Room Temperature cover

Room Temperature

Peter Hammill · 1990

145 min · 21 tracks · rock music

Intimate, contemplative rock textures blend with Hammill's distinctively emotive vocal delivery and complex lyrical themes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate moments of deep reflection
  • slow-burning narratives that unfold
  • thought-provoking themes for contemplation
  • extended tracks for focused listening
  • emotive vocals that resonate deeply

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer quick, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Room Temperature' was released in 1990, Peter Hammill had established himself as a prominent figure in the UK rock scene, particularly noted for his work with Van der Graaf Generator. This album marked his return to solo work after a five-year hiatus, following the release of 'The Margin'. Hammill's reputation for poetic lyricism and innovative songwriting was solidified with this introspective collection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 The Wave 3:43
  • 2 Just Good Friends 5:15
  • 3 Vision 4:52
  • 4 Time to Run 5:00
  • 5 Four Pails 6:42
  • 6 The Comet, the Course, the Tail 9:19
  • 7 Ophelia 4:20
  • 8 Happy Hour 9:14
  • 9 If I Could 6:03
  • 10 Something About Ysabel's Dance 7:27
  • 11 Patient 10:03

Disc 2

  • 1 Cat's Eye / Yellow Fever (Running) 6:06
  • 2 Skin 5:30
  • 3 Hemlock 8:22
  • 4 Our Oyster 7:13
  • 5 The Unconscious Life 6:02
  • 6 After the Show 10:57
  • 7 A Way Out 8:46
  • 8 The Future Now 4:06
  • 9 Traintime 6:40
  • 10 Modern 10:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata