Comments on: THE TEMPERANCE SEVEN - “You’re Driving Me Crazy”

By: Alex McKenna

Alex McKenna — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:12:30 +0000

As much as I liked the Temps, theis type of pastiche band always seems to miss the essence of 20s and early 30s bands - the rhythm. The syncopation. As an early reviewer - Jack Good? _ noted, his rare copy of “If I had a talking picture of you” by Alfredo’s Band on an 1930 Edison Bell Radio 8″ disc was far more lively and punchy than the 1962 Syncopators record on Decca 45rpm. The Decca record to me is obviously a repro antique- stiff, amusing maybe but not something you could get excited about. The Alfredo band was always a delight…

By: DJ Punctum

DJ Punctum — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:54:14 +0000

Also ought to mention that this directly paved the way for the likes of the Bonzos since they started out as essentially an art school bunch of Temperance Seven wannabes but later upped the Dadaist bar.

By: rosie

rosie — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:21:12 +0000

This kind of music hasn’t slipped out of popular memory but is continued by, amongst others, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. The PRO generally attract a good audience when they do the rounds of the provincial halls. I met their pianist, Simon Townley, once. Nice chap, turns up on Radio 4 from time to time.

By: Keith W

Keith W — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:53:46 +0000

I think they get away with it. Mind you, I also think Bob Monkhouse gets away with it in the theme tune to You Rang, M’Lord?

By: alex balmforth

alex balmforth — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:05:47 +0000

Curious, I cannot listen to the Temperance mob on CD’s, it is only on vinyl that their ‘essence’ translates.

By: Marcello Carlin

Marcello Carlin — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:43:59 +0000

The first number one single produced by George Martin.

By: Chasbo Cox

Chasbo Cox — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 14:46:27 +0000

No no no! Yes they are a parody, but a very clever one…..and much more besides. Fantastic musicianship…..and a real feel for the lilt in authentic 20s jazz. I agree that PMcD’s vocals are the weakest element, but I guess his rather camp style was part of their appeal……..