McAlmont & Butler
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Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce McAlmont & Butler, the soulful duo who bridged indie rock and orchestral sophistication, creating some of the most anthemic tracks of the Britpop era.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: London, England
Active years: 1994–1995, 2002–2004, 2006, 2014–present
Associated genres: Indie rock, soul
Record labels: Hut / Virgin / EMI / Rough Trade
Members: Bernard Butler – guitar, composer / David McAlmont – lead vocals
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1994 after Bernard Butler’s departure from Suede and David McAlmont’s earlier projects, including his work with Thieves.
Butler and McAlmont first met at the Jazz Café in Camden, sparking a collaboration centered on Butler’s instrumental demo that would become "Yes."
The duo created a sound blending Butler’s lush guitar arrangements and McAlmont’s soaring, soulful vocals, drawing immediate critical attention.
Rise to Prominence
Released their debut single "Yes" in 1995, which reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and was hailed for its Phil Spector-esque production.
Garnered major media appearances, including Later... with Jools Holland, introducing their electrifying live chemistry.
Despite the success of "Yes," tensions between McAlmont and Butler led to the dissolution of the partnership soon after.
Commercial Success and Albums
The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler (1995): A compilation of their studio sessions, featuring "Yes" and "You Do." It charted at No. 33 in the UK and remains a cult classic.
Bring It Back (2002): A triumphant return with singles like "Falling," showcasing a more mature and polished sound.
Later Activities and Legacy
McAlmont & Butler briefly reunited in 2006 for limited performances, including the release of the single "Speed."
In 2014, they reunited again for charity performances supporting the Bobath Centre and continued sporadic live collaborations.
Their blend of soulful delivery and rich instrumentation remains a standout in the Britpop era.
Notable Facts
Their debut single "Yes" is considered one of the standout anthems of the mid-90s, with its euphoric crescendo and defiant lyricism.
Bernard Butler’s post-Suede career took on new life through his work with McAlmont, highlighting his range as a producer and composer.
The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler has been described as a near-perfect fusion of indie rock and soul.
Defining Lyric
"Feel well enough to tell you what you can do" – Yes
Discography
The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler (1995)
Bring It Back (2002)
Essential Listening
"Yes" (1995) – The soaring, anthemic debut that defined their collaboration.
"You Do" (1995) – A heartfelt ballad blending lush instrumentation with McAlmont’s emotive vocals.
"Falling" (2002) – A return to form, capturing their renewed chemistry and timeless sound.
Why You Should Be Listening to McAlmont & Butler Now
McAlmont & Butler’s music is a testament to the power of collaboration, where indie innovation meets soulful expression. Revisit their sound to discover why their timeless tracks remain as powerful today as they were in the height of Britpop.
See you on down the road.
