Critical 10: Squeeze’s Deep Tracks

One of the all-time great compilation albums of the '80s is Squeeze's Singles: 45s and Under. Released in late 1982 to coincide with the band's (temporary, as it turned out) breakup, it's a chronological survey of most of the South Londoners' seven-inch releases from 1978's "Take Me I'm Yours" to the then-new farewell single "Annie Get Your Gun." But while most of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook's best songs from that period are represented, from the antic wordplay of "Cool For Cats" and "Slap and Tickle" to the novelistic detail of "Tempted" and "Black Coffee In Bed," Squeeze's first five albums are so strong that you could easily create an equally fine best-of just with songs left off Singles: 45s and Under. From 1978's self-titled debut (which the band famously loathes, due in large part to clashes with producer John Cale) to 1982's soul-influenced Sweets From A Stranger, here's 10 more great songs from Squeeze's classic period. (And no, this doesn't include anything from 1977's debut Packet of Three EP: honestly, it's just not very good.)

Spotify listeners can hear these songs and more on Critical Mob's Squeeze: Deep Tracks playlist.