Sunday, 13 April 2014

EBTG Unplugged.

Everything But the Girl: Acoustic 


This is one of the most pleasant albums to listen to from start to finish. The tracks are all live performances and one can hear audible applause at various points. Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn prove two things here: their merit as performers, their talent as songwriters.


The covers are all lovely and more importantly imprinted as Everything but the Girl songs. The Idol franchise always hammered in the concept of making the songs your own, but here EBTG. Of the five covers of this album, one stands out for me in particular. Time after Time, one of the most relentlessly covered pop standards of all time, is simply magical here. Ben and Tracy sound amazing together and it shows that they've been singing together for most of their lives. Come on Home sways with warmth and sensuality.

The stripped down version of  Driving is the only one I listen to anymore, it's that perfect. Apron Strings also benefits from being simplified. The acoustic version is more crystalline and the addition of a harmony renders the song magical. Fascination gets the most applause before silencing its audience with Tracey's intimate vocals. It is an incredible closer for an album that displays such emotional range for a quiet acoustic album.

There's just something about the acoustic set. Video sharing sites are full of them. Established stars and emerging artists alike use them to showcase their talents. They offer recording artists a chance to prove their mettle away from the cocoon of the studio. With this 1992 release, Everything but the Girl showed off their considerable skills and left us with something truly special.


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