Truthfully, this post is two fold. First and foremost, to finally listen to the final Yaz album. The second, to segue tomorrow into the full 80's discography of Erasure.
By the time recording commenced for what would become Yaz's second, and final album, the duo already knew it was at an end. Founding member, Vince Clarke never envisioned the project to be long term, and siting boredom, was ready to move on after the release of their highly successful debut. However, having done the same with Depeche Mode, his publisher urged him not to do it again.
While Alison Moyet would go on to have a successful solo career, it wouldn't be without first trying to convince Clarke to stay together. Declining, Clarke would instead form the short lived, The Assembly, releasing one single, 1983's Never Never. He would then go on to form Erasure with Andy Bell. More on that starting tomorrow.
During the sessions, both Moyet and Clarke couldn't have been on any further opposite spectrum then they already were. They barely spoke, with Clarke laying music during the evenings, and Moyet coming in behind him to put her vocals in place. Further, while the singer was more so accustomed to spontaneous sessions created on the fly, the instrumentalist was more so planning every step of what would become the album, but mostly by himself. Moyet also found contention with Clarke when he left her to all promotional appearances alone, with Clarke favoring to continue working on the album instead.
Basically, the writing was on the wall for Yaz. The two were focused on very different things, resulting in a lack of collaboration. The two would officially split weeks before the album's release.
Despite this, upon its release, You And Me Both was received mostly favorably. While critics provided mixed reviews, fans felt Yaz were at the top of their game, and disheartened at the news of their disbandment.
I admittedly wasn't expecting much with You And Me Both, and was pleasantly surprised with the first four tracks. Nobody's Diary, Softly Over, Sweet Thing, and Mr. Blue, were all fantastic songs, worthy of the ol' shuffle list.
Things subsided for a couple tracks, but then caught my attention again with the very unique sounding Ode To Boy. Frankly, I still don't know if I like the song, or if I was just intrigued by its weird sound. I also somewhat dug State Farm.
Overall, it was an enjoyable synth pop listening session. It's right in that sweet spot of solid 1983 sounds, and this perhaps helps it work all the more. Or perhaps, Moyet and Clarke simply had a spark that everyone but them seemed to see and feel. Maybe together they were just that amazing. Whatever the reason, I liked it, and it is a shame that the two went their separate ways. It definitely would have been worthwhile to see what they could have come up with if they stuck it out.
In 2007 Moyet had finished her most recent solo album, and reached out to Clarke asking if he would consider a series of reunion shows. At first, he declined, stating it would be disloyal to Erasure, and co-member Andy Bell. However, when Bell stated shortly thereafter that he wanted to take a break, Clarke reconsidered. While he felt it was appropriate to ask Bell first how he felt about him returning to Yaz, the only response he got was a request for tickets. In 2008, the two embarked on the "Reconnected Tour".
While Alison has since returned to her solo career, and Vince to Erasure, it's wonderful to know that we all got another taste of Yaz, and if nothing else, the two got the chance to finally promote You And Me Both properly with live shows. They performed together again in 2011 prior to an Erasure show. However, Moyet stated after that she felt it was most likely the last time the two would ever perform together again. Not because of any animosity. Rather, it was just their last time out as a duo. But, who knows. "Things change" - The Penguin, Batman Returns.
Check out a bit of unique music history, when Clarke sat down with prior Depeche Mode band mate, David Gahan, to talk about what he's been up to. While the two seem genuinely interested in talking, the host of the show, perhaps craving attention, really gums it all up.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS September 29, 1984 |
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