Brett Anderson + Bernard Butler = Not Suede
Pleather, perhaps

I tell you, it's like a fucking soap opera up in here. Back in January, NME reported that estranged Suede founders Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler were... drinking together in a bar. Apparently, that's what passes for news in the UK-- I mean, it's not like it was Morrissey and Marr, right? At the time, a source close to the band told NME, "They definitely met but they've not spoken to each other for years. It's early days yet. They met up and went out for an Indian meal and then some drinks. It's important people give them space because otherwise it'll end before it's even started."

Well, apparently, that pesky journalistic attention didn't dissuade them from giving it a go, as NME reported in January that Anderson and Butler were definitely collaborating on a project then described as Anderson's "first solo outing." According to another source, "Brett has, as far as I know, been writing with Bernard" on at least one track. As far as the sound of the new project, the source reports, "[He's] wanting to get back to basics, and to stop sounding like Suede for a while. He's really chuffed with the results-- his voice is almost starting to sound like Johnny Cash! When people hear it, I think they're going to be really surprised." I, for one, plan on being quite chuffed, although I realize it's early days yet, and with more space they could potentially end up sounding just the way I want them to.

But it doesn't end there-- a report in, yes, NME a scant few days ago reports that the project has taken on a life of its own, as Anderson and Butler have been busy like bunnies, writing numerous new songs that for some reason will not be released under the Suede moniker. Anderson gave some details in a recent post on Suede's official website: "Firstly I can confirm that me and Bernard are working together again. We've written about 15 songs so far and even though it's early days I can honestly say that I believe the work to be up there with some of the best things we've ever done. I can't tell you what we will be called yet but it will not be Suede or Anderson & Butler. We'll be entering a London studio to start recording in June so I'm hoping that you will hear something early next year." The as-yet-unnamed project is rounded out by an as-yet-unnamed drummer and bassist.

And if that's not enough of the sexy for you, Anderson is also working on another collaborative effort with Fred Ball of the Norwegian band Pleasure. On that subject, Anderson said, "The material is more programmed than the Bernard stuff but still song-based. The writing of this album is close to being finished, too, but I have a less clear plan as to when it might be released." We'll keep you informed of future developments in this ongoing saga with stories like, "Anderson and Butler Return Defective Sneakers," "Anderson and Butler Misplace Remote," and "Anderson and Butler Discuss Phone Charges." We're sure you'll want to know.

Suede: http://www.suede.net