I want Bernard Butler to be my boyfriend. Bernard is sensitive, he's kind and honest and he's
really learned to open up about his feelings and needs. And to top it off,
he's hanging out with a much nicer crowd these days. All pretty good mate
criteria. And let's not forget the voice - that lilting, lullaby-laden
voice - so sweetly appealing in its technical imperfection, its
"real-ness." It would certainly help soothe my nerves when one of those
nasty migraines of mine flares up (note: sympathetic migraine soother-very
important trait in boyfriend). I can just see it now...
Butler's second solo album (his first with a full band), Friends
and Lovers, is just the gleaming guitar-filled,
beautifully power-popped prescription to ease your incessant brain throb.
Who needs Demerol, when you've got Butler serenading you with the uplifting,
harmony-laden and heartfelt "Smile"? Who needs Percodan, when Bernard could all but
banish the evil migraine monster with his inspirational, anthem-like,
riff-driven "You Must Go On"? Before you know it, you'd be pain-free, lovingly medicated by
melody and basking in your own Butler-driven headache-be-gone
Heaven. Melody as medicine. Harmony as Healer. Bernard Butler may be onto
something here. All FDA employees please stop reading NOW.
Fanciful flights of fantasy aside, Friends and Lovers is wonderfully
addictive - a completely legal high that will leave you wanting, nay,
NEEDING more, and won't land you in the pokey or the poor-house. It is
Butler's golden, soul-baring musical tome. Decidedly more guitar-driven
than 1998's solo debut, People Move On, (which garnered Butler high
critical praise, and established him as much more than Suede's quiet
guitarist), Friends and Lovers goes full steam ahead from the start, showcasing Butler's
legendary axe-work on the riff-rife title track. This self-produced album is a masterpiece of warmth, inspiration and incredible
talent.
Seek out Friends and Lovers - let Bernard Butler calm your savage soul or
jump-start your day. Whichever you need. He is after all, your friend,
and maybe someday (a girl can only dream) your lover.....
If you like Bernard Butler, check out:
Suede Dog Man Star
Bernard Butler People Move On
The Verve Storm In Heaven
Radiohead The Bends
T. Rex Messing With The Mystic
Manic Street Preachers Everything Must Go
-- Beth Bachtold
