James News Archive September 2003

Time to get your early Christmas presents in. Both HMV and Virgin in the UK are selling the single disc version of the Best Of for £6.99. At that price it could even propel it back into the charts. So get buying and tell all your friends. Also suitable for birthdays, weddings, barmitzvahs and divorces.

More details on Tim's live performance on Sunday 14th September at Manchester's One Central Street. Tim played eight songs acoustically, seven new compositions and a piano-led rendition of the James classic Sometimes. He was accompanied by Moody Baker on guitar, with whom he has written several tracks for his album, and Lisa aka Xan (www.xanmusic.com) on piano.

Speaking to fans after the gig Tim revealed that his album is now about three-quarters finished and that Moody Baker plays all instruments on the album. Both he and Xan are likely to form part of Tim's live band when he tours in future. It is presently planned to release the album and to tour next year but no firm timing for either were forthcoming. He claimed that the album is more "funk and groove" than James and will be an album of "proper pop songs", even though this couldn't be put across in the intimate acoustic environment of the performance.

Included in the set was Down To The Sea, which was previewed back in March on Dom Joly and two other tracks possibly called Bones and Fear Of Commitment. Obviously if anyone who went picked up a setlist, please share it with us.

Tim Booth has been providing advice and support to Brighton-based band The Lovegods who have just completed their UK tour supporting The Fun Loving Criminals. The band play their own headlining gig at London's Kabaret Club next Tuesday. For more details, to listen to their track Broken Tongue and buy their debut EP "Give Me A New God Because This One Is Broken" check out their official website.

In line with rumours that had been floating round James messageboards, it appears Tim Booth did play an acoustic showcase during the recent In The City festival in Manchester. The event was a joint showcase and took place at the One Central Street venue on Sunday 14th September. We hope to get more details soon from someone fortunate enough to attend the event and speak to Tim.

Band Mad appear to be selling three James t-shirts not available on the final tour. Prices range from £15-£17.

Speaking exclusively to fan-site Ainslieonline, Ainslie Henderson spoke of working with Mark and Saul on his new album and the suggestion that he might replace Tim in James.

"I continued by asking if he has at any point felt in awe of working with Mark and Saul, whose music he’d grown up with

“I was at first, it took about five or six meetings to get over. They’re two of the best people, lovely supportive guys, two heroes, and to have them respect me as a singer songwriter is a real ego boost, heroes absolutely.”

With Tim having left James, did the question of Ainslie potentially replacing him ever come up?

“No! Can you imagine what the James fans would think of me?” he laughed, adding: “I’ve met Tim a couple of times, he’s a lovely man, a lovely brilliant man.”

He also revealed that he had asked Mark and Saul about the possibility of them playing in his live band, most likely a tour early next year. No indication was given as to their response. For the full interview, click here. Thanks to Dave at Ainslieonline for the information.

Play.com are selling the Getting Away With Live DVD for £9.99 including free delivery as part of their music sale. Ideal for those of you who haven't taken the plunge yet.