Search - Glenn Tilbrook :: Transatlantic Ping Pong

Never fear -- Glenn is here!

Laurie A.E. | MA, USA | 02/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again our pop-genius, the modern-day Macca from across the pond uses his mysterious powers of musical alchemy to furnish us with another instantly hummable gem. Comparing this to his last solo outing, "The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook", is like comparing apples to oranges. This is much more a "pop" animal than that one, and though it may be more conventional melody-wise (and it's loaded with more hooks than a salty old fisherman's box), lyrically it definitely has Glenn venturing into territory a bit brash, maybe even ill-advised (see "Hot Shaved Asian Teens". What were you THINKING, my good man?!) If you're a Glenn fan, this is a must-own. It is one of those secrets that's too good to keep to yourself, and way, way too excellent to not own. Glenn's voice is still in great shape -- the guy can sing pop like few others can, which is to say he not only does it exceedingly well but doesn't sound like a would-be boy band-ster or an American Idol vanilla version of actual, honest-to-goodness talent. And in spite of the prodigious talents, he's not afraid to pen (and follow through) a song like "Genitalia of a Fool", which riffs on country and shows tongue clearly in cheek, if not in check ... nice to see him branching out into, er, different directions. Although you never know quite to expect from Glenn (who's charmingly eccentric in that peculiarly British way), he's the real deal and he is rolling on ... go, Glenn! We love you! Come to Boston!!!!"

Like a great surprise visit from a beloved, long-lost uncle

Webley Webster | Hillsborough, NC USA | 01/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was a big Squeeze fan back around the time of Argy Bargy and stayed with them through Sweets From a Stranger, then lost track of them until relatively recently, when I started rediscovering their old albums and discovering some of the ones made during the later years. I was very happy to stumble onto a copy of The Incompleat Glenn Tillbrook a year ago and enjoyed it, although I thought it suffered from some of the same deficiencies of the later Squeeze records--it a little over-produced and some of the melodies were a little overwritten. The Squeeze I loved was more of a great pop-based bar band, a little less arty than the later Squeeze albums or Incompleat.



Which is why I enjoy Transatlantic Ping Pong so much, I think--the pretensions are minimal, the hooks are plentiful, and the singing and playing is a little looser and a little more fun. The poppiest songs are the best--"Neptune," "Hostage," "Ray and Me," "Reinventing the Wheel," "Where I Can Be Your Friend," and the glorious "Untouchable," which in a just world would have been a bit hit. Tillbrook's penchant for goofiness costs this album a star--"Genitalia of a Fool" is, like many novelty songs, hilarious once, then you never need to hear it again, and "Hot Shaved Asian Teens" is a little creepy even if it is meant as a joke--but I'd take a half-dozen more just like this album all the same."

Glenn Tilbrook: One For The Road

Amyglennmovie | In a big fluffy chair | 09/24/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm biased of course, but I think Glenn's second album shows real growth and a welcome chance for Glenn to work with outside people. He's got a great new band the Fluffers and used some amazing session musicians from Nashville on TAPP. I love the campy, retro instrumental "One For the Road"inspired by the documentary chronicling his solo tour of America in an RV. (out on DVD on January 24, 2006!) Glenn shows amazing insight with the unforgettable "Untouchable" and collaborates with Rugburns frontman Steve Poltz on the hilariously titled "Hot Shaved Asian Teens" (email spam never sounded this good.) If you dig this CD, check out the book "Squeeze: Song By Song" and my favorite Squeeze album "Play" from 1991. In the current musical climate, Glenn is the pop poster child for all of us: do what you love and love what you do."