Temperamental

I only became a EBTG fan after the release of the Todd Terry re-mix of their fabulous song Missing, which I bought as a CD single version - containing several different versions of the same song because I knew, or thought I knew, I wouldn't like any of their other songs on the original Amplified Heart album. I waited for "Walking Wounded" to be released as I had heard this was to be in the same style as Missing, and loved every minute of that CD - playing it over and over. There were no less than four hit singles taken from Walking Wounded, of which I enjoyed the Todd Terry remix of the adultery-themed "Wrong" the most.After Walking Wounded everything seemed to go quiet on the EBTG front and I lost interest. I bought The Best of EBTG because it included Protection and Better Things - Tracey Thorn's collaboration with Massive Attack, and the Todd Terry remix of Driving. I didn't like any of the early songs on that album initially, but grew to enjoy their covers of Rod Stewart's I don't want to talk about it, Paul Simon's Only Living Boy in New York, and EBTG's own early song Each and Every One. The problem with this earlier material, for me, is lack of song hooks and sense of energy. This problem was completely resolved by their dance-orientated material, which also managed to remain lyrically consistent with their themes of romantic alienation, regret and loneliness - striking a chord with many of us.I was surprised and delighted to discover this one later album by EBTG called Temperamental, as it had completed bypassed me at the time of release. In style it is a direct successor to Walking Wounded, and I would argue that its strongest songs - especially the title song, but also Five Fathoms, Lullaby to Clubland, Future of the Future (all released as singles but only reaching the lower reaches of the chart) are definitely equal to the heights reached on Walking Wounded.There is, at first listen, a lack of variety in sound and tempo - unlike Walking Wounded which included ballads like the exquisite Mirrorball alongside the dance tracks. I assume this was the cause of its comparative lack of commercial success. There is so much to enjoy here though that this album deserves much more attention, and perhaps - in this age of relentless dance albums - was ahead of its time. The lyrics invariably hit the nail on the head, and the vocal quality of Tracey Thorn is outstanding, as ever.

I could happily listen to Tracey Thorn sing my shopping list all day, so this review was always going to be rather biased, but let me try and explain/justify that.There are wonderful singers in every genre and age (e.g. Ella, Dusty, Joni; the fact that their first names suffice speaks volumes), but TT is my favourite pop singer ever. She may well not be technically the most gifted (The amazon review says she's impossibly flat, but I can't hear that!), but she has this brilliantly easy languid way of evoking loss and desire that I find irresisible. I particularly like this album because I think Tracey's voice is as good as it is on any EBTG release, and also bcause the instrumentation supports the song and then gets out the way of that voice.My personal all-time favourite album by this pair is "Love Not Money" which has a very different jazz/folk feel, but I rate this pretty highly too.

Local girl done good. Tracey has a beautiful and sublime voice, probably the most under-rated voices of the past 30 years. Great album - a must for every music lovers collection.

So here marks the last album to date by Everything But The Girl, and as expected the quality of their turnout is nothing but genius. This shows that Ben and Tracy after over 17 years in the music game can be versatile, move along with the times and still keep what makes them unique.If you're looking for another acoustic album like Amplified Heart or Eden, this won't be the album you're expecting - The closest you will probably get to that is "No Difference". This album is more electronica, consisting of 90s house, Trip Hop and Drum and Bass with that special EBTG signature touch to it.This is an amazing transition from their previous album "Walking Wounded" and a brilliant way to end such a long run of good music. Certainly one to buy!

Nothing Temperamental about this. Ole toon of songs. The simplicity and richness with the vocals has a clarity of honesty which can't be masked. Great album and a good choice for anyone's collection

Essential EBTG listening and the second cd with extended/club mixes make this worth the very reasonable on-line price.

Timeless and classic transports me back to my youth haunting vocals and stonking beats !!! brought it along with Walking wounded CD especially like five fathoms , low tide of the night and downhill racer a bargain and always on in my car.

Love the way the tracks are mixed on this, great to listen to in the car on a sunny day.