"Sqeak"- Left To His Own Devices, 2001 Spin Art

In 2001, Vic released a 'solo' record, if you will, of 4-track demos, pro-tooled arrangements and other various sundries. It was in stark contrast to his two previous albums, 'The Salesman and Bernadette' and "Merriment' which both featured big production and very polished sounds."Left to His Own Devices" is one of my favorite albums. It feels very personal and has this beautiful raw quality to it. The songs are a varied collection of old and new material- ranging from quirky (Deadline, Caper, and this one) to morbid (My Last Act) to social commentary (Distortion) to nostalgic (Hermitage, Look At Me.)

Squeak is an old song. The only live recording that I have dates back to 1992. The album arrangement sounds like it could be a demo from that period, as well. It's a simple acoustic song, probably recorded on a four-track, with slight overdubs, including some whistling, and guitar noodling.

Lyrically, it's a funny little song that's very observant and reflective. One can only speculate to the references in this song, but I believe it focuses not only on the 'on stage' side of playing, but the 'off stage' side too. The verses seem to refer to the downtime experienced when not on stage- the 'sitting around, watching TV, observing people' time. Vic was amazingly adept at highlighting situations like those, and he could turn a phrase with such ease. By focusing on little details, or drawing the essence from a situation, he was able to make his lyrics come alive.

The chorus is an obvious reference to Vic's uncomfortable stage presence. Anybody who ever saw him perform knows that he was self deprecating and nervous, no matter the setting. That was part of his charm. He wasn't unable to command the stage, or control a room, though. He may not have seen his appeal, but no matter how "bleak" his situation, or "squeaky" his performance...Vic was a one of a kind showman, and always worth the effort. That is what I miss.

Here's the studio version:

And the live 1992 version:

SQUEAK

the wall came down,
yes I saw a kid chiseling.
the reporter is a new age junkie,
keeps his needles in a pyramid

camera on his shoulder
and chips on the pavement
a hundred german dollars,
well don't that just about pay my rent

yes I am weak,
outlook is bleak
yes I'm on stage
commencing to squeak
yes I'm on stage
commencing to squeak.

well the picture is flickering
a surge of some kind
if you shake that thing more than 3 times
you're liable to go blind
pretty shoes and a sparkly hat
eyeballing crass commercialism,
well I couldn't live like that

I am weak,
outlook is bleak
yes I'm on stage
commencing to squeak
yes I'm on stage
commencing to squeak.

the picture is flickering,
a surge of some kind
if you shake that thing more than 3 times
you're likely to go blind!
allies, enemies, summits to climb!
warsaw pacts,
remaking maps,
yes it's all pink on the inside!

yes I am weak,
outlook is bleak
yes I'm on stage
commencing to squeak
yes I'm on stage
commencing to squeak