It hasn't been easy for UK guitar guru Bernard Butler. In the mid-90s, he walked out on the supergroup the London Suede. Then his two proceeding projects splintered --a one-album soul-pop duo called McAlmont & Butler a... more »nd a weeklong stint in the Verve. At his wife's urging, however, Butler grabbed the microphone and flew solo. The textures on his debut vary from seductively soft ("You Light the Fire") to Phil Spector-clanging ("Not Alone," "You Just Know"), but each cut gleams with heartfelt emotion and, of course, Butler's trademark flowery flourishes. This represents a comeback that few expected.--Tom Lanham« less
It hasn't been easy for UK guitar guru Bernard Butler. In the mid-90s, he walked out on the supergroup the London Suede. Then his two proceeding projects splintered --a one-album soul-pop duo called McAlmont & Butler and a weeklong stint in the Verve. At his wife's urging, however, Butler grabbed the microphone and flew solo. The textures on his debut vary from seductively soft ("You Light the Fire") to Phil Spector-clanging ("Not Alone," "You Just Know"), but each cut gleams with heartfelt emotion and, of course, Butler's trademark flowery flourishes. This represents a comeback that few expected.--Tom Lanham
"I actually give this album 4-1/2 stars. It's hard to determine what actually drives this album; the voice or the guitar work. The mix of loud, catchy guitar riffs on some of the songs mixed with simple accoustical songs filled with great vocal harmony make this album a good listen to at any mood or place. "Not Alone" has that rockin' Suede feel but with, in my opinion, a more mature vocal sound than Bret Anderson's voice. Sorry Bret. Even some string-work is mixed into this album. As one reviewer pointed out, you might not like this album at first listen but believe me it'll grow on you in a very good way. As for me. I immediately was taken by the album. Thanks Bernard!"
He'll have more success producing for The Libertines.
Greg Brady | 12/05/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"When I heard this album, I had high hopes since he was so brilliant with Suede and I believe that he was as vital to the band as Brett Anderson. So obviously I expected some of the same brilliance on his first solo album. There are some moments where he shines, "Not Alone", "Stay" and "You Just Know" but the rest don't seem inspired. There's something lacking when I hear this album, that same chill I got when hearing the songs from the Butler-era Suede was missing on People Move On. His solo career as NME put it "was dead upon arrival". It's very sad that he left Suede because of the possibilities that were ahead for him and the band but he chose this. In retrospect it's a bad move. I don't understand why these people who establish themselves in a band and then at the height of their powers they leave and think that they can do just as well alone? It's very rare for singers to pull it off but guitarists have never had success, et al; Jimmy Page, Johnny Marr, John Squire, etc... If you want to hear Butler at his best, look elsewhere. (Suede)"
A Really Good Solo Debut from this Guitar Genius
Sakos | United States | 12/16/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Let me say first of all, I am a huge Suede fan and in particular, Bernard Butler's guitar playing and songwriting. His influence on my own guitar playing, in particular, runs deep. That being said, how is his first solo album? Part of the magic of Suede was his collaboration with Brett Anderson (their new band, The Tears, I cannot WAIT to listen to!). This album is really, really good. It's nowhere near as good as Suede, but that'd be an unfair comparison. There are some spectacular songs on this disc, including Not Alone, You Just Know, A Change of Heart, Autograph, and Stay. There is also some slower, almost boring stuff. And Bernard's voice can get slightly annoying at times, although not too bad. That being said, this is a really good album and worth a listen, especially if you are into Suede."
Too little tempo variation...too much excess...
Greg Brady | Capital City | 05/04/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler here makes his solo debut. His taste here runs toward ornate string-encased ballads (think Oasis playing songs written by Burt Bacharach). Indeed, the tempo never bobs up above a midtempo lope. His singing isn't flashy or especially expressive so the songs have to pick up the slack. Unfortunately, the songwriting's only occasionally up to the task.
Another big drawback is Butler's tendency to lengthy tunes that overstay their welcome...all but 2 of these tracks run longer than 4:30 and it's really not necessary. A great pop song leaves you wanting MORE rather than wondering if it's almost over ("Woman I Know" [7:51] and "Autograph" [8:45] are just beyond the pale...)
HIGHLIGHTS:
"You Just Know" is Butler's kiss-off to an unsupportive mate and SHOULD have been the album opener. There's some edge to his guitar here rather than the snoozy weeping parts to "Woman I Know". "You Light the Fire" is a nicely understated acoustic number with some tasteful accordion. "Not Alone" demonstrates what Butler is capable of when he injects a little fire into his guitar playing and reigns in the excess. At 3:51, it's a great blast of pop that soars. In the case of "Stay" all the bombast works in Butler's favour. The tune climbs to ever higher heights before drifting away on a final keyboard swell. It's fully realized. "I'm Tired" perfectly evokes the pervasive feeling of the disc but stays away from the bloat that sabotages many of the other songs here.
LOWS:
"Woman I Know" drones on for nearly 8 minutes and is absolutely the WORST way to open the album. Wake me when it's over. "Autograph" has a decent lyric, but it's too long by half at nearly 9 minutes. "When You Grow" is a good tune that could have been great. At 4:40 the song is essentially over but Butler lets it run on for nearly another minute of guitar feedback that's nothing more than indulgence. It just doesn't add to the song. "In Vain" is what "Wichita Lineman" might have become if Jimmy Webb had been clinically depressed.
BOTTOM LINE:
Bernard Butler obviously has some talent...there are germs of a great album here...but he lacks the discipline personally to drop weaker songs from the lineup when needed and to trim unneeded fat out of his material. Since it's only a dime, you could pick it up, drop the worst tracks, use editing software and a CD burner to create your own tightened up version and have a passable debut. He needs an outside producer for his next outing.