Squeeze - Pulling Mussels From Their Shell Reaction

In this video we're checking out Squeeze again. These guys have been impressing us almost every time we listen to them. We can't wait to hear this track. Enjoy!
/ hanierfamily
cynthiamartin....

[@danomalley2473]

Squeeze - Singles is hands-down one of the best albums ever made. I realize it's a compilation, but every tune on it is a gem that still holds up. Those English folks can really craft a pop tune.

[@Sandy-dd4le]

Yet another beautifully crafted song from Squeeze. Songwriting doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

[@glastonbury4304]

The song is about one of these working class holidays at a holiday camp at the seaside, like Butlins, with references to the slap stick slightly rude postcards you buy at the beach and pulling mussels from the shell refers to the female lower down parts....lol

[@druidswillow1052]

Lyrically sublime take on British seaside holiday's as a teenager and getting laid basically! Lots of wordplay and euphemisms, one of my favourite Squeeze tracks, Really miss their songwriting & musicianship they should have been a much bigger name in the world of music in my humble opinion Cheers Jim, Surrey, UK

[@davidsweeney4021]

My late younger brother got me into Squeeze and will always be be grateful. Brilliant band & Brilliant brother. RIP Mark

[@jjns5600]

@@davidsweeney4021 Sounds like he was a great brother...and got you to appreciate a great band! My respects!

[@BrixtonTone]

"Shrinking in the sea so cold" , any lad that's swam in freezing water will remember that feeling 😀 One of the best bands of their era, you guys have started a Squeeze revival in my house , Cheers !

[@martinotoole9959]

One was never at there best climbing out of the sea in Blighty, but a little bit of sunshine and warmth corrected the issue. Now you fear the interloping jellyfish and they can make your eyes water, never mind the bollocks!

[@Malfie657]

Thanks again for featuring Squeeze - there are so many well observed elements in this song that any British kids of a certain age can instantly relate to, when a week or even a day trip to Selsey, Skegness (or Camber Sands!) would bring adventure, bingo, caravans, shellfish stalls, coach trips...and just maybe a few other things besides!!

[@cyclops60]

It's a nostalgic look back at sea side holidays in the UK before most people could afford to fly off to Spain for guaranteed sun! The lyrics are full of very English sayings, some rather cheeky! I'm guessing William Tell rhymed better with 'shell' than Robin Hood, and Maid Marion on her tiptoes behind the chalet, well shall we say refers to a holiday romance ;-) Classic Squeeze, also worth a listen is 'up the junction', which tells another interesting story.

[@hanierfamily]

We did Up The Junction

[@cyclops60]

@@hanierfamily Yes, I found it! Sorry, I'm a bit behind!

[@delorangeade]

Yes, it's an analogy, one for the young lads to snigger about when the song came on the radio. (You should check out Peaches, by The Stranglers, if you haven't already). The joys of the British seaside holiday. A more earthy British working class take on one of Bruce Springsteen's romanticised portraits of growing up in New Jersey.

[@ChilliCheezdog]

So great to hear you review this superb song - and mention my name at the start. It is very British. I can understand how some, or most, of the lyrics can sound a little baffling, but I love bouncing about to it. 'Maid Marion on her tiptoe feet.'

[@martinotoole9959]

Tim its a knee trembler and of course Maid Marion would be on tiptoes when some beginner is clumsily dipping his bread ! Behind the chalet... at that age most lads don't care if its behind the council bins. We arn't all Bryan Ferry with a nice big falcon and a ten grand suit. Avalon my arse , even guttersnipes enjoy sex.

[@glasgowgaysoulfan8856]

Regarded as being amongst the best songwriters ever, this and so many other of their tracks are clever little gems

[@terryjuffs9447]

Guys, I'm going to be blunt! Pulling mussels from a shell! Is (or was) a London term for having sex! the whole song is about holidays (vacations) at the seaside, in this case probably Camber Sands in the county of Kent southeast England. Chris Difford wrote about his experiences and like many other teenagers at the time 'the holiday is complete!!!! at the back of the chalet, with a girl who he thinks is as beautiful as maid Marian! This song really captures the essence of British seaside holidays in the 50s, 60s and 70s perfectly, brilliant lyrics paired with an excellent arrangement. You guys are great, I wish I could sit down with you both with a nice cup of tea and listen and explain some of the lyrics of these bands of my youth. As always love and peace ☮️

[@hanierfamily]

We love a nice tea and conversation about music.

[@terryjuffs9447]

@@hanierfamily I only discovered you guys a couple of days ago and I've commented on two of your videos already, that's a huge thing for me, keep up the good work, your both lovely people and I'll keep watching. Peace and love✌️

[@martinotoole9959]

Terry, you uncouth bounder! Somethings are best left unsaid, Cynthia is a delecate flower and shouldn't be exposed to a degenerate and vile tongue . Three Hail Mary's and four how's your father's at the back of the church for you young man .😂😂🍻🍻🍻🍺

[@notabritperse]

In the great pop music tradition of Lennon/McCartney, Holland/Dozier/Holland, Goffin/King, and Gamble/Huff, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook are an absolute hook factory. Enjoy!

[@srodgers66]

Thanks for filling my request! Glad you liked it so much. Little fun fact here, the Piano part was played by a certain mr Jools Holland, who in the UK has reached national treasure status, mainly because he hosts the biggest live music show on TV and has done so for the past 30 years or so.

[@hanierfamily]

Yeah. And what a great show. He's always got some great bands on.

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

Personally, I'd disagree that Holland has become "national treasure" (a term I hate anyway). And of course he plays "the piano part" as he was Squeeze's original keyboard/pianist 🙄

[@annother3350]

@@normandavidtidiman9918 What have you got against Holland?! He's done so much for music in the UK and his shows always feel genuine. I think for people that really like their music he probably qualifies as naitonal treasure

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

@@annother3350 Number one,where do I say anything “against” Holland? He was decent member of Squeeze,host of ‘The Tube’,and his own show has had many fine artists showcased on. Number two,I already stated that I hate the term “National Treasure” for anyone. It’s a lazy & saccharine term used to describe anyone the author likes that has been around for a lengthy period. Who decides these “National Treasures”?

[@SorendeSelbyBowen]

My favorite Squeeze song, and one of my fifty favorite songs by anybody. Cheers.

[@martinotoole9959]

Being very young, teenage maybe and getting lucky on holiday, behind the chalet , my holidays complete. Think about it, I am being delicate with my language as I don't wish to offend Mrs Hanier . 😉

[@marchadier1]

Another great one guys. As others have mentioned, lots of references to British seaside holidays in times past and some sortta rude plays on words in the lyrics. Guessing Feel like William Tell (like the mythical Swiss archer) is to do with hitting the target (i.e. scoring with a young lady) and Maid Marian a clever play on words re having done the deed with a young lady. I'd rerecommend couple of Squeeze classics if not done already, like Cool for cats and Tempted, or my favourite early single of theirs, Goodbye Girl.

[@garyford3533]

You need to be British to understand this song and, over 45years old, 1980s vacation took place in the UK, butlins, caravans, chalets, by the sea very few brit s went abroad during the 1070-1980s this song is about British culture, many years ago.

[@rdumontdebeque]

One of their best…

[@rgwholt]

At last you reach my favourite Squeeze number 😀

[@rorycanavan]

Thank you both for this - the years rolled back! I appreciate you've done at least 3 squeeze tracks already, but if you could review "tempted" from the same album then I think you'll get the best track on the cd.

[@hanierfamily]

We know Tempted very well

[@gastrickbunsen1957]

It's an innuendo which often, like this one, makes you giggle.

[@sirslice7531]

Squeeze is such a great band. BTW, when I was doing the national radio thing, I probably could be heard in Baie Sainte Anne (from stations in the Miramichie... vive L'Acadie!) as well as Toronto.

[@neilesposito5460]

As a hard rock listener in my youth, this band caught my attention. This song in particular. I love their music. And BTW your the first reaction video to cover this song

[@IslandDigital]

The song is about the writers experiences at camp as a kid , the Summers … Pulling Mussels from a shell is talking about digitally playing with his girlfriend.

[@msaz2720]

This was always a song played at college parties back in the day

[@knutfarbu984]

Thanks for listening to more Squeeze😊👍 Please listen to one of my 80’s favourites, Thomas Dolby, and the song: eastern bloc.

[@hanierfamily]

We love Thomas Dolby's hits. It's about time we dove in.

[@robertbagley9199]

@@hanierfamily In that case I'd like to suggest' Hyperactive' ,or maybe 'Europa' ;)

[@hanierfamily]

@@robertbagley9199 We know Hyperactive.

[@robertbagley9199]

@@hanierfamily Europa it is then😉

[@tridentyyz1031]

I always like Another Nail in My Heart, guitar solo after the first verse is killer and not usually where you find the solo in a song.

[@danielmchenry1000]

It's about a lovely day aat the beach. "Squinting faces at the sky, a Harold Robbins paperback". "He-man in a sun shower shelters from the rain".

[@4cryingoutloud604]

Awesome review! Amazing song! Squeeze has a lot of great songs, especially their early stuff! I think I have 14 albums from them (including the Difford & Tilbrook album, and 3 best of albums). My favourite song from them is probably "Cool For Cats" - a fun (disco influenced) song. Some of my other favourites are "In Quintessence", "Another Nail in My Heart" and "Pulling Mussels". Their best album (in my opinion) is "East Side Story" - I highly recommend it (amazing album). But, "Argybargy" and "Cool For Cats" are awesome albums too. Enjoy! Sad, from 4 Crying Out Loud! (Band)

[@hanierfamily]

We know Cool For Cats and we did a reaction to Another Nail In My Heart. We will put the others on our list.

[@meistertynemouth]

My favourite Squeeze song!

[@leewalsh2428]

When I was a lot younger on caravan holidays I pulled my Mussel from quite a few shells.

[@andrewmurray5542]

😂 😂 naughty,naughty!

[@paulcasey5486]

squeeze were fantastic, maybe try a beautiful south , song for whoever, or a little time, rotterdam or a perfect 10 great sarcastic songs.

[@colrhodes377]

I remember this well as a teenager

[@ianhunter8327]

Best songwriter ever

[@meistertynemouth]

"Maid Marrion on her tiptoed feet"

[@leewalsh2428]

Have you found out what made Marian on her tipped toed feet is about yet? the song is about one night stands on holiday or what you call vacations.

[@martinotoole9959]

Look, let me clarify. William Tell had to shoot a crossbow bolt into an apple on his sons head. He was a bit nervous right? Maid Marion on her tiptoed feet. Please don't allow Mrs Hanier to read this my friend, but that's a knee trembler and there is always some trepidation when you lose your cherry. 😊🍒🥂pulling mussels from the shell...

[@robertknuist9754]

Add to my list Disciplined Breakdown by Collective Soul Down To The Nightclub by Tower of Power

[@IslandDigital]

Pulling Mussels from A Shell Is correct song title

[@garycarver5005]

Innuendo laced with euphemism, 'copping off' (pardon my vulgarity) being the minimum holiday requirement lol. Ultimately though it's more about peer kudos and bragging rights 😜.

[@iainriley8819]

If you speak it in British, it's pulling muscle's for Michell ( wild sex stuff) 😂😂

[@timholder6825]

It's about holiday romances. "Just behind the chalets the holiday's complete", he's having sex.

[@GiorgosDimitriadisArtist]

this is a brit slang meaning sexual intercourse.....

[@stevecalvert5212]

Another one with a hidden rude meaning :-)

[@hanierfamily]

I knew we should have printed out a lyrics sheet. 😀

[@peterharvey5766]

You guys really seem to struggle with English accents!

[@heathcornbeef]

I like the taste of mussels and clams but i can't eat them i just can't handle the thought of eating guts and all i also won't eat raw fish people say the lemon juice cook's it WHAT EVER COOKING USES HEAT. IF it had any kind of respiratory system it needs heat to cook not a chemical reaction I'd probably starve myself to death rather than eat raw meat/fish/clams I've been out at the beach hungry as hell and stay hungry while my friends have a banquet of Raw clams mussels and even crabs YUK

[@martinotoole9959]

Crabs are boiled, and you don't get nastyness. O.K I understand oysters live and cold is a challenge, boiled shellfish has all the stuff cooked out of it and its good for you. But if you don't like it that is your right as a person. As to raw fish, fuck that. Tried it and nearly disgraced myself on the table, I then knew I would starve in Japan. Kind regards Martin.

[@heathcornbeef]

@@martinotoole9959 yeah man raw fish 🤢🤮 my twenty year old step son will cut slivers off freshly caught fish and eat it while he's still fishing. That's VOMIT INDUCING IN MY WORLD and Crab's I've watched mate's crack open the leg's and nippers and eat raw BLOODY CAVE MEN