Squeeze lyricist and singer Chris Difford [ tickets ] is getting ready to tour the US for the first time in 10 years to support his second solo album, "South East Side Story," which was released in September.

The trek launches Feb. 25 in Nashville and takes Difford to cities in the eastern half of the US through March 11.

Difford's latest album, which is also offered as a CD/DVD set, reinterprets 10 of Squeeze's biggest pop hits as twangy country songs. Melvin Duffy joins Difford on the record, adding guitar, pedal steel and banjo, while Dorrie Jackson adds vocal harmonies. Both will join Difford on tour.

"South East Side Story" follows Difford's 2003 solo debut, "I Didn't Get Where I Am." Songs from that album are streaming at Difford's MySpace page.

During his concerts, the singer will preview material from his forthcoming album, "Another Day Above Ground," which is scheduled to hit the streets this summer.

Difford recorded 13 albums with Squeeze and set out on 29 American tours, 30 UK tours and various trips around the world with the band, according to his website.

As a songwriter, Difford has collaborated with Elton John, Bryan Ferry, Motown legend Lamont Dozier and Hi Records mastermind Willie Mitchell, according to his bio. In his spare time, Difford organizes writer workshops and last year hosted a songwriter webcast from his studio in Sussex, England, with bands including Turin Brakes and The Webb Brothers.

Photo: Edmund Bing