What does it sound like?:

The common conception of the first McAlmont & Butler album is that its a hastily cobbled together collection consisting of two CD singles and some leftovers recorded before the pair acrimoniously fell out in 1995. Well that may or not be the case but as an album it stands up as one of the finest of the nineties. Rather than mired in the vogue of the time for laddish blokey pop, David & Bernard set their sights on classic pop songs that echo down the years which is why two decades on it remains such a strong record.

The finger clicking ‘What’s The Excuse This Time’ has always been a strong favourite with David showing off that extraordinary range from growling soul lows to the highest highs sweetened with those classic Motown backing vocals. The highlight of the recent live shows at the Union Chapel was their cover of Barbara Lynn’s ‘You’ll Lose A Good Thing’ with McAlmont in full preacher mode in the pulpit as Bernard played a sweet holy church organ – it was breathtaking and this album introduced me to that great original. ‘Although’ lays out it’s feelings for all to see “Them boys living in their sin / An angry god, well, what the hell did we do?” and it’s close to perfection for me. Bernard’s playing and arrangements coupled with the depth, expression and passion David brings to the songs melds this album deep into my core. Bernard is given room to show off his versatility and make some glorious noise o the brooding ‘The Right Thing’ and his flashes of colour enliven ‘The Sound Of……’.

The remastering of the original album (particularly the vinyl) is superbly done. To get all muso on yo ass, the separation of the instruments, in particular the strings breathe new life into the familiar and the atmosphere buzzes with static – in a good way rather than “my hi-fi is buggered” way.

Naturally over the 2 CDs there is fair bit of song repetition with live, demo, single & instrumental tracks but gems like a radio session cover of Neil Young’s “Walk On” add to the story of the making of the album.
An accompanying DVD collects together TV appearances and promo films as well as recent intimate acoustic versions. It’s centrepiece is an hour long “McAlmont v Butler” as they reminisce, reassess and recall across the years (and a kitchen table) in very honest terms. Being such a devotee of M&B I indulged in the deluxe version of the set which comes with a vinyl edition, and a signed print all beautifully presented wrapped in a coffee table style book with great images.

If you have the album already, do you need to double dip? If you love it, then it’s a no brainer and if it passed you by somehow then dive in. If classic pop music with hooks big enough to catch Jaws is your thing than check out what they got to offer.

And I got all the way through that review without mentioning ‘Yes’……..D’oh!

What does it all *mean*?

It may be twenty years on but as the recent acoustic versions demonstrate David’s voice is still remarkable and moving and Bernard’s production skills raise it above the norm.

Goes well with…

Some exuberant dancing, hands thrust in the air and head cast skyward but also a bit of moody introspective tugging on a cigarette staring into the middle distance.

Release Date:

Might suit people who like…

One of the finest voices this country has ever produced alongside one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation producing a magic born from more than a little fractious energy.