B is for Bernard Butler

Greetings music-lovers, apologies for this taking so long! Here we go with 'B'!

B is for Bernard Butler - the more attractive half of Suede.

If you think of Britpop, then one or two bands immediately come to the mind - and its guaranteed that one of them will be the disjointed, volatile and frankly, aesthetically unusual collective that is Suede.

This episode in our A-Z has become even more poignant in the face of recent news that Suede played a reunion gig for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and especially as our pal Bernard was not asked to join in. I don't think he was particularly fussed, but it serves an insight into how there has always been animosity between Bernard and Brett.

I'm sure reams could be written about the trials and tribulations of Suede, but this post is about one man only. The success story of Bernard in his life after that eponymous band.

Post-Suede he went solo with two massively successful records - "Friends and Lovers" and "People Move On"; then onto form one half of the duo "McAlmont and Butler" in 1995; repairing the rift with Brett to form the Tears in 1995 to make the album "Here Come the Tears".

Aside from being championed as one of the best guitarists of his generation, and a solo artist in his own right, he has developed a serious reputation for being one mean record producer. He's worked with the likes of Duffy, The Cribs, The Libertines, the bloke from James, Pretenders, Black Kids and the View. Big names. Not necessarily to my taste or yours, but the guy must have made some serious dollar. Recently Butler has worked with K-Nash, and more impressively has lent his expertise on the Fyfe Dangerfield solo album, which we can all agree is an absolute triumph.

In all honesty, Suede nor Bernard are really my cup of Chai. I never liked that foppish look, and I've never really got into their music. BUT. I cannot deny that Butler's work is nothing short of a masterpiece; to give it a try, I'd start with his solo stuff to get a feel for his angle. Then if you're feeling brave, the McAlmont stuff would be the next step. The Tears are generally accessible but only produced one record, so save that one for a treat.

Despite my apathy towards the bloke, Butler is in this list because of his legacy. Unlike the majority of Britpop acts, his work has stood the test of time and he's not only gone on to inspire future bands, but to actively shape the way music should sound. And that sound is good.

So there you go. The Man, the Myth, the Legend - Bernard Butler ladies and gentlemen.

Brand New to Your Sunday Evenings

Hello lovers,

From Sunday 25th November, there's a new sound that you should be 'diggin"

University Radio York is being hijacked 9-1o-pm by your very own resident 90s savvy siren to play all the hits from the golden decade laced with bias and hilarity. My co-pilot is none other than the irreplaceable Russel Brown - an actual veteran of the 90s. Respect.

So tune in every Sunday from 9pm, 1350am on campus, at ury.org.uk or through the itunes college radio whatsit.

You're going to love it.

alice x