Dog Man Star

Product Information

The album's cornerstone was 'The Asphalt World'. It's the chief culprit for the album being retitled Prog Man Star, far less a swipe now than it was then. It wasn't just Butler that was moving in this direction. Both Dark Side Of The Moon and the second side of Kate Bush's Hounds Of Love had been Anderson favourites for some time; songs that segue into one another, English music that travels and seeks to bridge the communication gap between humans. In November 2003, Suede released the compilation album Singles which included all 19 of their previously released singles, and also contained two new songs, " Attitude" (itself released as a single along with the non-album "Golden Gun" to promote the album) and "Love the Way You Love Me". Following the release of Singles Suede announced they were disbanding at the end of 2003. [12] Suede’s sound has been compared to that of the Smiths as well as David Bowie, with many critics drawing attention to Brett Anderson’s dark and bleak depictions of British society. Bernard Butler’s guitar work also earned praise from critics, and the album has since gained a reputation as not only Suede’s best album (usually competing with their next, Dog Man Star) but also as one of the greatest records of the Britpop era. Paine, Andre (6 October 2023). "SJM brings Suede and Manic Street Preachers together for outdoor summer shows". Music Week . Retrieved 24 October 2023.

Music critic Pete Paphides tells the story behind three 'follow-up' albums - from Dexys Midnight Runners, Fleetwood Mac and Suede - with tales of musical pressure, creative differences, personal politics and mixed results.Bernard’s departure completely overshadowed the release of Dog Man Star, clearing the way for Oasis and Blur to dominate the rest of the decade. Fervent fan … Luke Turner dyed his curly hair red in homage to Suede drummer Simon Gilbert. Photograph: Luke Turner

Confidence has never been a problem for Suede, and they take to the stage like the seasoned pros they are. The band strike up their first song before Brett Anderson makes his entrance. The crowd roar their greeting at him and, in response, he walks from stage right, past his microphone and straight into the outstretched arms of the audience. This is stagecraft that is only arrived at by constant touring, confidence and a good amount of swagger.It never sounds as good on that album as it did live. There’s hardly anything of the energy, it’s over-produced, it’s all a bit FX, it’s a bit grim. Unencumbered by the second half, 'The Wild Ones' is the best of Anderson and Butler, the former's favourite Suede moment. His booming intro is accompanied by Bernard on a glistening dobro, recorded outside atop his dad's old car. Singer and the song move centre-stage, delivering a ballad whose tuxedo strings and jet-setting lyric blows the cobwebs off the gothic grandeur elsewhere. It's a luxurious yearning pop song (Roxy's 'Oh Yeah', ABC's 'All Of My Heart') with the dust of cosmic American music on its heels. "It's the one that got away," says Buller now, feeling that the song should have been the album's trailer. Caulfield, Keith (26 September 2008). "Ask Billboard: Blue Suede Shoes". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 March 2013. This is only partly true. Blur were also documenting Britain, just in a different way. The same can be said of Pulp, who shared so many qualities with Suede and navigated Britpop on their own terms. Oasis, however, dumped their quarter-pounder with cheese on the table and changed everything. Suede may have channelled Bowie and Blur may have channelled The Kinks, but Oasis channelled The Rutles.