Packet of Three was the first release[1] from the new wave rock band Squeeze. It contained three songs produced by John Cale of the Velvet Underground, who also produced their self-titled debut LP the following year. Packet of Three was released in both 7" and 12" vinyl formats. (The 12" did not have a picture sleeve) The EP's title comes from the UK term for a standard package of condoms. The photo on the sleeve of the EP was taken outside a pub in Haddo Street, Greenwich, SE London, close to the council flat at 35 Congers House, Bronze Street, Deptford, where Chris Difford was staying at the time.
| Packet of Three | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | July 1977, November 1979 (reissue) | |||
| Recorded | April 1977 | |||
| Studio | Pathway Studios, London | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Length | 8:33 | |||
| Label | Deptford Fun City Records | |||
| Producer | John Cale | |||
| Squeeze chronology | ||||
| ||||
The three songs were re-released in 1990 on the "Annie Get Your Gun" CD single (IRS 74007).
Reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [2] |
AllMusic's retrospective review deemed that the EP "while quite raw compared to later material, showed enough promise to land the band a recording contract with A&M Records."[2]
"Cat on a Wall" gained its first radio play in June 1977 on legendary North Sea pirate station Radio Caroline who gave the song extensive airplay. Jools Holland was a school friend of Radio Caroline DJ Mark Lawrence.[citation needed]
Track listing
editAll songs written by Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook
- "Cat on a Wall" – 3:10
- "Night Ride" – 3:02
- "Back Track" – 2:21
Personnel
edit- Squeeze
- Glenn Tilbrook - lead guitar, vocals
- Chris Difford - guitar, vocals
- Julian Holland - keyboards, vocals
- Harri Kakoulli - bass
- Gilson Lavis - drums
- Technical
- Jill Furmanovsky - photography, design