Suede 'The Living Dead / My Dark Star (Acoustic Live 1994)' (mp3)

Appended to the performance of 'Dog Man Star' in its entirety at Brixton Academeny on Friday (20th May), were a handful of b-sides as well as the rather stunning trio of 'Animal Nitrate', 'Metal Mickey' and 'So Young'.

However, it's this subtle, moody pairing (and the performance of 'Stay Together') that topped-off a great gig for me. 'The Living Dead' and 'My Dark Star' were the b-sides of 'Stay Together' and form a thematically and sonically complementary pairing, almost like two movements of the same piece.

'The Living Dead' is subtly and almost mournfully picked on acoustic guitar, the lyric poring over faded dreams and heroin addiction. 'My Dark Star' is a hymn to a mysterious lover and decidedly more upbeat, its chorus soaring beautifully over Bernie's animated playing.

These versions were recorded by Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler for MTV in 1994.

Download Suede 'The Living Dead/My Dark Star (Acoustic Live 1994)' (mp3 download) (Mediafire)