Spotting the Difference in Squeeze: ‘Formalism’, ‘Physicalism’, and the Lure of Strict Re-recording

Spot the Difference is an album issued by the British rock band Squeeze in 2010, consisting of fourteen strict re-recordings of tracks, mostly found on their 1982 compilation Singles 45s and Under . Squeeze’s output is considered from both a ‘formalist’ and ‘physicalist’ aspect: songs, performances, recording, re-recording. Re-recording is motivated by Squeeze’s becoming a ‘legacy’ act, as concert performances became tied to the 1982 compilation, even as new work was being produced. Close musical analysis (of voice, words, chords, and of sound recording) is eventually centered on the track ‘Tempted’; interviews with key players are included. Evaluation of the album leads to a sharpening of ideas around strict replication in the process and dissemination of sound recording.