Happy Mondays – "Yes Please!" Альбомының тарихы

Yes Please! is the fourth studio album by British rock band Happy Mondays, released on 22 September 1992 through Factory Records. Following the non album single "Judge Fudge", Factory allotted the band a budget of £150,000 for their next album. After settling on producers Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, both members of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, Happy Mondays decamped to Blue Wave Studio in Saint Philip, Barbados, in February 1992. The sessions were plagued by a variety of issues, such as frontman Shaun Ryder developing a crack habit and dancer Bez breaking his arm three times. With little finished material and a lack of lyrics, the band returned to the United Kingdom; Ryder was admitted into a detox centre. Recording continued for two weeks in May 1992 at Comfort's Place Studio in Lingfield, Surrey, where Ryder did his vocals. Yes Please! is a soul funk album with a bleak sound that earned it a comparison to Unknown Pleasures (1979) by Joy Division. Yes Please! received mixed reviews from music critics, a few of whom found it to be uninspired, while others said it had some high points. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, going on to sell 50,000 copies by the end of the year. Happy Mondays toured the UK in October 1992, which was followed by a one off Japanese show. Factory Records went into administration the next month; the band broke up in early 1993. "Stinkin' Thinkin'", released as the lead single from Yes Please! on 31 August 1992, topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States and peaked at number 31 in the UK. "Sunshine and Love", released as the album's second single on 9 November 1992, reached number 5 on the Dance Club Songs chart and reached number 62 in the UK.

Happy Mondays released their third studio album, Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, on 5 November 1990. It peaked at number four in the United Kingdom; all three of its singles reached the top 20 in the UK, with "Step On" and "Kinky Afro" both peaking at number five. Around the album's release, a newspaper article was published that detailed frontman Shaun Ryder's past experiences with drugs, making his addiction to heroin (and toying with crack) and stint in a detox centre public in the process. A public relations representative from the band's label, Factory Records, had to issue a statement on Ryder's behalf, denouncing his drug use. The album was promoted with a UK arena tour, a trek to mainland Europe, and a two month stint in the United States, ending with a variety of headlining shows and festival appearances in August 1991. The latter Ryder increased his crack intake, while drummer Gary Whelan began suffering from depression and turned to alcohol. Rehearsals bore no new ideas; a recording session with Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne, producers of Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, resulted in "Judge Fudge" and the unfinished "Baby Big Head". While the idea of a new album was suggested, both producers felt that the timing was not right, saying it would descend into chaos due to the state of the band. During this time, the Madchester and baggy scenes had fallen out of popularity as Nirvana released Nevermind (1991), allowing for the success of grunge acts such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. "Judge Fudge" was released as a non album single in November 1991, charting within the UK top 30. Despite Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches being a commercial success, Factory Records was struggling financially. To help alleviate some of it, Factory released Happy Mondays' first live album, titled Live. Factory Records had a distribution and licencing deal with major label London Recordings, which helped to push the visibility of Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches in European countries. A potential buyout from London was threatened if Factory was unable to handle its financial security. Misguided artist development, property investments, and overspent album budgets for Happy Mondays and New Order meant that Factory had little funds left. In an attempt to recoup costs, Happy Mondays manager Nathan McGough and New Order manager Rob Gretton promised Factory founder Tony Wilson that neither of their respective bands' next albums would exceed a budget of £150,000.

Despite relationships between Happy Mondays members straining, Shaun Ryder told McGough they had written enough material for another album. Concerned that they could not wait that long, McGough and Wilson decided to look for other producers. Paul Ryder and McGough subsequently flew to Connecticut to visit Frantz and Weymouth. The latter pair had been wanting to produce more albums since Conscious Party; with the demise of Talking Heads, the pair felt it was the best time to do so. They listened to Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, which impressed them, and they were convinced they could aid the band. Unlike Oakenfold and Osborne, Frantz and Weymouth understood how dynamics would work between band members due to their experience in Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. The rest of Happy Mondays talked with the pair over the phone, telling them that they did not want to be distracted by alcohol and drugs and wanted to be taken seriously as artists. Paul Ryder, McGough, Frantz, and Weymouth all flew to Miami to visit a studio owned by Bee Gees, with Ryder remarking it was a "huge place but weird, on an industrial estate". The four of them then went to a studio in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, though it was small and lacked a lot of equipment. If they wanted to record there, it would mean they would have to rent gear and fly it to Jamaica. Ryder then suggested Compass Point Studios in The Bahamas, close to where Frantz and Weymouth had a residence.

On 17 January 1992, the day after Day had re joined the band, they flew from Manchester to The Bahamas. Factory hoped the remote location would help sedate Shaun Ryder's heroin addiction; he had smuggled methadone (intended as a substitute for heroin) into the island, which he consumed immediately upon arrival. They were not allowed to leave the airport unless they had out going tickets as well, which had not been booked as they were unsure as to how long they would be recording for. Day, still affected by the sack and worried about the workload ahead, had a mental breakdown. Whelan and Paul Ryder had been drinking throughout the 13 hour flight to the island and continued when the band took up residence at Sam Lord's Castle. They were asked to leave the accommodation when they found out keyboardist Paul Davis assaulted the bar band. It was on the driveway of Grant's estate, who was away during this time. The studio's manager heard unfavourable stories about the band and had to be reassured by Frantz and Weymouth that the pair would handle everything. Shaun Ryder and Bez lived at the studio so that others could watch him, while the rest of the band set up on a private gated estate. When sessions were underway, Mark Roula handled recording with assistance from Bryon Europe. Frantz and Weymouth were not concerned, starting with a lack of completed songs, having dealt with this before with Talking Heads' fourth studio album Remain in Light (1980) and Tom Tom Club's self titled debut album (1981). Frantz said technician Simon Machan had some pre programmed beats and keyboard parts that could help them, though his equipment suffered from varying power levels. Spurred on by the pair's enthusiasm, Day, Davis, Paul Ryder, and Whelan started having fun, recalling their early rehearsals in Manchester. Day had been influenced by Eastern music, resulting in off kilter guitar parts. Ryder and Whelan locked into grooves, with the encouragement of Weymouth. Happy Mondays discovered that the island was full of cheap crack available from local drug dealers, who knew the band was eager to purchase any drugs from them. He ended up spending 20 hours each day in the toilet, smoking crack, while the others were waiting to record. Bez broke his arm three times: once when crashing a car, the second time in a boat accident, and the third time when his girlfriend sat on it. Paul Ryder began having withdrawal symptoms from the lack of heroin; as both Ryders became ill, McGough had a doctor prescribe them largactil. It resulted in neither of them having the energy left to record anything, especially Shaun Ryder, who was now unable to sing. Day and Whelan relaxed with their families on the island as they had finished their parts for the album, renting houses by the beachside. Frantz and Weymouth attempted to keep recording going, but the difficulties with the band members eventually saw the pair's enthusiasm dissipate. The pair felt there was the foundation of ten songs recorded, waiting for Shaun Ryder's input. They spent a few days trying to coax lyrical inspiration out of Ryder. Ryder theorised the master tape rumour came about from Frantz and Weymouth being worried about not getting paid because of Factory's financial situation. The pair prodded Ryder to make false claims in order for the label to send them money, which Ryder estimated could not have totalled more than £10,000. Wilson had received intermittent reports about what was happening on the island. As he was in Los Angeles, California, for a few days, he considered visiting the band but ultimately decided not to. After five weeks of recording, having spent nearly the entire recording budget, the only finished track was "Cut 'Em Loose Bruce". At this point, Bez and McGough had returned to the UK. The band's US label, Elektra Records, sent A&R executive Howard Thompson and a publicist to find out about the album's progress. Frantz and Weymouth played them the vocal less songs; Thompson was told what was happening, becoming concerned for Shaun Ryder. Thompson attempted to contact McGough, who had settled back in Manchester and was unreachable, and then Wilson, telling him the situation. Wilson was struggling with Factory's debts and called Factory director Alan Erasmus for advice, who told him to do what he felt was best. The rest of the band then left the island on 10 March 1992 with little material finished.

Shaun Ryder flew to Manchester from Barbados, where he left his wife at the airport and went to find drugs. The following day, Ryder was admitted to the Charter Clinic detox centre in Chelsea, London, for a period of six weeks, with McGough supervising him. Ryder returned home for a week before going to Comfort's Place Studio in Lingfield, Surrey, to do vocals. The sessions re started in May 1992, with assistance from Ray Mascarenas, for a period of two weeks. Paul Ryder and Astrella Leitch followed the latter's father on tour; Whelan spent time at a gym; Day looked after his newly born child; Davis moved house; and Bez tended to his broken arm. They also employed William S. Burroughs' cut up technique at Weymouth's suggestion. Ryder found himself struggling to enjoy the music the band had done, regretting that he did not take more of an interest when they were recording it. At the time of doing these vocals, Ryder was listening to American rappers, such as Bushwick Bill; he had Kermit of Manchester based outfit Ruthless Rap Assassins sing additional vocals on "Cut 'Em Loose Bruce". Rowetta, who previously did guest vocals on Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, was brought in and subsequently had a large role with the new album, adding more melodies. Despite McGough's prior promise to Wilson to not go beyond £150,000, the album ended up costing £380,000; by comparison, New Order's respective album Republic (1993) costed £430,000. Scott Hull edited and assembled the songs for Bob Ludwig, who mastered the album at Masterdisk, also in New York City.

Musically, the sound of Yes Please! has been described as soul funk. Shaun Ryder, on the other hand, said it was a saying their former manager, Phil Saxe, would exclaim in response to questions. He wanted to name it Rubber Lover "because of the picture of 'Our Lady and baby Jesus' on the sleeve". Machan did programming and sampling, while Bruce Martin provided percussion, as well as additional programming and samples. Its title phrase came from an American doctor who treated Ryder: "Listen, don't be thinking negative thoughts, it's stinking thinking". Part of the lyrics also deal with the relationships between band members and the state of Factory Records, as well as being lifted from a Brian Eno interview. "Sunshine and Love" is driven by Talking Heads lite percussion, with a gospel esque chorus section from Rowetta. "Dustman" sees Ryder yelling the lyrics incomprehensibly and out of time with the music, which consisted of bongos, scratch guitar playing, and a Hammond organ. The final song of the album, "Cowboy Dave", was written in reference to Dave Rowbotham, former guitarist of Factory band the Durutti Column, who was murdered by an unknown assailant; the song speculates that the perpetrator was his girlfriend, who discovered his body. The members of Happy Mondays were questioned by the police as they were Factory associates and involved with drugs. Ryder said the lyrics were "what was said in that police interview, pretty much word for word". Since Factory was occupied, McGough has managed to gain funds from the band's music publishing royalties, in the area of £250,000. It arrived in staggered payments of £45,000. As Shaun Ryder enacted a legal clause allowing him £20,000 of that sum, Day, Davis, Paul Ryder, and Whelan received £5,000 each. The situation repeated itself twice later in the year; Day said they were "all pissed off about the money". "Stinkin' Thinkin'" was picked by both Ryders as the lead single from the album; released on 31 August 1992, it included "Baby Big Head" and Stephen Hague and Boy's Own remixes of "Stinkin' Thinkin'" as its B sides. The music video for "Stinkin' Thinkin'", shot at Shepherd's Bush's shopping centre in London, placed a focus on Bez and Shaun Ryder, and the director had a disliking for the rest of the band. They performed the song on Top of the Pops; Ryder sang his vocals live and forgot the words partway through, prompting the need to read off a sheet. Yes Please! was released on 22 September 1992. In preparation for an upcoming tour, McGough had the band set up in a rehearsal space in Ancoats. They embarked on a stint in the UK in October 1992 with support from Stereo MC's; several of the shows sold out in advance, with a handful more being added as a result. Happy Mondays then played a one off show in Japan with Big Audio Dynamite. For the artwork, Robertson said the Central Station Design team harkened back to the designs they did for the band's early singles while incorporating the "tactile qualities" of the Yes Please! artwork, such as hand drawn, cut out shapes. It was delayed from its initial October 1992 date as Factory was struggling to find a pressing plant that would give them credit. Wilson had corralled about £1,000 to make a music video for "Sunshine and Love". Shaun Ryder refused to leave his band for the filming. The single was released in the US on 18 January 1993, with all of the UK B sides plus the addition of "Judge Fudge". Factory Records' deal with London Recordings fell through when a document signed by Factory's directors was found stating that the "musicians own the music and we own nothing", rendering their assets worthless. Their would be owner withdrew from receivership as a result. Factory went into administration, a decision that was made public on 23 November 1992. As Factory was folding, the Manchester Evening News reported that Happy Mondays were looking for a new record deal. London Recordings attempted to sign the band for a three album contract, having recently acquired New Order. Happy Mondays had a large debt with the label, stemming from the previous European deal Factory had with them. A tour of Germany in December 1992 was cancelled. McGough had secured a contract with EMI; in February 1993, the band were in their rehearsal room with Clive Black, a representative from the label. Shaun Ryder announced he was leaving to purchase "Kentucky", a term used for heroin. After several hours without Ryder re appearing, Black left. In an attempt to rescue the deal, Black told McGough to have Shaun Ryder meet him in London. After unsuccessful persuasion, Black ended up calling Ryder, telling him he was pulling the deal. Ryder's response was to blame Davis, who had done nothing wrong. Black then told McGough the deal was off; McGough proceeded to call each member to tell them he was quitting. A band meeting was later held with McGough, where Ryder apologized for the situation with EMI. They briefly discussed taking a year long break; by the meeting's conclusion, Ryder was begging the others to give the band another chance. As they were aware it would be difficult to revive interest from EMI, they broke up.

Yes Please! was later reissued in 2000 through London Recordings. It was included in Rhino Records' Original Album Series box set in 2013, which collected the band's first four studio albums. The album was re pressed on vinyl in 2020 alongside their first three albums. "Stinkin' Thinkin'", "Sunshine and Love", and "Angel" were included on Happy Mondays' first two compilation albums, Double Easy – The U. S. Singles (1993) and Loads (1995). "Stinkin' Thinkin'" appeared alone on their third and fifth compilation albums, Greatest Hits (1999) and Double Double Good: The Best of Happy Mondays (2012). "Stinkin' Thinkin'", "Sunshine and Love", "Cut 'Em Loose Bruce", and "Theme from Netto" featured on the band's fourth compilation album, The Platinum Collection (2005).