REVIEW: Bernard Butler Live At Rough Trade East

Rewind back to the start of the year Rough Trade East hosted a special event launching the Edsel 4 CD / 2 LP reissue of Bernard Butler’s debut solo album People Move On.

Originally released via Alan McGee’s Creation Records in 1998 the album went on to receive plaudits for the ex-Suede guitarist eclectic release. The event that was held at Rough Trade East celebrated the album with a Q&A with well-known archivist journalist Pete Paphides, before Butler headed to the stage to perform a small set consisting of six songs, one b-side and five album tracks.

My Domain opens with Butler’s delicate expansive playing paving the way for his distinctive Nick Cave, folk like voice. Echoing the well known lyrics ‘Desert winds flying across the land, Waterfalls running through my hands, We never touched the ground, No, just skimmed the ancient mounds, Nature’s scenery does nothing for me’, not only has Butler gained a reputation for his talent on the 6 and 12 sting, his vocals and lyrics stand up with the underrated that have gone before him, John Martyn, Pete Roe and Dave Van Ronk spring to mind.

The set continues with a brittle, beautiful version of Not Alone, the second single taken from People Move On. The original versions in a similar vein to the upbeat guitar pop slice that was Yes which featured the enigmatic David McAlmont, this live solo version stands up with the best songs Butler has written, delving deeper into the chord structures and hallowed vocals, this live version leaves the listener in a wistful delicate trance.

Whilst further inclusions Stay, In Vain and Autograph only proving that Butler stands out as a outstanding solo talent, his compositions deserve a bigger audience. This release may be his own take on the 70’s Live At The BBC when the likes of Neil Young and Jodie Mitchell performed legendary sets that have gone into the folklore of music, this release may well achieve a similar status. The finished vinyl product includes an insert featuring words from Butler where he readily divulges his love for bootleg recordings, something that I equally enjoy. A release of rarely exhibited naturally gifted qualities.

Live At Rough Trade East can be purchased here