Yes I Do Feel Better, Yes I Do I Feel Alright
Who remembers McAlmont and Butler? Probably not you, but by the time you’ve read this and watched the video you’ll either remember them or love them anyway.
McAlmont and Butler formed in 1994 with both Butler and McAlmont having already experienced success in the music industry. Butler was the guitarist in the indie band Suede, until his departure during recording of their second album. McAlmont, a soul singer with a 3-octave range, had been part of the duo Thieves with Saul Freeman, who released a few singles and had opened for Morrissey during their career. An album of their sessions was subsequently released under the name McAlmont in 1994.
McAlmont and Butler’s first single, “Yes”, was released in May 1995, and reached number 8 in the UK Singles Chart. A second single, “You Do”, reached number 17 in October. They made a handful of television appearances, but before they could tour, the band had an acrimonious breakup. Their recording sessions had produced enough material for an album: The Sound of McAlmont and Butler was released early in 1996 and made number 33 in the UK Albums Chart.
After pursuing solo careers for several years, Butler approached McAlmont about working together again, and the duo resolved their issues. The first single of their new collaboration was Falling, released in 2002, which reached number 23 in the UK singles chart. The second single, Bring it Back, and an album, Bring it Back, were released later that year. They also contributed a cover of Take That’s “Back for Good” to the NME’s charity compilation War Child.
Several additional songs were written and recorded with the idea for a third album, but this project was put on hold when Butler joined his former Suede bandmate Brett Anderson to form a new band, The Tears.
I for one hope they return together, and reach the wonderful highs of “Yes”
d
