Larry, Gavan and Jim recorded this spoken word and piano link for Radio Manchester’s Phil Korbel in 1987.
Details
LyricsReleaseGigs
Unavailable
| Song: | Meltdown Jingle |
| Released: | Unreleased |
| First Heard: | Radio Manchester, 28th September 1987 |
Category Archives: Discography
Come And Get Me
A song that James wrote in response to Sire’s demands to create something more commercial whilst recording Strip-Mine. The song never made it past the demo stage.
Details
LyricsReleaseGigs
Unavailable
| Song: | Come And Get Me |
| Released: | Unreleased |
| First Heard: | Demoed for Strip-Mine |
New Nature
New Nature is a b-side of the 1988 James single Ya Ho.
It began life in the mid-eighties as a short one and a half minute track called Jig.
Details
LyricsListenReleaseAvailable OnGigsGuitar Tabs
There was mother watching and waiting
For me to meet her expectations
I would burn her out in the furnace
Build a brand new reputation
The longer I stayed at home
The further I had to dig for gold
The longer I stayed at home
The deeper I dig for gold
I went wandering through the canyons
Across the desert to the sea
I walked through all my own clothing
Threw away my old beliefs
In a village, became blacksmith
Became respected for my works
It was good with my new neighbours
Who never knew of my family curse
The longer I stayed at home (at home)
The deeper I'd have to dig for gold
The longer I stayed at home (home home)
The deeper I dig for gold
My new nature by the summer
Seven years away from home
I have children I am care taker
Will let them fly when they have grown
The longer I stayed at home
The deeper I'd have to dig for gold
The longer I stayed at home
The deeper I dig for gold
For me to meet her expectations
I would burn her out in the furnace
Build a brand new reputation
The longer I stayed at home
The further I had to dig for gold
The longer I stayed at home
The deeper I dig for gold
I went wandering through the canyons
Across the desert to the sea
I walked through all my own clothing
Threw away my old beliefs
In a village, became blacksmith
Became respected for my works
It was good with my new neighbours
Who never knew of my family curse
The longer I stayed at home (at home)
The deeper I'd have to dig for gold
The longer I stayed at home (home home)
The deeper I dig for gold
My new nature by the summer
Seven years away from home
I have children I am care taker
Will let them fly when they have grown
The longer I stayed at home
The deeper I'd have to dig for gold
The longer I stayed at home
The deeper I dig for gold
| Song: | New Nature |
| Released: | 1st September 1988 |
| Main Associated Album (or Single): | Ya Ho |
| First Heard Live: | Manchester Green Rooms – 9th August 1987 |
- Ya Ho :Studio, Single, 1988
- Justhipper (Compilation) :Compilation, Album, 2017
Chords:
Verses : G, C, D, G
Chorus ("The longer I stayed at home....") : C, G, C, D
Verses : G, C, D, G
Chorus ("The longer I stayed at home....") : C, G, C, D
Here Again
A song that appeared once at a show at Sunderland University in May 1987, the only documented evidence of the song being played.
Details
LyricsReleaseGigs
Unavailable
| Song: | Here Again |
| Released: | Unreleased |
| First Heard: | Sunderland University, 15th May 1987 |
Looking At Me
A song that was demoed and recorded for Strip-Mine along with Come And Get Me but was never released.
Details
LyricsReleaseGigs
Unavailable
| Song: | Looking At Me |
| Released: | Unreleased |
| First Heard: | Demoed for Strip-Mine |
- Can't find any records of performances.
Mr Ex-President
Played at UK and German shows in 1986, this track lyrically sounds like a less direct forerunner of Promised Land.
There is also a video on Youtube of a soundcheck performance in October 1986
Details
LyricsReleaseGigs
Hey there Mr Ex President
What was it went wrong?
Emigrate to South America
With the people's funds
Oh you could be high on ideals
And you could have been rich in respect
But you made so many promises
Not one of which you met
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
Hey there Mr Ex President
You were in a position to change
To tell people what was really going on
You had centre stage
But you went for easy options
Carried on what had gone before
To hang on to your position
You hung the opposition
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
And fear and fear and fear
Fear and fear
I see you hiding in the long grass
I can see you hiding in the trees
How come all the ambitious ones always get the power
In every country something must be going wrong
For things to turn so sour
If we settle worldwide corruption
To weak to make a stand
If we flow with existing conditions
We're sure gonna sink into the promised land
We're sure gonna slide into the promised land
Of fear and fear and fear
Of fear and fear and fear
Of fear and fear and fear
I see you hiding in the long grass
I can see you hiding in the trees
Give blood when you give a speech
And your solemnity keeps you neat
Fear, fear and fear
And fear and fear and fear
And fear and fear and fear
What was it went wrong?
Emigrate to South America
With the people's funds
Oh you could be high on ideals
And you could have been rich in respect
But you made so many promises
Not one of which you met
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
Hey there Mr Ex President
You were in a position to change
To tell people what was really going on
You had centre stage
But you went for easy options
Carried on what had gone before
To hang on to your position
You hung the opposition
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
Now you're living in fear, fear and fear
And fear and fear and fear
Fear and fear
I see you hiding in the long grass
I can see you hiding in the trees
How come all the ambitious ones always get the power
In every country something must be going wrong
For things to turn so sour
If we settle worldwide corruption
To weak to make a stand
If we flow with existing conditions
We're sure gonna sink into the promised land
We're sure gonna slide into the promised land
Of fear and fear and fear
Of fear and fear and fear
Of fear and fear and fear
I see you hiding in the long grass
I can see you hiding in the trees
Give blood when you give a speech
And your solemnity keeps you neat
Fear, fear and fear
And fear and fear and fear
And fear and fear and fear
| Song: | Mr Ex-President |
| Released: | Unreleased |
| First Heard: | Burnley Mechanics, 27th October 1986 |
What For
What For is the opening track and lead single on the 1988 James album Strip-Mine.
A live version of the song appears on the Come Home live dvd. A GLR session version of the track from 1998 appeared as a b-side on the Sit Down 98 single, whilst a live acoustic version recorded at Glasgow’s Lighthouse in September 1999 appeared on the 2012 The Gathering Sound boxset.
The song began life with Tim’s phonetic singing of “Bonjour, bouncy, bouncy bonjour” as the chorus. The lyrics also referred to Sellafield seas in relation to the pollution from the nuclear reprocessing centre on the North West coast. It was initially titled ‘Bonjour’ on setlists.
The meaning of the song is about a man feeling down on his luck in Manchester City Centre and looking up at the birds (“square starlings dancing on air”) circling above him and making him think the world isn’t as bad as he first thought.
Sire refused to heavily promote the single when it was finally released in March 1988, claiming that it was too indie for Radio 1.
The song returned to the James setlist in semi-acoustic form in 2016 after a long absence.
Details
LyricsListenReleaseAvailable OnGigsGuitar Tabs
What For
Today, I won't think of any sad things
Will not think of torture, or the rape of nature
Just today, I won't touch those sickening papers
Will just let myself get swept away by this beautiful day
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
The sunset tonight is beyond all words
In the sky above the square, starlings spiral, dancing on air.
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square, I am sun, I am sky in my mind's eye
Today, I will dive into foaming seas
Sick fish, myself, and some strange debris.
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
Oh I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square I am sun I am sky
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
Today, I won't think of any sad things
Will not think of torture, or the rape of nature
Just today, I won't touch those sickening papers
Will just let myself get swept away by this beautiful day
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
The sunset tonight is beyond all words
In the sky above the square, starlings spiral, dancing on air.
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square, I am sun, I am sky in my mind's eye
Today, I will dive into foaming seas
Sick fish, myself, and some strange debris.
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
Oh I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square I am sun I am sky
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
| Song: | What For |
| Released: | 9th March 1988 |
| Main Associated Album (or Single): | Strip-mine |
| First Heard Live: | Burnley Mechanics Club – 27th October 1986 |
- What For / James Who? :Promo, Single, 1988
- What For :Studio, Single, 1988
- What For :Video, Single, 1988
- Just Say Yo – Volume 2 Of Just Say Yes :Compilation (non James), Album, 1988
- Strip-mine :Studio, Album, 1988
- Futurama Six (VHS) :Compilation (non James), VHS, 1990
- Come Home Live :Live, VHS, 1991
- Sit Down ’98 Apollo 440 Mix :Studio, Single, 1998
- Fresh As A Daisy (Reference CD) :Promo, Album, 2007
- Fresh As A Daisy – The Videos :Studio, DVD, 2007
- Fresh As A Daisy – The Singles :Compilation, Album, 2007
- The Gathering Sound (full promo) :Promo, Box Set, 2012
- The Gathering Sound :Compilation, Box Set, 2012
- Justhipper (Compilation) :Compilation, Album, 2017
- Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of :Compilation, Album, 2025
- Bristol Canons Marsh Amphitheatre- 23rd June 2023
- Wolverhampton Civic Hall – 20th June 2023
- Sheffield Botanical Gardens – 30th June 2016
- Birmingham Barclaycard Arena – 20th May 2016
- Newcastle City Hall – 17th May 2016
- Leeds First Direct Arena – 14th May 2016
- Manchester Arena – 13th May 2016
- Bournemouth Academy – 10th May 2016
- Norwich UEA – 9th May 2016
- London Brixton Academy – 7th May 2016
- London Kentish Town Forum – 6th May 2016
- Tempe The Marquee – 16th April 2012
- Glasgow Lighthouse – 14th September 1999
- GLR Sean Hughes – 6th March 1998
- Lisbon Pavilhao dos Belenenses – 27th November 1993
- Milan City Square – 5th May 1992
- Radio Europe Black Session – 30th April 1992
- Amsterdam Paradiso – 22nd April 1992
- San Francisco Union Square – 15th February 1992
- Cambridge Corn Exchange – 29th October 1991
- London Brixton Academy – 25th October 1991
- London Brixton Academy – 24th October 1991
- Oxford Apollo – 20th October 1991
- Reading Festival – 24th August 1991
- Manchester Piccadilly Hotel Roof – 30th January 1991
- Manchester G-Mex – 8th December 1990
- London Brixton Academy – 6th December 1990
- Glasgow Barrowlands – 4th December 1990
- Paris La Cigale – 18th October 1990
- London Crystal Palace Bowl – 11th August 1990
- Blackpool Empress Ballroom – 4th August 1990
- Glastonbury Festival – 23rd June 1990
- London Kilburn National – 19th June 1990
- Norwich UEA – 17th June 1990
- Liverpool Royal Court – 15th June 1990
- Sheffield University – 14th June 1990
- Bristol Studio – 10th June 1990
- Exeter University – 9th June 1990
- Hull City Hall – 8th June 1990
- Glasgow Barrowlands – 5th June 1990
- Nottingham Trent Polytechnic – 2nd December 1989
- Liverpool University – 25th November 1989
- Edinburgh Carlton – 17th November 1989
- Bradford Futurama Festival – 1st October 1989
- London Town And Country Club 2 – 28th September 1989
- Halifax Piece Hall – 20th August 1989
- London Marquee Club – 4th July 1989
- London Marquee Club – 3rd July 1989
- Bristol Bierkeller – 19th June 1989
- Nottingham Trent Poly – 17th June 1989
- Liverpool Royal Court – 16th June 1989
- London Dominion Theatre – 22nd March 1989
- Birmingham Powerhouse – 21st March 1989
- Sheffield University – 15th March 1989
- Newcastle Riverside – 14th March 1989
- Bath Moles Club – 14th November 1988
- Paris La Cigale – 30th October 1988
- London Astoria – 27th October 1988
- Bristol Bierkeller – 26th October 1988
- Birmingham Irish Centre – 25th October 1988
- Nottingham Trent Polytechnic – 22nd October 1988
- Sheffield University – 21st October 1988
- Liverpool Polytechnic – 20th October 1988
- Glasgow Queen Margaret Union – 15th October 1988
- Aberdeen The Venue – 14th October 1988
- Newcastle Riverside – 12th October 1988
- Manchester Ritz – 11th October 1988
- Warrington Legends – 5th October 1988
- Manchester International 2 – 30th May 1988
- Manchester Ritz – 12th April 1988
- London Town And Country Club – 10th April 1988
- What For – ITV The Other Side Of Midnight – March 1988
- Birmingham University – 3rd October 1987
- London Astoria – 2nd October 1987
- Manchester International 2 – 1st October 1987
- BBC Radio 1 John Peel – 9th September 1987
- Manchester Green Rooms – 9th August 1987
- Glasgow Fury Murrays – 6th August 1987
- Sheffield University – 28th May 1987
- Sunderland Poly – 15th May 1987
- Northampton Old Five Bells – 10th January 1987
- London ULU – 9th January 1987
- Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre – 9th November 1986
- Burnley Mechanics Club – 27th October 1986
James - What For
Taken from the album Strip Mine
Written and performed by James
Main Riff Version 1:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G-------------------------------------------------------
D----5-5--3p2h3-5-3p2---2-3-2--------2------------------
A--3------------------5-------5-3h5----5p3-3------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Main Riff Version 2:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G-------------------------------------------------------
D----5-5--3p2h3-5-3p2---2-3-2----3-2--------------------
A--3------------------5-------5------5h7p5-3------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Main Riff Version 3:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G-------------------------------------------------------
D----5-5--3p2h3-5-3p2---2-3h5p3-2---2--3h5p3-2----------
A--3------------------5-----------5------------5-3------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Chorus Riff:
e----------------------------------------3--------------
B----5-3------5-3---------5-3------5-3------------------
G--5-----5--5-----5-----5-----5--5-----5----------------
D-------------------5-----------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Song Structure:
The song starts with the Main Riff, after a fashion. The Riff appears in a number of guises with a number of endings, and all of them are tabbed above. These are played throughout the song. During the verses the odd slashes of appropriate chord are all that are played. During the chorus the Chorus Riff is played. And these chords shouldn't be too hard, C F G is the progression that repeats for the entire song.
The song ends with a long IMPROVISATION. This means YOU MAKE IT UP YOURSELF, I DON'T HAVE TO TAB IT FOR YOU.
Lyrics/Chords:
C F G
Today, I won't think of any sad things.
C F G
Will not think of torture or the rape of nature.
C F G
Just today, I won't touch those sickening papers.
C F G
Will just let myself get swept away by this beautiful day.
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
The sunset tonight is beyond all words
In the sky above the square, starlings spiral, dancing on air.
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square, I am sun, I am sky in my mind's eye
Today, I will dive into foaming seas
Sick fish, myself, and some strange debris.
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
Oh I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square I am sun I am sky
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
Transcribed by Alex Carter 2001.
alex@shandy3000.fsnet.co.uk
Taken from the album Strip Mine
Written and performed by James
Main Riff Version 1:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G-------------------------------------------------------
D----5-5--3p2h3-5-3p2---2-3-2--------2------------------
A--3------------------5-------5-3h5----5p3-3------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Main Riff Version 2:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G-------------------------------------------------------
D----5-5--3p2h3-5-3p2---2-3-2----3-2--------------------
A--3------------------5-------5------5h7p5-3------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Main Riff Version 3:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G-------------------------------------------------------
D----5-5--3p2h3-5-3p2---2-3h5p3-2---2--3h5p3-2----------
A--3------------------5-----------5------------5-3------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Chorus Riff:
e----------------------------------------3--------------
B----5-3------5-3---------5-3------5-3------------------
G--5-----5--5-----5-----5-----5--5-----5----------------
D-------------------5-----------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Song Structure:
The song starts with the Main Riff, after a fashion. The Riff appears in a number of guises with a number of endings, and all of them are tabbed above. These are played throughout the song. During the verses the odd slashes of appropriate chord are all that are played. During the chorus the Chorus Riff is played. And these chords shouldn't be too hard, C F G is the progression that repeats for the entire song.
The song ends with a long IMPROVISATION. This means YOU MAKE IT UP YOURSELF, I DON'T HAVE TO TAB IT FOR YOU.
Lyrics/Chords:
C F G
Today, I won't think of any sad things.
C F G
Will not think of torture or the rape of nature.
C F G
Just today, I won't touch those sickening papers.
C F G
Will just let myself get swept away by this beautiful day.
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
The sunset tonight is beyond all words
In the sky above the square, starlings spiral, dancing on air.
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square, I am sun, I am sky in my mind's eye
Today, I will dive into foaming seas
Sick fish, myself, and some strange debris.
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
Oh I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
I would prefer to be anywhere away from here
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
I will pass through the glass into air past those birds
In the square I am sun I am sky
What for, tell me tell me, what for
What for, tell me, tell me, what for
Transcribed by Alex Carter 2001.
alex@shandy3000.fsnet.co.uk
Stripmining
Stripmining is track ten on the 1988 James album Strip-Mine. It was first played live at Edinburgh Hoochie Coochie on 15th August 1986.
It was written in 1985 as a response to the devastating Mexican earthquake of that year. It is reportedly Tim’s favourite track on the Strip-Mine LP.
Details
LyricsListenReleaseAvailable OnGigsGuitar Tabs
When the world swallows whole all you've known
There are no landmarks you can recognise
Where is the jewel that will never fade
Will not decay with old age
Maybe a death, maybe the depression
Those things you thought you could lean on
Are suddenly just an impression
Well, if you put your trust in things of dust
You're gonna feel the pain of loss
The pain of loss
When the world swallows whole all you have known
There are no landmarks you can recognise
We've got no understanding of this body's needs
We've got no understanding of real philosophy
We've got no understanding of mortality
So we keep putting our trust in things that rust
And then we feel the pain of loss
Keep putting my trust in things that rust
And then I feel the pain of loss
La la la loss (repeat to fade)
There are no landmarks you can recognise
Where is the jewel that will never fade
Will not decay with old age
Maybe a death, maybe the depression
Those things you thought you could lean on
Are suddenly just an impression
Well, if you put your trust in things of dust
You're gonna feel the pain of loss
The pain of loss
When the world swallows whole all you have known
There are no landmarks you can recognise
We've got no understanding of this body's needs
We've got no understanding of real philosophy
We've got no understanding of mortality
So we keep putting our trust in things that rust
And then we feel the pain of loss
Keep putting my trust in things that rust
And then I feel the pain of loss
La la la loss (repeat to fade)
| Song: | Stripmining |
| Released: | 26th September 1988 |
| Main Associated Album (or Single): | Strip-mine |
| First Heard Live: | Edinburgh Hoochie Coochie – 15th August 1986 |
- Strip-mine :Studio, Album, 1988
- The Gathering Sound :Compilation, Box Set, 2012
- Justhipper (Compilation) :Compilation, Album, 2017
- Manchester Castlefield Bowl – 2nd July 2022
- Warrington Parr Hall – 29th June 2022
- Manchester Castlefield Bowl – 7th July 2017
- Leicester O2 Academy – 5th July 2017
- Manchester Club Academy – 30th April 2007
- London Hoxton Bar And Grill – 16th March 2007
- Alton Towers – 4th July 1992
- Roskilde Festival – 28th June 1992
- Hamburg Grosse Freiheit 36 – 29th April 1992
- Cologne Live Music Hall – 27th April 1992
- Leicester De Montfort Hall – 9th October 1991
- Blackpool Empress Ballroom – 3rd August 1990
- Liverpool Royal Court – 15th June 1990
- Brighton The Event – 14th May 1990
- Paris La Cigale – 30th October 1988
- Bristol Bierkeller – 26th October 1988
- Birmingham Irish Centre – 25th October 1988
- Nottingham Trent Polytechnic – 22nd October 1988
- Sheffield University – 21st October 1988
- BBC Radio 1 Andy Kershaw – 20th October 1988
- Aberdeen The Venue – 14th October 1988
- Newcastle Riverside – 12th October 1988
- Manchester Ritz – 11th October 1988
- Warrington Legends – 5th October 1988
- Manchester International 2 – 30th May 1988
- Manchester Ritz – 12th April 1988
- London Town And Country Club – 10th April 1988
- Birmingham University – 3rd October 1987
- London Astoria – 2nd October 1987
- Manchester International 2 – 1st October 1987
- Manchester Green Rooms – 10th August 1987
- Manchester Green Rooms – 9th August 1987
- Birmingham Burberries – 28th July 1987
- Sheffield University – 28th May 1987
- Sunderland Poly – 15th May 1987
- London ULU – 9th January 1987
- Liverpool University – 4th December 1986
- Manchester Capri Rooms – 1st December 1986
- Swansea University – 25th November 1986
- Frankfurt Batschkapp – 20th November 1986
- Hamburg Logo – 18th November 1986
- Cologne Luxor – 17th November 1986
- Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre – 9th November 1986
- Salford University – 24th October 1986
- London ICA – 11th October 1986
- London ICA – 9th October 1986
- Blackburn King George’s Hall – 19th September 1986
- Edinburgh Hoochie Coochie – 15th August 1986
James - Stripmining
Taken from the album Strip Mine
Written and performed by James
Solo:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B--12-10------------------10---------------12----12-----
G--------12-9-7--7/97--7----12-9--7/12-12----12----12--
D-------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
e--10-10/12--10-----------------------------------------
B---------------12-10--------------10-------------------
G---------------------12-9--9/7--7----12-9--7/12-12-----
D-------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
End Riff:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G--2-2-2--2/4-4-----------------------------------------
D-------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Song Structure:
A typical James song. Seemingly just one big verse, this song is backed by Larry's guitar line which is based around the solo, above. The solo itself occurs about a minute into the song.
The chords are C D G, however, occasionally they become Em D G to give certain parts a more dramatic feel.
A short riff ends the song. It's in a lower octave to the rest of the guitar parts, and is tabbed above.
Lyrics/Chords:
C D G
When the world swallows whole all you've known
C D G
There are no landmarks you can recognise
C D G
Where is the jewel that will never fade
C D G
Will not decay with old age
Em D G
Maybe a death, maybe the depression
Em
Those things you thought you could lean on
D G
Are suddenly just an impression
Well, if you put your trust in things of dust
You're gonna feel the pain of loss
The pain of loss
When the world swallows whole all you have known
There are no landmarks you can recognise
We've got no understanding of this body's needs
We've got no understanding of real philosophy
We've got no understanding of mortality
So we keep putting our trust in things that rust
And then we feel the pain of loss
Keep putting my trust in things that rust
And then I feel the pain of loss
Loss ( x 1000000000000000000)
Transcribed by Alex Carter 2001.
alex@shandy3000.fsnet.co.uk
Taken from the album Strip Mine
Written and performed by James
Solo:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B--12-10------------------10---------------12----12-----
G--------12-9-7--7/97--7----12-9--7/12-12----12----12--
D-------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
e--10-10/12--10-----------------------------------------
B---------------12-10--------------10-------------------
G---------------------12-9--9/7--7----12-9--7/12-12-----
D-------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
End Riff:
e-------------------------------------------------------
B-------------------------------------------------------
G--2-2-2--2/4-4-----------------------------------------
D-------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------------------------------------
Song Structure:
A typical James song. Seemingly just one big verse, this song is backed by Larry's guitar line which is based around the solo, above. The solo itself occurs about a minute into the song.
The chords are C D G, however, occasionally they become Em D G to give certain parts a more dramatic feel.
A short riff ends the song. It's in a lower octave to the rest of the guitar parts, and is tabbed above.
Lyrics/Chords:
C D G
When the world swallows whole all you've known
C D G
There are no landmarks you can recognise
C D G
Where is the jewel that will never fade
C D G
Will not decay with old age
Em D G
Maybe a death, maybe the depression
Em
Those things you thought you could lean on
D G
Are suddenly just an impression
Well, if you put your trust in things of dust
You're gonna feel the pain of loss
The pain of loss
When the world swallows whole all you have known
There are no landmarks you can recognise
We've got no understanding of this body's needs
We've got no understanding of real philosophy
We've got no understanding of mortality
So we keep putting our trust in things that rust
And then we feel the pain of loss
Keep putting my trust in things that rust
And then I feel the pain of loss
Loss ( x 1000000000000000000)
Transcribed by Alex Carter 2001.
alex@shandy3000.fsnet.co.uk
Stutter
Summary
Following the move from Factory to Sire and the release of the Chain Mail (Sit Down) EP, James released their debut album Stutter 39 years ago in July 1986.
Track List
Skullduggery / Scarecrow / So Many Ways / Just Hip / Johnny Yen / Summer Song / Really Hard / Billy’s Shirts / Why So Close / Withdrawn / Black Hole
Details
ReleaseAboutSongsListenVideosGalleryArticlesGigs
| Release Name: | Stutter |
| Artist Name: | James |
| Release Date: | 21st July 1986 |
| Format: | Studio Album |
| Catalogue: | LP – JIMLP1, CAS – JIMC1, CD – 7599-25437-2 |
Stutter was recorded at Liverpool’s Amazon Studios in the winter of 1985 following James’ decision to leave Factory for Sire’s offshoot Blanco y Negro after the successful EPs Jimone and James II and a protracted bidding war.
James had originally wanted Brian Eno to produce the sessions, but he was unavailable at the time and the role of producer went to Lenny Kaye of the Patti Smith band. On release, he was widely accused by the press of knocking the corners off James sound in the studio.
Looking back, the band recognise that they did not let Kaye do the job he was brought in for. The band’s inexperience in the studio and their bloody mindedness instilled by Paul did not allow outsiders to tinker. Tim refused to allow any effects to be used on his vocals.
Lost Innocence was the original title for Stutter, but this was changed a month or so before the release.
When the album was released, James did not tour to promote it, having toured the UK earlier in 1986. With hindsight the band regret this as being a poor method of promotion. Sire were disappointed by the album seeing it as too English (whatever that means) to reach a mass audience and the promotion of the album was restricted. It still managed to hit number 68 in the album charts, a fairish performance given the less favourable climate for Indie at the time.
Reflecting on the album, James regret now not having done their debut album for Factory – most of the songs on the album were already two to three years old and were familiar from radio sessions and concerts. Tim is still proud of the album but has been quoted on several occasions as wondering what he was singing about at times.
- Billy’s Shirts :1986
- Black Hole :1986
- Johnny Yen :1986
- Just Hip :1986
- Really Hard :1986
- Scarecrow :1986
- Skullduggery :1986
- So Many Ways :1986
- Summer Song :1986
- Why So Close :1986
- Withdrawn :1986
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- Album: Stutter (vinyl)
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- Album: Stutter (CD)
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- Stutter CD Booklet Outer
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- Stutter CD Booklet Inner
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- Stutter CD Back Sleeve
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- Stutter CD
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- Stutter Vinyl Inner Sleeve 1
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- Stutter Vinyl Inner Sleeve 2
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- Stutter Vinyl Side A
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- Stutter Vinyl Side B
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- Stutter Cassette Outer
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- Stutter Cassette Inner
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- Stutter Acetate
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- Stutter Acetate Centre A
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- Stutter Acetate Centre B
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- Promo: Stutter tape
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- Stutter NME Review
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- Stutter Record Mirror Review
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- Stutter Sounds Review
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- Stutter Melody Maker Review
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- Stutter Unknown Review
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- Advert: Stutter
- 1982 – 1989: One Man Clapping
- The List Gig Guide (Edinburgh/Glasgow)
- James Interview – Sounds
- Growing Up In The Big Pond – Record Mirror
- Jimmy Jimmy (Unknown Interview)
- Tour And So Many Ways News – Melody Maker
- James : A Bunch Of Clever Yobbos – Smash Hits
- Radio Manchester – Interview
- News Article – Sounds
- Debris Fanzine Interview
- The Gentle Touch – Melody Maker
- NME So Many Ways News
- Four Imaginary Boys – NME
- Record Mirror – “We Want To Be As Big As Coca Cola”
- Liverpool University – 4th December 1986
- Manchester Capri Rooms – 1st December 1986
- Bristol Bierkeller – 26th November 1986
- Swansea University – 25th November 1986
- Frankfurt Batschkapp – 20th November 1986
- Hamburg Logo – 18th November 1986
- Cologne Luxor – 17th November 1986
- Utrecht Tivoli – 14th November 1986
- London, Kingston Polytechnic – 11th November 1986
- Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre – 9th November 1986
- Brighton Pavilion Theatre – 8th November 1986
- Portsmouth Polytechnic – 6th November 1986
- Birmingham Burberries – 4th November 1986
- Burnley Mechanics Club – 27th October 1986
- Salford University – 24th October 1986
- London ICA – 11th October 1986
- London ICA – 10th October 1986
- London ICA – 9th October 1986
- London ICA – 8th October 1986
- Blackburn King George’s Hall – 19th September 1986
- Dundee Dance Factory – 17th August 1986
- Aberdeen The Venue – 16th August 1986
- Edinburgh Hoochie Coochie – 15th August 1986
- Glasgow Daddy Warbucks – 14th August 1986
- Bristol Clevedon Kenn Moor WOMAD – 19th July 1986
- Manchester PSV Club – 15th July 1986
- London LSE – 26th June 1986
- Leeds Ritzy – 24th June 1986
- Manchester Town Hall – 7th June 1986
- London Porchester Hall – 27th March 1986
- Liverpool unknown venue – 14th February 1986
Whoops
Whoops is track three on the 1989 James live album One Man Clapping and is also a live b-side of the 1990 How Was It For You? single. It also features on the Come Home Live dvd.
It was debuted live and in a John Peel session of 1987 and never had a studio release despite being a regular in the James set-list through to 1990. Its frenetic drums meant it was a live favourite and three different live performances of the song were released in relatively quick succession.
Details
LyricsReleaseAvailable OnGigsGuitar Tabs
Oh lord I have tried, I have tried
So damn hard to fit in
I've worn away my edges
and I'm looking mighty thin
Whoops-a-daisy don't trip that wire
Whoops-a-daisy don't touch that wire
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops
I know all your soft spots
They're the same soft spots that are in me
If you keep on scratching
They will flare up suddenly
Whoops-a-daisy don't touch that wire
Whoops-a-daisy don't touch that wire
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops
Whoops
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoop, whoop, whoop, whoops
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
So damn hard to fit in
I've worn away my edges
and I'm looking mighty thin
Whoops-a-daisy don't trip that wire
Whoops-a-daisy don't touch that wire
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops
I know all your soft spots
They're the same soft spots that are in me
If you keep on scratching
They will flare up suddenly
Whoops-a-daisy don't touch that wire
Whoops-a-daisy don't touch that wire
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoops
Whoops
Whoops-a-daisy
Whoop, whoop, whoop, whoops
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
Don't touch that wire
| Song: | Whoops |
| Released: | 13th March 1989 |
| Main Associated Album (or Single): | One Man Clapping |
| First Heard Live: | Manchester PSV Club – 15th July 1986 |
- One Man Clapping :Live, Album, 1989
- How Was It For You? :Studio, Single, 1990
- Come Home Live :Live, VHS, 1991
- The Gathering Sound (full promo) :Promo, Box Set, 2012
- The Gathering Sound :Compilation, Box Set, 2012
- Reading Festival – 24th August 1991
- Lausanne Dolce Vita – 22nd June 1991
- Paris Le Zenith – 16th February 1991
- Manchester G-Mex – 8th December 1990
- Paris La Cigale – 18th October 1990
- Blackpool Empress Ballroom – 4th August 1990
- Glastonbury Festival – 23rd June 1990
- London Kilburn National – 19th June 1990
- Norwich UEA – 17th June 1990
- Sheffield University – 14th June 1990
- Bristol Studio – 10th June 1990
- Exeter University – 9th June 1990
- Lancaster University – 6th June 1990
- St Andrew’s University – 4th June 1990
- Cambridge Corn Exchange – 13th May 1990
- Manchester Apollo – 4th December 1989
- London Town And Country Club – 28th November 1989
- London Town And Country Club 2 – 28th September 1989
- London Marquee Club – 4th July 1989
- London Marquee Club – 3rd July 1989
- Bristol Bierkeller – 19th June 1989
- Nottingham Trent Poly – 17th June 1989
- Liverpool Royal Court – 16th June 1989
- London Dominion Theatre – 22nd March 1989
- Birmingham Powerhouse – 21st March 1989
- Sheffield University – 15th March 1989
- Newcastle Riverside – 14th March 1989
- Bath Moles Club – 15th November 1988
- Manchester International 2 – 1st October 1987
- BBC Radio 1 John Peel – 9th September 1987
- Manchester Green Rooms – 9th August 1987
- Glasgow Fury Murrays – 6th August 1987
- Sunderland Poly – 15th May 1987
- Northampton Old Five Bells – 10th January 1987
- London ULU – 9th January 1987
- Manchester Capri Rooms – 1st December 1986
- Bristol Bierkeller – 26th November 1986
- Swansea University – 25th November 1986
- Hamburg Logo – 18th November 1986
- Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre – 9th November 1986
- Birmingham Burberries – 4th November 1986
- Burnley Mechanics Club – 27th October 1986
- Salford University – 24th October 1986
- London ICA – 9th October 1986
- Blackburn King George’s Hall – 19th September 1986
- Aberdeen The Venue – 16th August 1986
- Edinburgh Hoochie Coochie – 15th August 1986
- Glasgow Daddy Warbucks – 14th August 1986
- Bristol Clevedon Kenn Moor WOMAD – 19th July 1986
- Manchester PSV Club – 15th July 1986
Unavailable
Stutter promo tape
Summary
promo tape of the Stutter album. Same tracklisting but different song titles for Summer Song and Withdrawn.
Track List
Skullduggery / Scarecrow / So Many Ways / Just Hip / Johnny Yen / Summer Song / Really Hard / Billy’s Shirts / Why So Close / Withdrawn / Black Hole
Details
ReleaseAboutSongsGallery
| Release Name: | Stutter promo tape |
| Artist Name: | |
| Release Date: | 1st July 1986 |
| Format: | Promo Album |
| Catalogue: | tbd |
promo tape of the Stutter album. Same tracklisting but different song titles for Summer Song and Withdrawn.
- Billy’s Shirts :1986
- Black Hole :1986
- Johnny Yen :1986
- Just Hip :1986
- Really Hard :1986
- Scarecrow :1986
- Skullduggery :1986
- So Many Ways :1986
- Summer Song :1986
- Why So Close :1986
- Withdrawn :1986
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- Promo: Stutter tape
Stutter acetate
Summary
In-house Townhouse studio acetate for Stutter album.
Track List
Skullduggery / Scarecrow / So Many Ways / Just Hip / Johnny Yen / Summer Song / Really Hard / Billy’s Shirts / Why So Close / Withdrawn / Black Hole
Details
ReleaseAboutSongsGallery
| Release Name: | Stutter acetate |
| Artist Name: | |
| Release Date: | 1st July 1986 |
| Format: | Promo Album |
| Catalogue: | n/a |
In-house Townhouse studio acetate for Stutter album.
- Billy’s Shirts :1986
- Black Hole :1986
- Johnny Yen :1986
- Just Hip :1986
- Really Hard :1986
- Scarecrow :1986
- Skullduggery :1986
- So Many Ways :1986
- Summer Song :1986
- Why So Close :1986
- Withdrawn :1986
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- Stutter Acetate