Coming on the heels of the excellent Some Fantastic Place, Ridiculous is a major disappointment. Lots of bland mid-tempo numbers that sound like Difford & Tilbrook are sleepwalking. I waited a few weeks and many listens to write a review because I was hoping some subtle gems would reveal themselves (as on the vastly underrated Play album), but most of these songs continue to unimpress me.

Surprisingly, the biggest offenders are the songs which prominently feature Chris Difford's vocals. Usually, Difford sung ditties appear as rare and entertaining treats in the Squeeze catalog. There are a whopping 4 of them on Ridiculous and all are substandard. In addition, Keith Wilkinson, who came up aces on Some Fantastic Place with "True Colors", can only muster the dull "Got To Me" this time around.

"Electric Trains" is the catchiest song here, but it is somewhat sabotaged by trite and pandering lyrics. "This Summer", "Daphne", and "Great Escape" are all very good, and perhaps "Sound Asleep" qualifies. So Ridiculous is still a worthwhile pickup for fans, but certainly not one of Difford & Tilbrook's better efforts.


You Don't Know What Your Missin'   February 5, 1999
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is a great album, and that's all there is to it. Tilbrook's vocals are outstanding, and Difford's words are still up to par. "This Summer" is one hell of a single, and if people would pay attention in the U.S., it could have been a hit. "I Want You", "Heaven Knows," "Walk Away," and "Temptation For Love" really stand out.


Difford & Tilbrook...please don't quit!   September 24, 1998
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Squeeze is a pretty consistent band, anchored by supreme songwriting and skillful playing. But Ridiculous seems to be a cut above their own high standards. The lyric writing in particular seems more acutely descriptive and evocative than usual. Twenty years after bursting on the scene as the next big thing, this band keeps improving. Without, I might add, any encouragement from the recording industry. Ridiculous took a year for a U.S. company to release it. What gives?? This band has a loyal audience. They don't ask much in the way of promotion. They just want to write and record their fantastic music. Someday, someone will get very rich boxing up their best songs into a $60 collection; but til then, if you're not a fan, try this record and see if you can resist.


An intellegent pop album.   July 30, 1998
Peter Yustat (Wantagh, NY USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Difford and Tillbrook deliver a wonderfully diverse collection despite being misunderstood by record companies and mainstream audiences. As always, the duo hits home by exploring everyday situations and providing interesting insights. Those looking for 'snappy' pop tunes as on their local pub's copy of 'Singles - 45 and Under' may be disappointed. Although this record has some strong pop singles - from the quintessential Difford\Tillbrook - 'This Summer' to the Beatlesque 'I Want You', 'Ridiculous' has been created for those who long for clever writing, unique melodies and a clear attention to detail. Difford and Tillbrook assert themselves as masters of musical imagery ....once again.