Top tracks — play these first
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Slap & Tickle — An insistent synthesizer figure gives the single its unsettled pulse, while the vocal delivers its sexual intrigue with characteristically dry detail.
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All’s Well — The B-side completes the original single pairing, offering a chance to hear Squeeze beyond the better-known album track.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases catchy melodies and sharp lyrics typical of late '70s new wave but lacks broader impact.
What we noticed
- The second track introduces a more laid-back groove, contrasting with the first while maintaining a melodic focus.
- Both songs employ clever lyrical wordplay, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and wit in the verses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that showcased Squeeze's unique sound and lyrical wit, gaining wider recognition.
- Themes
- late-night banter· British pub culture· playful romance
- Career context
- This 1979 release is a two-track single, not an album. Its A-side appeared on Squeeze’s second album, Cool for Cats, as the band moved beyond its debut and found a wider British audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- XTC· The Buggles· Devo
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Slap & Tickle
The refrain returns to a playful euphemism for physical intimacy rather than naming the act directly.
That indirectness gives the hook a comic surface while leaving room for the verses’ more uneasy social detail.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slap & Tickle 4:19
- 2 All’s Well 2:25
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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