In 1994 guitarist Bernard Butler left Suede in acrimonious circumstances, finding creative solace in the bosom of David Mcalmont who had become similarly disenfranchised with the music business after numerous label wrangles. They formed a brief yet successful partnership and their finest moment came first and to glorious affect on their debut single ‘Yes’ that hit no 8 in the charts in 1995.
‘Yes’ is an affirmation writ large in a pop song, subverting the classic ‘I Will Survive’, its about dusting yourself down after a soon to be ex-lover has kicked you in the guts. Thus it took on a knowing double meaning for the down on their luck pair, as Mclamont’s sky-scraping vocals radiated an effortless soul, towering toward great heights. While Butler’s epic arrangements give Spector’s ‘Wall of Sound’ a lick of paint, draping Mcalmont’s notes in shimmering production. ‘Yes’ is wonderful, elevating, and one of my singles of the 1990s, I dare you not to press repeat when the video has finished!
