Glenn Tilbrook, co-founder of New Wave seventies group Squeeze, releases fourteen track studio album "Pandemonium Ensues" on February 23rd 2009 via Quixotic Records. Cut alongside Tilbrook's group The Fluffers, the album was preceded by the single "Still". Co-written with Des'ree, the BBC Radio 2 playlisted composition witnessed issue on February 2nd. Produced by Tilbrook and Andrew J. Jones, "Pandemonium Ensues" was mixed by Bob Clearmountain. Additionally, Johnny Depp guests upon the track "Too Close To The Sun", whilst Depp's wife Vanessa Paradis guests upon "Interest & Love". Tilbrook's first album in five years, "Pandemonium Ensues" follows 2001's "The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook" and 2004's "Transatlantic Ping Pong". The songwriter's 2006 release, namely "Glenn Tilbrook: One For The Road", charted life as a touring musician on the road in North America.
March and April dates have been confirmed for North America, whilst fourteen May concerts will see
Tilbrook perform in the United Kingdom. Other 2009 plans include recording a new album of material as part of
Squeeze, and travelling to Kilamanjaro during late September for charity. To lend "
Pandemonium Ensue"'s issue additional publicity,
Tilbrook conversed with Ultimate-Guitar via email.
UG: Could you provide an introduction to 'Pandemonium Ensues', and how it came to fruition from its initial beginnings to the finished article?
Glenn Tilbrook: For 'Pandemonium Ensues', I had the following ideas; that it would be a group collaboration, and that we would record live as much as possible, with old fashion overdubs such as backing vocals and strings - very minimal. Also, we wanted each track to be as short as it could be. Bob Clearmountain's mix was the final part of the jigsaw; he has such wonderful ears, and a sense of space.
You co-produced the album with Andrew J. Jones. In terms of production, what did you aim towards?
When I performed with The Fluffers, Andrew was fantastic in creating a vibe within the studio. All I had to worry about was my own individual parts. We aimed towards cutting takes via the old fashioned way; learning the tracks, developing the parts, and then immediately recording the tracks in question.
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| "In writing lyrics for 'Pandemonium Ensues', I made sure that I wrote from the perspective of a fifty year old." |
This is your first full album with The Fluffers. How did you come to play with these group of musicians, and how would you describe their contribution to the album?
'Pandemonium Ensues' is a group album. Nobody was told what to play - we just all contributed our own respective ideas.
Your initial single with The Fluffers was 2008's "Binga Bong". In writing that, how did you all discover a sound each and every band member was comfortable with?
We just mucked about.
In writing tracks in support of 'Pandemonium Ensues', what lyrical topics have you touched upon?
In writing lyrics for 'Pandemonium Ensues', I made sure that I wrote from the perspective of a fifty year old. In writing about my life and my age, I don't see any contradictions - the lyrics can hopefully be relevant, and funny.
Musically and lyrically, how does the album compare and contrast against more recent releases such as 2004's 'The Transatlantic Ping Pong'?
I was very pleased with 'The Transatlantic Ping Pong', though I think each album is superior to its predecessor.
Johnny Depp guests on the track "Too Close to the Sun", whilst his wife Vanessa Paradis guests on "Interest & Love". Could you talk through how they came to be involved, and how they eventually laid down their respective contributions? Also, what do you feel they add to those respective songs?
Johnny and Vanessa attended a gig last September. Whilst mixing 'Pandemonium Ensues' in Los Angeles the following week, I met them both. I asked them if they would like to come to the studio, and sing upon "Interest & Love". Johnny didn't feel he wanted to sing the part I had in mind for him, so I sung with Vanessa instead. We recorded the vocals together, and that was important. Johnny then narrated the track "Too Close to the Sun", given minimal instructions and free reign. Both Johnny and Vanessa bring clout, wit, charm and tunefulness to 'Pandemonium Ensues'. For that, I'm very grateful.
"Still" is Pandemonium Ensue's first single. What is the meaning behind that specific track, and how did it come to be written?
I wrote the tune a while ago with Des’ree. Lyrically, I wanted to write a track about how great it is to be with someone when you're not in the first flush of excitement. "Still" concerns enduring love.
How does writing as part of a solo group differ from writing with Chris Difford?
The process differs like chalk and cheese. With Chris, I just wrote tunes. Nowadays, I write more lyrics than tunes.
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| "I love performing live, which gives me the most pleasure." |
In hindsight, how do you look back on your time as part of Squeeze?
It was fun.
As a musician and human being, how would you say you differ from 1974 to 2009?
Nowadays, I feel closer to the person I was in 1974 than I did to the person I was in 1984. Perhaps my hormone replacement therapy is working.
Of Squeeze's albums, which is your favourite, and which is your least favourite?
My favourite Squeeze album is 'Cool For Cats' (1979), which was youthful and exuberant. My least favourite Squeeze album is 'Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti' (1985) - on this album, we never played together.
Squeeze intends to record an album of new material during 2009. Is there anything you can reveal regarding this?
I don’t want to talk about any project until it is finished.
From 27th September to 9th October, you'll be travelling to Kilimanjaro for charity. Regarding this, what other information can you reveal?
Love Hope Strength Foundation was founded by Mike Peters from The Alarm, and James Chippendale. They raise money for cancer treatment centres in areas which can’t afford to finance the centres themselves, and in so doing, give extra hope to people.
You'll be performing at American shows in March / April, and conducting a solo tour in May. After all these years, how do you view performing live?
I love performing live, which gives me the most pleasure. Playing music, cooking and laying around are my three favourite things.
Interview by Robert Gray
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