reCAP :: Squeeze w/ The English Beat :: 2016.10.19
Where is the tenderness? This is the lyrical question asked by "opening act" The English Beat. I put those words (opening act) in quotes because if they were the headliner, I would've walked out more than satisfied. At The Cap last night, tenderness could be found in band founder Dave Wakeling's brilliant display combining Motown, punk and ska. To play on words here, the band hasn't missed a beat. As they exited the stage, a raucous Capitol crowd seemed to want more while hype man and "toasting" expert (Google it) King Schascha ran up and down the aisles high-fiving the crowd. Following that set, the headliners Squeeze picked up where The Beat left off, starting off with an amped up version of their hit "Hourglass." You know it...
Takeittothebridge throwitoverboard Seeifitcanswim backuptotheshore Noonesinthehouse allthelightsareon Andtheblindsaredown
Yeah, that's the one. The sold-out Cap crowd loved it, and that was the theme of the night. I'll be the first to admit that when I think of Squeeze I think of the early '80's. Yet, early in the show they powered through 1995's Electric Trains, and it resonated just as good as their "classics." They closed out with the beautifully robotic and melodic 1978 hit "Take Me I'm Yours." To break it all down: Highlight 1-A , surprisingly enough, was a cover of the Tom T Hall penned Jeannie C Reilly smash hit "Harper Valley PTA." Glenn Tilbrook hammered away on the ukulele and belted it out like only he can.Highlight, let's call it 1-B, was the resounding version of "Black Coffee in Bed." Like so many, this is my favorite Squeeze song and they didn't let us down. The song is easily in my all-time ten. Sometimes you go to a show and you're persuaded into singing along - well not here. As Glenn hit the first three notes of "Black Coffee," the crowd erupted. As he started singing, we all started singing and none of us stopped until the very second the song was over. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the final presidential debate was going on as this show was. I'm so glad I missed it. Will I watch it, sure. But for one night, we were all able to check our problems at the door. Some artists like U2 or Bob Dylan try to shine on a light on social injustices. Artists like The English Beat and Squeeze just sang and made us forget the world around us. The crowd was filled with people looking to have a good time - nothing more. If you're wondering where the tenderness was - it was at The Capitol Theater. Or maybe it was just me.