They revealed their musical influences and tastes to BBC News Online.

What was the most recent album you bought?
Bernard: I bought three at once: Gene Clark - White Light, Roddy Frame - Surf and a compilation of rare disco classics, the name of which I can't remember.
David: Joni Mitchell - Joni Mitchell. It was time I had it on CD.

Yes was a hit in the mid-90s for the pair

What was the first record you ever bought?
David: Jon Pertwee - Three Little Fishes. I can still remember every word of it.
Bernard: The Smiths - Hand in Glove.

What song or album has had the most influence over your music?
David: We have really broad tastes. My CD collection is pretty big but Bernard's is outrageous. That's where our music comes from.
Bernard: There are lots of influences on this album, but Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures compilations really inspired me. He was the man who started Tamla Motown in the '60s, and when David sings it really reminds me of that.

Where do you most like to listen to music?
Both: On the move.
Bernard: I've got an iPod digital music player, which is fantastic because I can load all of my albums onto it and it plays songs at random.

Are there any songs you just can't listen to?
David: Gareth Gates - Unchained Melody. That is the most offensive cover I have ever heard in my entire life. I think, "How dare you sing that with your one-dimensional vocal?"
Bernard: I try to face up to my demons. There were lots of records that I couldn't listen to but now I try to challenge that.

What song always makes you cry?
David: Blue Nile - Downtown Lights.
Bernard: The Smiths - I Know It's Over.

Which song do you wish you had written?
David: Blue Nile - Downtown Lights.

Butler was originally in Suede, McAlmont in a band called Thieves

Which song from the past 12 months is most likely to gain classic status?
David: Coldplay - In My Place.

Which artists do you currently most admire?
David: Angie Stone.
Bernard: Edwyn Collins. He's a bit of a hero.

If you organised a music festival who would be on the bill?
David: Angie Stone, India.Arie, Cassandra Wilson, Joni Mitchell and Jane Siberry.
Bernard: Gene Clark, Shuggie Otis, Neil Young - obviously - and The Smiths. Most of mine would be dead.

What do you sing in the shower?
David: I go for standards - something by Sarah Vaughan or Tony Bennett.
(Bernard laughs)
David: I do!
Bernard: I bet you do.

Do you visit any music websites regularly?
Bernard: It's a bit dangerous at the moment because we are likely to be written about on the internet. So we just stick to safe websites about sailing.

Bring It Back is out now on EMI/Chrysalis records.