Music Matters: Everything But The Girl
One of my favourite bands of all time are the duo Everything But The Girl who were formed at the University of Hull in 1982 and consist of married couple Ben Watt and Tracey.
Named after the slogan of a Hull furniture shop – ‘Turners – Everything But The Girl’ - Ben and Tracey have been releasing great albums for decades with their debut album ‘Eden’ giving them their first top thirty hit with the single ‘Each and Every One’ in 1984.
Over the years they have embraced a variety of different styles including sophisticated jazzy pop, folk rock and electronica. In 1994, they released their seventh album ‘Amplified Heart’ which contained the gorgeous original version of their song ‘Missing’ which was then remixed by Todd Terry and gave them a worldwide hit in 1995 which brought them to the attention of a new wave of fans.
Between 2000 and 2022 there were no new recordings from the duo, but Ben and Tracey worked on separate solo projects. In 2023, they released their 11th album ‘Fuse’, and now, to the joy of fans everywhere, they have just announced the release of a new album in February next year called ‘Blue Reservoir’.
The first single from the album ‘Young and Dumb’ is now out and it is simply divine. It features a dreamy Spanish guitar and Tracey’s unique and deep vocal style with lyrics reflecting the wish about going back in time but accepting we cannot, so best try to live in the present with the same energy we had of the past. It is one of their best songs in years, and I urge you to give it a listen.
My musical gems this week: A restored concert film from George Michael’s ‘Faith’ Tour of 1988 is being screened at the Chichester Cinema at New Park from 22 November - check chichestercinema.org for times and to book tickets. Legendary band Squeeze are playing Portsmouth Guildhall on 3 December where Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook will be playing their vast back catalogue of songs live.
Listen to Duncan Barkes on Nation Easy Radio, Monday to Friday nights from 10pm. Nation Easy Radio can be heard on DAB digital radio, via the Nation Player app and on your smart speaker – just say “Play Nation Easy Radio.”