Ben Watt & Tracey Thorn spent quite a bit of time touring in the late 80s and early 90s, playing concerts to smaller audiences in theaters and similar venues all over Europe and the US. Most concerts included a purely acoustic set. By the time of this release, ebtg had quite the stable of lushly produced, beautifully orchestrated albums to their credit. The most beautiful instrument in Ben Watt's arrangements, of course, is the voice of Tracey Thorn. "Acoustic" is the prime showcase for her vocals, over and above every other ebtg release.

There is a poignancy to Thorn's vocals that demands yearning, aching, hope and solace from the listener. Her naked rendition of "Come On Home" can transmute hope to dispair or back again. Their treatment of "Tougher Than The Rest" reveals the vulnerability behind the lyric's bravado, which is nearly lost in Springsteen's own interpretation of this tune. And, of course, the album wouldn't be complete without this riveting rendition of "Fascination", one of their most-requested songs.

I will admit a bias since I've been an ebtg fan for well over ten years now, but even given that, "Acoustic" is a must-have for appreciating the musical - and emotional - chemistry between Ben & Tracey. It's what makes them work.

The absolute reason that Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn have staying power is clearly evidenced in this set. Inspired by and taken from their Acoustic concerts, "Acoustic" is a treasure. While many of their comtemporaries had opted to burn intensely for the pinnacle of fame, EBTG has, instead, gone the more daring route. They stay low-key and craft their music with care. Sure... it may not be the best way to get rich, but it is their public who is richer for holding on as EBTG takes you on the ride. Each album introduces the listener to what really makes EBTG tick- Ben and Tracey are music lovers themselves. Their talent lies in their ability to recognise a good melody and a meaningful lyric and make it perfect. Whether covering another artist's song or revisiting their own classics, EBTG excels in their sheer musicianship. Tracey has never sounded better. Her vocals are raw and exposed, giving the listener the chance to really FEEL the words she is singing. There is not a bad cut on this disc, and I am thrilled that, for once, the US market was not stiffed. We actually came out ahead as the acoustic studio tracks were only released as an EP in the UK. The rest of the tracks- the live versions, etc. were culled from various odds and ends in the vault.

Treat yourself to an amazing musical and emotion-filled hour with EBTG. You won't be sorry. This what REAL music is all about. Also check out: HOME MOVIES: the best of EBTG, WORLDWIDE, AMPLIFIED HEART, WALKING WOUNDED and TEMPERAMENTAL. These are among the best of their offerings and a good way to experience their broad musical palette.

For the first few listenings of the very subdued and eloquent Acoustic the covers caught all my attention. They are well-selected. Love is Strange from the near dawn of rock and roll still sounds fresh as Mickey and Sylvia sang it, but this update proves that the song transcends time and place. Tougher than the Rest is one of the Boss' less overexposed songs and Girl brings out all its determined beauty. Time After Time? Well, whether it's this version, Lauper's original, Eva Cassidy's or the Strictly Ballroom soundtrack, they're all worth hearing time after time. Alison is another inspired pick and while I prefer Rod Stewart's version of Downtown Train for its edginess, Girl gives the song a softness that also works.

Those five songs are so diverse and superb that they still dominate the collection, but two of the originals come close to their quality. One Place praises the joys of being anchored in a race-around life, Apron Strings does the same for a family life not lived. Both are memorable and grow with each listening. Me and Bobby D is not quite there yet, but it's starting to assert itself too.

but as a sorry compromise i'll just mention that is perhaps the most emotional album i've ever heard. each song is done so beautifully that it brings a tear you can't explain to your eye. the covers are just so unearthly, and these acoustic versions of their own songs are as well. each song is just stripped down to it's most basic and most beautiful elements. do yourself a favor and get this album. it's worth so much more than you will pay for it.

this rather bittersweet (raw) album is full of truth and heart and knowledge. their cover of elvis costello's "alison" is superb, rivalling even the original. the gel of their voices is like syrup, coating everything and all. the fact that this album is not necessarily orchestrated, not necessarily crafted makes it perhaps that much better. the harmony is comforting. these two people are smart and they can sing. play this album at night, in the dark, a shot of malibu at your side, and delve into the somewhat dark underworld of acoustic/pop that is everything but the girl in this instance.