November 25, 2008 Earworm

Lacking liner notes that provide lyrics, I have tried to figure out all of the lyrics to Bernard Butler's "Not Alone" for about ten years. I'm still unclear of them all and today I realized why: I can't listen to it without getting lost in the beautiful noise.

It's a kiss-off to someone, and probably the boys of Suede, but it's really about the joy to be found in the noise, and thrill of realizing that the noise is coming from you. Joy and talent, not alone. Ever.

And speaking of not alone, I became a little less alone tonight when I picked up two puppies and my gaze was returned. My expression of joy was met with expressions that could only mean one thing: "What the fuck are you?!"

Priceless.

May 28, 2008 Earworm

There's no doubt that Duffy has something, but what it is I've yet to decide. As her debut album slips into the US charts at #4 and "Mercy" climbs to #27 and provides the soundtrack to "American Gladiator" commercials, it appears that she's ready to pick up the crown that LaWinehouse left in the gutter amongst cigarette butts and little bits of tin foil. But she's no Winehouse, even with the magic fingers of Bernard Butler working the production desk. But if we only give her the time needed to find a skeevy boyfriend, a drug habit, and relentless paparazzi, perhaps the second album will fulfill that destiny.

For now, there is the title cut of her album, "Rockferry", and a few other key cuts that are thrilling while the remainder seems a bit lacking in a distinct personality and could be just about any other retro diva's. On "Rockferry", Butler waits until a minute before the train is leaving to step out from behind the station and unleash his Bernardian guitar, sending Duffy off with all the drama of a Dusty Springfield arm sweep - but one far more choreographed. Meanwhile, Lulu is looking anxious.

We'll see...

January 18, 2008 Earworm

...which brings us to Butler's last stand with Suede. Or, his last single - and even that has been up for debate because no one that knows is willing to talk about Bernard's exact contribution to the tracks on "Dog Man Star" prior to his abrupt exit from the band. But, he remains credited for guitars on "New Generation" while his replacement, 17 year old Richard Oakes (referred to as "Little Dickie" by the always classy British music press), gets the credit for the b-sides.

It sure sounds like Bernard back there behind Brett as the story of slumming with a bright young thing unfolds. If she's real or drug induced hallucination remains unanswered, but you should be dancing to it, not thinking about it, so get moving.

Here's the video, featuring "Little Dickie":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHi2aX9N_kg&feature=related

Have a great weekend.

January 17, 2008 Earworm

Whilst wailing at the Wall Of Sound, a quick look around will lead you to Bernard Butler, former guitarist for Suede who probably wishes that people would stop calling him that. After leaving that Britpop mach II cornerstone in a huff, he teamed up with the extreme and extraordinary David McAlmont and concocted the ultimate kiss off in "Yes".

"Yes" utilizes the wall of sound as a defense: it's so dense that nothing could interrupt McAlmont's rant that yes, he does feel better, alright, and well enough to tell you what you can do with what you have to offer. The string section backs him with a hint of violence and when he finally shuts up for a minute, Bernard's guitar steps in to make sure that there is no chance of capitulation. That David McAlmont is an impossibly tall looking black man wielding a three octave range and appears to be in drag even when he's not only adds to the impact of this sonic assault.

Needless to say, I listen in, hands clasped with joy, like a schoolyard voyeur waiting to scorn the accused with a "nya, nya, nya"!

Butler would walk away from McAlmont, reportedly in a huff, to a solo debut on Creation that featured "Not Alone", another visit to the wall that sounded like it was twenty-eight years old when it was released. It immediately became one of my favorite records of all time but we'll save that for later...

McAlmont hooked up with David Arnold to contribute a cover of "Diamonds Are Forever" to Arnold's "Shaken And Stirred" project. The video must be seen to be believed.

All's well that ends well: Butler made up with McAlmont and they released another album and Butler made up with Brett Anderson and they released another album - not as Suede but as The Tears. The three of them together would be frighteningly fey, very bitchy, and I doubt if anyone would survive it.

Check out the video for "Yes":
http://youtube.com/watch?v=c6b_Z-bS448