Chris Difford It’s funny. When people talk about long running bands, certain names seem to come up more than others. The Rolling Stones are, obviously, still the (grand) daddy, but people will often talk about U2’s lengthy career or the likes of Simply Red. One name that doesn’t crop up but should is Squeeze.
Formed in 1973, the band – and its individual members – have produced some of the finest pop songs to come out of the UK since Ray Davies picked up a pencil.
"I never thought we’d do 37 years," admits Chris Difford, "but I was always extremely optimistic about what we do. From when I was 15 years old, really, I always thought it was going to happen. I’ve still got that confidence, I hope, because that’s what keeps the drive going."
It’s quite an achievement, and it’s understandable why Chris refers to the back catalogue as "Squeeze’s personal museum" and why they’ve chosen to have a roam through that collection for the new album, Spot The Difference.
"Because we’ve got a vast career behind us, it’s easy to dip in and out of the back catalogue," explains Chris. "We’re lucky in that respect. It’s our history. We own it. It was an important journey for us to make.
"The whole point was to replicate what we did – to a greater or lesser degree. We were grateful to record it. It was good to contact people who’d been in the band, and have that exploration. It was therapeutic in many ways, and there’s probably no better time to look back than in your mid-50s on what you’ve achieved and be very grateful for it."
While not a fan of X Factor ("there’s a place for everything. Unfortunately.") or, it would seem, modern music as a whole ("I listen to a lot of radio, but couldn’t really name anything that I’ve heard") Chris does sound energised talking about Squeeze’s current activities. In addition to this re-visit, the band has just completed US and UK tours and next year will start work on a new album.
"As ever I’m optimistic," reveals Chris, "and hoping that it will be as it always was. There will be tension, but there will be release as well: that’s what partnership is all about. And as the years drift by, you get to know yourself more... and how to get on with people."
While perhaps not as 'refreshed and renewed' as their press release has it – "well, I’m not hobbling around on crutches anyway" – Chris thinks it’s a good time to see, and be in, Squeeze.
"I think we’ve turned a corner," he admits. But is there anything left on the wish list? "There’s probably no one thing, but it’s that sense that it’s all still out there for us to have, that’s the main thing."
Spot The Difference is out now on Love Records.