Everything But The Girl (S3 | E146)

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The album EDEN runs deep. Deep enough to warrant a ton of analysis since its release in 1984. After a lucky strike first release (a Night and Day cover in 1982) Everything But the Girl gathered enough praise for EDEN to make a full career. But it was even more good fortune that found the band that kept them in the spotlight through the 1990’s.

If you are not familiar with EBTG, then consider their vibe-cousin bands: Massive Attack, Tricky, The Style Council, Aztec Camera, I’ve even read that Swing Out Sister might find their way into that club… maybe.

You will find when listening to this first part of two shows that there is something completely unique about their sound. Very excited to share with you Everything But the Girl, this week on Lester The Nightfly.

Everything But the Girl

Everything but the Girl are an English musical duo formed in Kingston upon Hull in 1982, consisting of lead singer, songwriter, composer and occasional guitarist Tracey Thorn and guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, composer, producer and singer Ben Watt. The group’s early works have been categorized as sophisti-pop with jazz influences before undergoing an electronic turn following the worldwide success of the 1994 hit single “Missing”, remixed by Todd Terry.

In the early years (1980s): Everything But the Girl initially started as a folk and jazzy pop duo. Their early music was characterized by Tracey Thorn’s distinctive smoky vocals and Ben Watt’s intricate acoustic guitar work. Albums like “Eden” (1984) and “Love Not Money” (1985) featured folk and jazz influences with emotionally charged lyrics.

Everything But the Girl’s music is often described as a fusion of different genres, blending pop, folk, jazz, and electronic elements over the years. What remains constant throughout their discography is the emotional depth in their lyrics and the distinctive voice of Tracey Thorn. Their ability to evolve and adapt their style while maintaining their core identity is a testament to their versatility and musical creativity.

From 1982, Thorn concentrated on her studies and her growing personal and professional relationship with fellow Hull student Ben Watt (who had contributed the photograph for the front cover of Lazy Ways). They formed their own musical project, Everything But The Girl, and their first single included a re-recording of the Marine Girls song, “On My Mind”. We include some Marine Girls to start our set this week.

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL – PART ONE

Track	Artist	Album	Year
A Place in the Sun	Marine Girls	Lazy Ways Beach Party	1982
Night and Day	Everything But the Girl	Single	1982
Each and Everyone	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Each and Everyone	Everything But the Girl	Amplified Heart	1994
Each and Everyone	Everything But the Girl	Home Demo	1983
My Ever Changing Moods	The Style Council (Paul Weller)	Single	1984
Even So	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Even So	Everything But the Girl	Home Demo	1983
Fascination	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Fascination	Everything But the Girl	Home Demo	1983
Another Bridge	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Another Bridge	Everything But the Girl	Live in Germany	1985
Laugh You Out of the House	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Troubled Mind	Everything But the Girl	Amplified Heart	1994
Troubled Mind	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Driving	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984
Driving	Everything But the Girl	Amplified Heart	1994
Mine	Everything But the Girl	EDEN	1984

You lucky radio stations – for finding LTNF you get this fabulous show on your air! Well done!

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL (S3 | E146)

Thank you thank you stations we love!

WPVM 103.7FM	WERB 107.5 FM	KPOV 88.9 FM	WHPW 93.7 FM
KYGT 102.7	WBDY 99.5 FM	KFOI 90.9 FM	KUGS 89.3