No time to sit down
Tim Booth talks about James’ new album and the never-ending quest to progress
‘The Morrissey I knew was sweet and neurotic but didn’t have those crazy political views’
Back in 1981, no one would have given odds on James – also-rans to Manchester Factory labelmates New Order – lasting long. But, 37 years later, James’ 15th album, Living In Extraordinary Times, is another triumph in their 25million-selling career.
Frontman and founder member Tim Booth has led a spirited advance on the band’s past heritage since relaunching James in 2007, following time off for an acclaimed solo career.
“There’s a constant sense of growth,” says Tim, 58. “With a couple of albums we got a bit stuck or there were people that were damaged within the band so we just couldn’t move on musically.
“But most of the time there’s been a sense of moving into territory we haven’t been in before.”
Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, where he moved to with his American wife and family 10 years ago, Booth is a happy survivor justifiably proud of
James’ new album. Collaborating with hotshot producer, Brit Award winner Charlie Andrew, has reaped dividends. Booth wrote to him when he heard his work on Alt-j’s debut album.
“I said, ‘I’d love to work with you at some point’. He came to a concert last year, popped backstage and said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it’. I think he thought we might be a heritage band – but you come and see us live and you see it’s pretty vital and kicking.”
In their early career, Morrissey championed the band but Tim doesn’t recognise the politically controversial character the exsmiths man has become.
“The Morrissey I knew was quite a bright and nervous individual,” Tim says. “He was sweet, really. Pretty neurotic, as we all are. But no, not those crazy political views, no.”
Booth has a treasure trove of memories and although he’s focused on the future, sometimes it’s fun to reminisce, recalling touring with Happy Mondays at the height of their fame, for instance.
“It was like watching a cartoon,” Tim laughs. “And they were great. We loved them. We loved them musically and they loved us.
“It was really bizarre. They kept trying to spike my drinks with LSD, but they didn’t manage to succeed.”