McAlmont & Butler Celebrate Debut Album Anniversary with Deluxe Edition Featuring Demos and Outtakes

Experience the jazz-inflected magic of McAlmont & Butler’s debut album reissued with rare demos, remixes, and outtakes for the first time.

If you’ve ever been enchanted by those lush, soulful melodies that feel both timeless and refreshingly unique, then McAlmont & Butler's upcoming reissue is about to make your day. The London-based duo, featuring the velvety voice of David McAlmont and the masterful guitar work of Bernard Butler—formerly of Suede—have announced a special anniversary edition of their iconic debut album, packed with extras that dive deep into their creative process. As a long-time fan, I’m thrilled to revisit this classic with fresh ears.

The Sound of McAlmont & Butler: A Debut That Defined a Moment

Back in November 1995, McAlmont & Butler dropped The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler, an album that instantly set itself apart. The record showcased their two standout singles, “Yes” and “You Do,” both brimming with jazzy inflections and a nostalgic nod to classic pop craftsmanship. The chemistry between McAlmont’s soaring vocals and Butler’s lush instrumentation created a sound that was both sophisticated and deeply emotive.

However, the story behind the album's release carries its own drama. Despite the critical acclaim, the duo had already split by the time the album hit shelves, thanks to tensions that boiled over following a particularly revealing interview with McAlmont. It’s a classic tale in music history—artistic brilliance shadowed by personal discord.

Thankfully, their music proved resilient. The album's warm reception eventually led to a reunion, and the pair came back together to create their sophomore record Bring It Back in 2002. Now, decades later, their debut is being reborn in an immersive reissue that fans and newcomers alike will adore.

A Remastered Revival with Bernard Butler’s Personal Touch

This isn’t just a simple reprint. Bernard Butler himself has overseen the remastering process, working directly with the original studio tapes to bring out nuances perhaps lost in earlier versions. His longtime studio partner, George Shilling, took on the mastering duties, ensuring the sound quality is pristine and authentic to the duo’s vision.

You can choose between a beautifully pressed 2LP edition or a deluxe 2CD set, both arriving on September 18. The vinyl release invites listeners to savor the album in its original flow, while the CD edition doubles down with a treasure trove of demos, alternate mixes, and rare outtakes.

Dive Into the Tracklists: Classic & Unheard Gems

Side A

• Yes (Full Version)
• What’s The Excuse This Time?
• The Right Thing

Side B

• Although
• Don’t Call It Soul
• Disappointment / Interval

Side C

• The Debitor
• How About You?
• Tonight

Side D

• You’ll Lose A Good Thing
• You Do (Full Length)

The 2CD set expands on this, with Disc 1 mirroring the original album tracks, perfectly remastered.

CD 2 offers an intimate backstage pass into the duo’s creative world, including:

• Demos of “Yes,” “You Do,” and “Don’t Call It Soul”
• Instrumental and four-track demos of “Yes”
• Alternate mixes like the “Yes (BB & Nigel Godrich 1995 Remix)”
• The outtake “The Argument” from the “Tonight” session
• Original single versions of “Don’t Call It Soul” and “How About You?”
• Unique demo versions such as “Tonight (Oompah Demo)” and “Tonight (Overnight)”

This second disc is a goldmine for those who love to hear how songs evolve and breathe life into the music beyond the final cuts.

A Band That Reunites and Endures

Though the early days were turbulent, McAlmont & Butler have shown resilience. In 2006, they came together again for a one-off single titled “Speed,” and in 2014, they performed a series of reunion concerts that reminded fans why their collaboration was so treasured.

Their influence continues to resonate within British pop culture—“Yes” even made its way onto a curated British Pop playlist put together by Robbie Williams last year, a testament to the song’s timeless appeal.

For old fans, this reissue is a nostalgic journey back to a sparkling moment in British music history. For new listeners, it’s an invitation to experience a duo whose sounds still feel fresh and inspiring decades later.

“Yes” and “You Do” were both one-of-a-kind jazz-inflected throwbacks to a classic pop world.
— McAlmont & Butler lore

Final Thoughts: Why This Reissue Matters

In an era where music often feels disposable, McAlmont & Butler’s debut album stands as a shining example of timeless artistry. This anniversary edition not only reintroduces the album’s brilliance but enriches it with unheard demos and remixes that paint a fuller picture of the duo’s genius. Whether you’re spinning the vinyl or diving into the expanded CDs, this release promises hours of soulful enjoyment.

FAQ

• What makes the anniversary edition special? It features remastered tracks overseen by Bernard Butler and includes demos, outtakes, and remixes not previously released.
• When is the reissue available? The deluxe 2LP and 2CD editions will be released on September 18.
• Who is Bernard Butler? Former guitarist of Suede and a respected producer, Bernard Butler formed McAlmont & Butler with vocalist David McAlmont.
• Are there any new songs included? No new songs, but the collection has rare demos and outtakes that offer fresh insights into classic tracks.
• Did McAlmont & Butler ever reunite after their initial split? Yes, they released a single in 2006 and performed reunion concerts in 2014.

Ready to celebrate this soulful collaboration? You can shop your favorite McAlmont & Butler album cover poster and more at our store, perfect for hanging up a piece of music history in your space. Visit Architeg Prints to find exclusive designs that bring the vibe home.