Kim Salmon (ex Scientists, Surrealists, Beasts of Bourbon and more) and Ron Peno (singer from Died Pretty). They release their debut album ‘How Can I Forget This Heart Of Mine’ in August.
$12+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com

DAN KELLY AND THE ALPHA MALES single launch with special guest
Fri 19 August
More details soon.
$10+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.dankelly.com.au

BUTTERFINGERS (QLD) with special guests Bluejuice (Sat) and Offcutts (Sun)
Sat 20 and Sun 21 August
Butterfingers return to Melbourne to launch their new single ‘Figjam’ - a tempting little preview of their new album, the highly anticipated follow up to ‘Breakfast At Fatboys’.
$15+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.butterfingers.info/

NEW BUFFALO with HOLLY THROSBY
Wed 24 August
Following on from the 2004 release of her debut album ‘The Last Beautiful Day’, Sally Seltman AKA New Buffalo is about to release a self titled EP in late July. The New Buffalo live band features Rae Howell on trumpet and vibes and John Lee (Mountains In The Sky) on samples, beats and guitar.
$15+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.remotecontrolrecords.com.au

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT (USA) with Josh Ritter
Sat 27 August - sold out
Martha Wainwright returns to Australia following her visit here with family members earlier in the year for the Leonard Cohen tribute at the Sydney festival. Her self-titled debut album is out now.
Sold out – tickets still available for the Corner show (Wed 7 Sept)
Call the Corner box office on 9427 9198 or www.cornerhotel.com
www.marthawainwright.com

THE ORIGINAL ANGELS BAND with Phil Para
Wed 31 August
The Original Angels Band are John Brewster, Chris Bailey, Buzz Bidstrup and Rick Brewster and together they perform the songs that made The Angels an Australian music icon in the 70’s & 80’s with classics like ‘Take a Long Line’, ‘Shadowboxer’, ‘Marseilles’, ‘Face The Day’ ‘Comin Down On Me’, ‘After the Rain’, ‘Mr Damage’, ‘No Exit’, ‘No Secrets’ and ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’
$23+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.theangelsband.net

SOPHIE KOH cd launch with The Guild League
Sat 3 Sept
Sophie Koh launches her debut album ‘All The Pretty Boys’. It features the much-aired singles ‘Anywhere’ and ‘Easily Broken’, it is out now through Infidelity Recordings/Shock. Sophie has been described as “act to watch in 2005″, and in the past year has played with acts such as The Go-Betweens, Betchadupa, Pete Murray, Alex Lloyd, Paul Dempsey, Ember Swift and Mick Thomas.
$10+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.sophiekoh.com

SNARSKI v SNARSKI – two sets
Sun 4 Sept
Brothers Rob Snarski (of Blackeyed Susans) and Mark Snarski (of The Jackson Code) will perform a set of each of their own tunes as well as collaborating at the end of the show.
$12+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.blackeyedsusans.com.au

GLENN TILBROOK (UK) with special guest
Mon 5 Sept
Glenn Tilbrook is a regular visitor to Australia and is best known for his work in classic new wave UK band Squeeze and their hits ‘Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)’, ‘Tempted’, ‘Black Coffee in Bed’ and ‘Cool for Cats’.
$28+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.glenntilbrook.com

THE NECKS – two sets
Tues 6 and Wed 7 Sept
Legendary improv Jazz trio The Necks return to Melbourne to follow up their sold out pipe organ performance earlier this year at the Town Hall.
$25+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.thenecks.com

SPOON (USA) with special guest
Thu 8 Sept
US band Spoon have just released their fifth album, ‘Gimme Fiction’ The album continues Spoon’s exacting approach to intelligent pop and is their most successful album to date. ‘Gimme Fiction’ is now also the most successful ever album for the Merge label clocking in at over 58,000 sales in just six weeks.
$34+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.spoontheband.com

TAMBALANE with special guests
Fri 9 Sept
More details soon.
$15+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.tambalane.com

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS (USA) with special guest
Sun 11 Sept
More details soon.
$33+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.mountain-goats.com

MICHELLE SHOCKED (USA) with special guest
Sun 18 Sept
Much loved folk singer Michelle Shocked returns to Australia to promote her new recording project ‘Threesome’ – the simultaneous release of three new albums ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’, ‘Got No Strings’ and ‘Mexican Standoff’ out late June in Australia.
$50+bf
Tickets from NSC box office (301 High St, Northcote), Ph: 94861677 and online via www.northcotesocialclub.com
www.michelleshocked.com

It is nearly time for lift-off! Adelaide pop-rock outfit Krysalis are about to launch their debut EP – ‘Towards the Sun’.

When:
Saturday 30 th July

Where:
The Enigma Bar, 173 Hindley St , Adelaide , 5000

Cost:
$10 entry, $15 with purchase of new EP

Doors Open:
9pm

The Line-Up:
The Matt Winter Band ( 9.30 – 10.15pm )

Remedy ( 10.45 – 11.30pm )

KRYSALIS ( 12-1am )

About the EP:
Towards the Sun is a lush representation of Krysalis from its fundamental beginnings to now. Although diverse, Towards the Sun is unified by the passion, honesty and power of Krysalis’ music.

Kicking off is the EP is the infectious ‘Yesterday’ , a tongue in cheek parody of shallow mainstream pop - girl likes boy – this time aggressive and obsessive! ‘No Forgiving’ is dark tale simmering over the injustice of greed driven destruction of the environment. Empowerment is written all over icy ‘Disguise’ . In contrast ‘Giving It All Away’ alternates between the passive acceptance and the desperate frustration of labelling and double standards. Finally ‘Icarus’ is a serene journey of the subconscious.

Bio:
Originating from the sleepy Adelaide hills, Krysalis have launched into the Adelaide music scene with their dynamic melodic rock. Flitting between the gently dark to passionately powerful, Krysalis are dramatic and unforgettable. Krysalis’ edgy, high energy music is equally reflected by their intense and captivating live sound.

Although difficult to define, Krysalis can be described as explosive guitar rock overlaid with soaring vocals. Krysalis have been subtly influenced by artists including the Foo Fighters, Muse, George, The Superjesus, Q OTSA, and Incubus.

Krysalis have been gigging regularly around Adelaide over the past 12 months at venues including the Governor Hindmarsh, Enigma Bar, Jive, Exeter , Crown & Anchor, Austral, East End Exchange, Wheatsheaf, Esplanade and FAD Bar. Krysalis recently supported Thirsty Merc at the 2005 Adelaide Cup and have also supported Melbourne band Brown Hornet. In 2004, Krysalis were 1 of 6 finalists from over 100 entries in the S.A Falls Festival Selection, and also played at the Fuse Festival as part of the ‘Off the Couch’ youth initiative.

Towards the Sun is the debut EP release for Krysalis.

Simon Gould – Guitars
Rosa McCarty – Vox
Rob Tideau – Bass
Darren Williams – Drums & Percussion

U.K. Squeeze vocalist, guitarist and co writer of many hits including “Cool for Cats” “Up the Junction”, “Tempted” and “Pulling Mussels From The Shell” is touring Australia September 2005, performing solo and playing material from his new CD “Transatlantic Ping Pong” plus several choice U.K. Squeeze classics.

AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:

Saturday 3/9/05 Perth ­ Leopold Tavern
Monday 5/9/05 Melbourne - Northcote Social Club
Thursday 8/9/05 Wellers Restaurant
Saturday 10/9/05 Melbourne - Esplanade Hotel,Gershwin Room
Wednesday 14/9/05 Wollongong NSW - Yallah Roadhouse, Wollongong NSW
Friday 16/9/05 Sydney - Basement
Saturday 17/9/2005 Cronulla NSW - Brass Monkey

Glenn Tilbrook - AUSSIE TOUR BIO 2005

“I¹m not reinventing the wheel / I just like the way it makes me feel,” Glenn Tilbrook sings on his latest release Transatlantic Ping Pong.

When the wheel in question is the perfect three-and-a-half minute pop song, Tilbrook is a certified patent holder and member of that elite group that includes such tunesmiths as Lennon & McCartney, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. As one half of the songwriting ampersand behind the beloved band Squeeze and now a successful solo artist, Tilbrook has perfected a signature style marked by brilliant melodic invention, cheeky humor and slice-of-life pathos, all wrapped up with unshakable hooks and his golden boy tenor. From chestnuts like “Up the Junction” and “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” through stunning new tracks “Untouchable” and “Ray and Me,” he has amassed a veritable Sears Catalog of memorable songs.

After the release of his solo debut, 2001¹s The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook, he hit the road, making his bid to become the new hardest working man in show business. For three years, he ping ponged between Europe and the U.S. He burned up the tarmac in a 1987 Cruisemaster RV wowing audiences with solo acoustic shows that combined rousing sets, spontaneous requests (Is there a song Glenn doesn¹t know?), fast-paced humor and parking lot sing-a-longs.

“The thing I love most about playing solo is finding I could talk to an audience rather than just saying ŒThis is¹ and ŒThat was¹ and ŒThank you very much,¹ which was probably about the extent of my communication before then,” Tilbrook says. “It¹s great, if you¹re in a band and you¹re powering through a set, that¹s sometimes all that you need, but I love talking to people in this new kind of environment.”

During spare moments, Tilbrook began to lay the groundwork for solo album number two. And as the title suggests, it came together on both sides of the pond. “The recording was done in short bursts,” he says. “The Nashville stuff was done in August, and the rest of the stuff I did in England in February. And then I took it back to my studio, and worked on it in Austin and New Orleans. I worked on it all over the place. I worked on it in my RV, in a field, in the middle of nowhere!”

If a vocal session in the middle of an open field hints at a more relaxed approach to record-making, that¹s in keeping with Tilbrook¹s sonic vision for the project. He says, “What I wanted to do was approach it with a much more live feel and to keep it a lot simpler. And also, to go back to quite a basic approach, which is something I haven¹t really done for a while. To properly look at the songs, but to also keep it simple. That was very invigorating for me to do. All the songs that we did were arrangements that we worked on at the most two days before we recorded them. So it was very fresh. On quite a few of the songs, it¹s a live vocal, and it really captures what was happening in the studio.”

What happened in the studios is a tantalizing smorgasbord of styles and textures, from the power pop wallop of “Untouchable” and percolating funk of “Lost in Space” to the whipsmartaleck sass of “Hot Shaved Asian Teens” and the dreamy reflections of “Ray and Me.” There¹s even a Ventures-like instrumental, “One for the Road,” as a good-humored parting shot. The scaled-back live band approach, with its splashes of Farfisa organ and bracing electric guitars, harkens back to the days of Argybargy and East Side Story - a warm, friendly sound that will undoubtedly please aredent Squeeze fans.

Tilbrook comments, “I don¹t really see a dividing line between Squeeze and what I¹m doing now. Squeeze was a band, and though we changed members, whatever the line-up was became Squeeze. Now, this new album feels like a band album. Everyone put their ideas in. But it¹s under my name, because my name is the biggest thing I have to advertise myself. It¹s certainly nowhere near as big as Squeeze. But there¹s very much a continuity flowing through everything from Squeeze to the stuff I¹ve done. Live, I don¹t feel that I have to play the old songs. I want to play them. I want to dip into all parts of my career because I¹m proud of it.”

It was with the same openness and affection for the past that Tilbrook reunited with songwriting ex- Chris Difford for the moving “Where I Can be Your Friend,” their first collaboration in five years. Tilbrook: “After Squeeze fell apart Chris had said a lot of things about how he wanted to apologize to me, and it was very sweet. I really love Chris and I felt sorry for him that he felt so bad. Now we¹re in a different place, and I think we realize what we do and don¹t want to do. Chris and I are really at a stage now where we are rekindling our friendship and that¹s a great place to be. We¹ve got such a lot of history together.”

Transatlantic Ping Pong is the latest chapter in a rich history that spans Squeeze¹s explosion out of the late Œ70s new wave movement to their continued presence on FM radio with staples such as “Another Nail in My Heart,” “Tempted,” “Black Coffee in Bed” and “Hourglass” and through their influence on contemporary artists such as Blur, Weezer, Aimee Mann and Fountains of Wayne.

As Glenn Tilbrook prepares to turn another page in his storied career, hitting the road with his three-piece band The Fluffers, he says, “I¹m very happy with this record. My hopes are that more people get to hear it than heard The Incomplete. . . I always like to get across to more people, but I¹ve learned to live with the possibility that that might not happen. But nevertheless it doesn¹t in any way dent my enthusiasm for carrying on doing it, because I really really enjoy it.”