Setlist
tbd
Support
Shea Segar
Review
n/a
Tag Archives: Pleased To Meet You
Exeter University – 26th October 2000
Setlist
n/a
Support
Shea Segar
Review
by Allen James
My review of the exeter gig is maybe a bit of a weird one, because of the events that took place that day. It all started when my friend pulled out of coming due to work,and the fact that I had noone to replace him with.
I finally did persuade a friend to come along and we left Cornwall early so I could hopefully get to meet the band as they arrived from Bristol.
About 2:45pm we arrived in exeter and headed for the venue straight away. Once we got there, I tracked down one of the concert organisers who said the band were due any minute. Sure enough they arrived and we got to meet all the band except Tim, who was asleep on the coach.
I had photos taken with all the lads and they were all very obliging if not knackered from the previous nights celebrations!! I left Tim to sleep on the coach and returned an hour later to find him walking about the venue. After a good chat with him discussing my future appearance on Stars In Their Eyes, I shook his hand and made my way to the ever growing queue outside.
Once inside we watched Shea Segar perform their set, which personally I thought went well for them with one or two songs very catchy.
The atmosphere was building and by 9:15pm everyone was ready to party. Down went the lights and the butterflies inside went berserk. On came James to a great reception and they came in with three new songs. Then the most exciting thing in my life happened as Tim spotted me in the crowd and said “hello” in his yipnotic voice. He then carried on with, “actually there’s a guy at the front here who sounds like me”, the crowd roared and the next thing I knew I was onstage with Tim shouting, “Let’s do Destiny Calling”,
Side by side we sang, and that just made the day for me afterwards we were invited backstage where we mingled with the band and discussed the day and the forthcoming gigs.
I cannot actually let the memory fade as I have not yet let it sink in!!, but I know that all the songs they played such as Coffee and Toast, Senorita, Junkie and all the other new ones sound great and leave you aching for the months to pass before you can annoy the neighbours with another James album. But what I will say is that I won’t let Tim down on Stars in Their Eyes, and I hope he watches and asks me to be his backing singer to do great harmonies together….
The day ended with me crashing my car at 2 oclock in the morning on my way home, after the car in front lost his roofrack. If I had died then I would have died a happy man!!!!!!!
by David Chapple
Security could not have been more laid back at Exeter and were surprisingly pleasant. It was pity then that I did not have a video camera, as it would have been easy to have taken one in. In addition, using my girlfriend’s charm we were able to sit down up stairs with the prefect view (thanks to the security).
I should say that I am very critical and not easily pleased – and that anyone who knew me may say that, I speak the truth, even when I should not. I am also not a keen fan of live music, and never go to gigs, but as my favourite band were playing less than a mile from my home, I made an exception and I was not disappointed.
Shea Segar, the opening act, was a little disappointing, I am sure somewhere in there is a good voice, with good songs but we couldn’t hear a thing, as her sound system was very poor. Why drown out her voice with so much bass? Later on, she sat near me whilst James were playing and seemed to be enjoying herself dancing away.
On to James, do not ask me what they played as I have forgotten, well sort of. I think that other correspondents have covered their set. Their new stuff was to me just as good as their old stuff. James certainly knows how to play live and give it all. Tim’s trance like dancing has to be seen to be believed. All my favourite tracks were covered. Sometimes, Johnny Yen and Laid were just brilliant and if they had just played one track I would have thought the whole event awesome.
A few people on the way out were heard to say they wanted to hear ‘Sit Down’. However, to me although it is the song they are known best for, there was no disappointment in the tracks they played.
I only have one criticism and that is, does it have to be so loud that it hurts, or am I missing the point?
And I am depressed, how can you follow an experience like going to see James Live, the studio CDs seem very flat or I have gone very deaf.
Bristol Colston Hall – 25th October 2000
Setlist
tbd
Support
Shea Segar
Review
n/a
Edinburgh Corn Exchange – 23rd October 2000
Setlist
What Is It Good For? / The Shining / Senorita / Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) / Coffee And Toast / Say Something / Sometimes / How Was It For You? / Someone's Got It In For Me / Johnny Yen / Stutter / Stand / Give It Away / Gaudi / Destiny Calling / She's A Star / Born Of Frustration / Top Of The World / Laid / Ring The BellsSupport
Shea Segar / Exit 52More Information & Reviews
nme.com
JAMES unveiled at least seven brand new songs at EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE last night (23 October) on the third date of their UK tour.
Lead singer Tim Booth told the crowd that most of the tunes – fairly slow, thoughtful numbers – had been written last week and hadn’t even been given titles yet. He explained that more new material would be added every day as the tour progressed.
Tim continued: “I saw Talking Heads play a set which was all new material once and it was one of the best gigs ever… so I hope you enjoy tonight”.
However, two of the new tracks not only had titles – ‘Everyone’s A Junkie’ and ‘Saving Grace’ – but were more uptempo and got the audience moving for the first time.
The packed Edinburgh auditorium had to wait until the sixth song of the gig for the first hit ‘Say Something’, and the ecstatic reaction prompted Booth to joke: “So I suppose the first five songs meant nothing to you?”
Another new track later in the set was so new that Booth had the lyrics dotted around the stage. A ‘best of’ mini-set only appeared towards the end of the gig when ‘Laid’, ‘Born of Frustration’ and ‘She’s A Star’ were aired – ‘Destiny Calling’ had appeared earlier but was halted abruptly when, according to Booth, “someone spilled a beer over the desk”. Yet another new untitled track was premiered during a four-song encore as the band tried out material on their audience.
Booth explained later that although their new studio album wouldn’t be out until April next year, the band had over 30 songs to choose from. Judging by the crowd reaction throughout the show it should have the fans’ seal of approval
Chris Brown
It seems that now, after nearly twenty years of stutters, wrong turns, short-lived fame, proposed splits and yet more stutters, James are a band finally displaying harmony, composure and without sounding too much like any cliché, self satisfaction.
But there is also the small matter of having a damn good time along the way which is what this Autumn tour seems to represent. The third leg of which was no different as the band easily sold out the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh to a fanatical crowd of nearly 2000. In true James style though, there had to be a but involved and this came in the form of more than half a dozen new, unreleased and untested songs. This was not going to be the rejoiced Greatest Hits tour that many unsuspecting fans may have expected. Fortunately, the band found the right balance in their set list tonight.
Opening with no fewer than 4 new pieces of material, this seemed audacious and bold to say the least. The highlights of this quartet were undoubtedly We can work it out which instantly stands out with its repetitive “you can work your miracle” line and “Senorita”, a song which singer Tim Booth describes as being “about addiction” which plays very similarly to that of the Millionaires track Surprise.
With the opening tracks dispatched without hitch (before the fans got restless) we were treated to a trio of greatest hits, consisting of obvious crowd favourites such as Say Something, Sometimes and the more than welcome return of the anthemic How was it for you?. The upbeat “pop song” Coffee and toast then came into play and now each song, new or old was being greeted with rapturous enthusiasm from the hall of die-hard fans.
James carried on mixing and matching the new material with old favourites, each one a potential single in spite of Booth¹s claims to them being written only the week before. Such songs included the bouncy First on the tape, much enjoyed by the lively crowd, Gaudi, Scratchcard and The shining. The additions of older tracks Stutter and a marvellous version of Johnny yen into the mix were both memorable too.
The show was finished with another chunk of greatest hits material for the crowd to chew on. These included She¹s a star, Born of Frustration, Laid, Ring the Bells and two takes of Destiny Calling as the speakers gave way and lost interest during the first. Fortuitously, the crowd, myself included, didn¹t lose interest and of course demanded a second take.
When it comes to hearing James Best of material you know the songs will sound terrific and be appreciated by the fans. But what will have pleased the band most about this evenings performance was the response given to the new songs which to a more impatient audience would not have gone down well. Luckily for James this audience were full of energy, vibrant, delightful and naturally so were they.
Stuart Ralston
The hall security was like an airport, metal detectors and loads of searching. The security men were even taking packets of sweets of the Edinburgh punters on their way in!! As a result of these human right infringements, it took ages to get in. By the time most people were in the hall, Exit 52, making their Scottish debut, had been and gone. And so onto Shea Segar. The PA system during her set was terrible, totally booming about all over the place. It was basically unlistenable, and all those rumours I heard about this venue proved to be true.
We managed to find a decent spot to listen to yet another stormer of a set from James, which opened with no fewer than 5 new ones, including Work It All Out (which is not the strongest of openings), The Shining (with lyrics like “I could be the Nazi or I could be the Jew”), and an incredible Coffee and Toast. Coffee and Toast in particular sounds well polished, and it is clear that the band have been working hard, and in only a short time since the last LP, they now have a whole host of songs which can eclipse Millionaires, Whiplash, and even Laid.
The oldies were the same as the previous night in Liverpool, although describing them as oldies does the band a disservice as there’s a freshness to James songs that none of their contemporaries (do they have contemporaries?) can match. Stutter is 20 years old, but still manages to amaze. Tim used to claim that Adrian didn’t know these songs, but if you closed your eyes, you could almost imagine Larry was back up there. Well, almost. How was it for you? has been ignored for a few years now, but it’s back with a vengeance on this tour, and again Adrian’s guitar work is superb. Stutter was preceded by Johnny Yen, and again the band assault your aural tastebuds with a powerful rendition of the stand out track from the first LP.
Stand, Stand, Stand is another new one which doesn’t disappoint, but to be fair, all the new songs were sounding great and the audience responded well to the challenge James presented tonight, as this is the most adventurous set list James have graced a Scottish stage with in the best part of a decade. The concert was briefly halted by a power failure during Destiny, so I was kind of hoping for a wee acoustic slot, but the PA system, as if by magic, came back on again. Destiny was then followed by She’s A Star and Born Of Frustration. Tim tried to get the crowd singing the Born Of Frustration “woo woo woo”s going again, like at the Royal Court the night before, but the crowd didn’t get it. There were loads of calls for that old English folk song, but the band didn’t give in thankfully, and then Top Of The World, Laid, and Ring The Bells followed in the way of an encore.
So, all in all, a spot on gig. The band seem to have virtually ignored Millionaires songs now with only Tim’s favourite track played tonight. I really wasn’t looking forward to another dodgy venue, but the show was as equally as good as the Royal Court, although it lacked a bit of the atmosphere from the night before. Finally, I must mention Scratchcard, a terrible name for a song, but another fantastic song which Mark contributes so much to with his synthesiser. I left the venue with a big happy grin, although loads of punters looked a little bemused. Maybe the set was too much for them. James refresh the parts other bands cannot (and will never) reach. For me, tonight, they did just that.
Liverpool Royal Court – 22nd October 2000
Setlist
What Is It Good For / Stand / Senorita / Say Something / Sometimes / How Was It For You / Scratchcard / Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) / Coffee & Toast / Someone's Got It In For Me / Johnny Yen / Give It Away / Gaudi / The Shining / Destiny Calling / She's A Star / Born Of Frustration / Top Of The World / Laid / Ring The BellsSupport
Shea SegarMore Information & Reviews
OneOfTheThree.com
The Royal Court may look like it needs a lick of paint and a refit, but it is a favourite venue of the band. It’s built for acoustics and it holds fond memories of celebratory gigs from the late eighties.
From the opening bars of Work It All Out, it was evident that this was going to be a very special James performance. The sound was virtually perfect, Geoff Buckley was on peak form with the lights and the crowd was ready to listen to the new songs. Stand, Stand, Stand was a massive success, a song people had never heard before but which they were singing along to by the end. Senorita saw the band ratch up the level still further, Tim dancing freely from one corner of the stage to the other and Saul encouraging the audience as only he knows how.
Say Something got a rapturous reception as Tim introduced it as written when he and Larry were arguing. Tim took the opportunity to improvise over the end section as the crowd pogoed wildly. This continued through Sometimes and the very welcome return of How Was It For You?
True to their earlier promise of new songs, James then romped through Scratchcard and its unerringly catchy “oh Lordy” refrain, Daniel’s Saving Grace and the “scientific love song” Coffee and Toast.
Tim acknowledged Jerry from Seattle who he had met at the book signing who had flown in specially for the gig. Seattle isn’t actually in Canada, Tim……….
The crowd rapturously received the opening bars of Someone’s Got It In For Me which was every little bit as cathartic as the previous night in Leeds. For Johnny Yen, Tim decamped to the speakers stage right to sit and milk the audience’s frenzied reaction to the old favourite.
First On The Tape, described by Saul as “a pop song”, with Saul on violin instead of guitar, started another trio of new songs followed by Gaudi which Tim told the audience deadpan had been written “last Tuesday” followed by the swirling epic The Shining.
As in Leeds, James went back to the trusty Best Of for the finale – Destiny, Star and Frustration. After holding the mic to the crowd for the “woo woo” opening to Frustration, Tim then leapt over the pit (a fifteen feet drop and about ten feet wide) to join his adoring crowd, climbing onto the barrier and dancing, supported only by a few pairs of hands.
For the encore, James began with the ever-beautiful Top of the World with Jim’s bass sending tingles down the spine like never before. A strangely curtailed Laid followed by which time the crowd was a seething mass. Ring The Bells, with an intro sounding uncannily like What’s The World (well it fooled me), wrapped up the show with Tim centre stage in his own dance-driven world as the band wound the sound up faster and faster. And that was that.
This was a truly amazing show that had everything, a set of new songs with an energy and passion that could not fail to win over the crowd, crystal clear sound, a mesmerising light show and James going back to being old-style, old-ethics James brought smash bang into the 21st Century.
No Sit Down? Who needs it when you can Stand Stand Stand?
Alex Lambert
Having been to James’ Manchester gig last year I was waiting for another chance
to see them live. And I was not disappointed. The James concert at Liverpool was a far cry from the “Celebratory gigs” they were touring with until recently. We were lucky enough to be standing at the front – my first time standing at any indoor concert. The support band I thourghly enjoyed, even though I didn’t know of them – But it was the main attraction I was awaiting. When they came on, I soon found the disadvantage of being at the very front – the crush, but this just heightened the experience for me.
They came on with new songs which took me by surprise, but I picked up he songs fairly well and ended up loving them. Nine of the songs they played were new so we were all in only a slightly better state than my friend who knew Sit Down and nothing else. The new songs were well received by the crowd and when the classics came on the crowd were making the most of them. I could not help but jump around as the crowd surged forward forcing me to do exactly as I wanted to.
However, the concert finished all to soon with some wild music which I have come to love from various recordings I have heard (One Man Clapping and other live performances). Our lift was late (Like one hour late 12:30) which in the end was good, as I managed to speak to Tim Booth (Nobody had pens for an autograph). Congratulating him on the new material, and hearing that he was worried that he might have done too much new stuff and alienated the crowd turned a potential disaster into a wonderful highlight.
So, Fantastic show, Wonderful new material, I cannot wait for their new album and singles to come out!!!
Leeds University – 21st October 2000
Setlist
What Is It Good For / Stand / Senorita / Say Something / Sometimes / Just like Fred Astaire / Johnny Yen / Scratchcard / Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) / Coffee and Toast / Someone's Got It In For Me / Give It Away / Gaudi / The Shining / Destiny Calling / She's A Star / Born of Frustration / Junkie / Laid / Ring The BellsSupport
Shea SegarMore Information & Reviews
OneOfTheThree.com
The tour billed as James returning to their roots started at Leeds University Refectory, a truly horrible venue designed for cheap student fare rather than the delicacies James were about to present us with.
Kicking off with a trio of new songs “Work It All Out”, “Stand, Stand, Stand” and “Senorita” made an immediate statement of intent. Out with the singalong Best Of set and the polished sound of Millionaires, this was the rough, raw, risk-taking James playing the songs they’d just knocked out in the studio the week before. Thank God for that!
The sound however was a constant battle through a muddy PA and the horrific acoustics. Say Something and Sometimes brought a more familiar response from the crowd. The former however had not aged too well, but the latter was more evocative and pulsating as ever. Perennial favourite Johnny Yen with Saul’s criminally underused violin brought the usual euphoric response from the audience.
Fred Astaire followed and preceded three more new tracks – Scratchcard, Daniel’s Saving Grace and Coffee And Toast – and provided an interesting contrast between the lush arrangements of Millionaires and the raw energy of the new material. A slightly bemused crowd looked on, contemplated and then danced.
Someone’s Got It In For Me gets more epic, vivid, emotional and simply mind-blowing every time it gets played. The crowd cheered the opening bars and the prolonged applause at the end was no less than the band deserved.
Tim then stopped to remonstrate with a heckler demanding obscure tracks. Jim plucked the opening lines to Scarecrow before Tim admonished the heckler asking him to make sensible requests in future.
Three more new songs followed – First On The Tape, Gaudi and The Shining – a “pop song” reminiscent of second album Inspiral Carpets, an uptempo stomp and a beautiful emotional sweeping masterpiece respectively.
To wrap up the show, James launched into a trio of hits – Destiny, Star and Frustration and the world, or at least the privileged 1,500 of us, went mad again.
Everyone’s A Junkie, another newie, opened the encore before the band went back to romps through Laid and a frenetic Ring The Bells with Tim captivated by a floating balloon as the band played faster and faster and then they were gone.
So no Sit Down, Come Home and Sound but ten new songs – this was old school James taking risks few others would dare to. As Tim bemoaned Leeds United’s youngsters failure to beat the mighty Man United, his other team with youngsters of its own overcame the chronic sound problems and won without its big guns.
A Day In The Life – Jamestheband.com – October 2000
This piece was originally published on the James official site Jamestheband.com that was lost when the band split in 2001
A Day in the Life
Autumn Theatre Tour 2000
by Jim Glennie
I’m awakened by a knock on the door, it’s very dark in the room and I don’t know where I am. I pull myself out of bed, open the curtains slightly; the bright light makes seeing harder rather than easier. With each step towards the door I remember, breakfast, hotel, tour, and city, in that order. I open the door to a cheery youth who has obviously been up too long. “Morning, sir”. I mumble an attempt at a reply. He marches in with a large tray held high, and I’m glad I cleared a space for it last night and left some change handy. He puts it down, I scrawl on a piece of paper for him, he rather tactlessly counts the tip I’ve handed him, then smiles, thanks me and leaves.
I look at the antiquated late 70’s red-digit clock by the bed, 10:05am. We’re not leaving until 12:00, and I kind of regret not skipping breakfast and sleeping in instead. I went to bed late last night, or early this morning, after staying up all night talking shite with Mark, Mike, Adrian and Saul, finishing off bottles of malt given to us by the Scottish promoter washed down with overpriced room service Heineken.
I start breakfast with a couple of Advil and a third of a bottle of Volvic. I examine the tray: a too small glass of syrupy orange juice, lukewarm tea, a tiny pack of Alpen, and a chrome basket covered by a starched white napkin revealing the bakery selection. As always, it contains a greasy croissant, underdone cold white toast, overdone cold brown toast, and a Danish pastry. Who wants Danish pastry for breakfast?
I eat, then shower and shave, and finally the ibuprofen clears the worst of the night before and I look convincing enough to face the day. My clothes, enjoying their freedom, are reluctant to go back into my suitcase, but I’m soon down in reception arguing over the extras and denying having had anything from the mini-bar.
And so to the bus, our big, rambling, trundling home. We hire them for every tour, and they’re all pretty much the same. Downstairs there’s a small lounge and kitchen, although making tea while we’re moving can be precarious. Upstairs bunks, lounge and toilet. Every bunk on this bus has it’s own little cupboard in it, which sounds handy, only it takes up half of the room for your feet, forcing obscure sleeping positions for everyone except Saul who could actually sleep in the cupboard if he chose to. We don’t use the bus for a full night’s sleep as we always have hotels after gigs, but they come in handy for getting emergency naps. Each bunk also has a window with a curtain, which usually only shows the other lanes of the motorway, and occasionally the welcome winding of the services slip road. That’s our chance to scurry for food, newspapers, toilets, etc. As I mentioned, there is a toilet on the bus, but it smells of piss and chemicals and is not nice to use. Signs try to encourage males to sit to pee, but I’d rather contribute my splashes to the growing mess than stick my arse in there. God knows what I’d catch. Bus happiness really depends on trying not to think of all the other scummy bands with poor hygiene and disgusting habits that have slept in your bed, used the cups, etc. But when it comes to the toilet this isn’t possible. When we’re not sleeping, we sit in the back lounge and say stupid things, watch Father Ted, or argue. The bus journeys in the U. K. are all relatively short and we’re soon there. We nearly always go straight to the venue. We pile into catering and have soup, provided by our tour caterers.
This is one of the many points in the day where you feel fortunate as you remember back to the old days. Trundling to gigs in the back of a transit with no such niceties as hot food waiting for you, just a surly local crew tutting impatiently as you hurriedly set up your gear perched perilously in front of the main band’s equipment. Waiting to play ten minutes after the doors open to a few disinterested early birds, before shifting your gear off and heading home, and for this you don’t get even paid. You cover your expenses, so in effect you pay to play. In the luxurious cotton wool world of success, it’s all too easy to forget this.
We don’t enjoy soundchecks. The sound you get bares little resemblance to that which you suffer later on when two thousand fans soak up the P.A. and we all play twice as loud. But it’s a timeworn ritual, and a place to work on new songs if nothing else. The best soundchecks are short and sweet, the worst, long and bitter, and again we argue.
After soundcheck we either stay at the venue for our evening meal or go to the hotel. I usually go to the hotel. There isn’t much to do there but I like getting a break from the venue. I usually watch TV for a bit, surfing the limited selection of channels always interrupted halfway by an unnecessary block of radio stations. Sometimes I’ll sleep, then coffee and a shower to shock me back into the day.
Eventually we all dribble into reception. The first bubbles of anticipation surface as the banter picks up as we wait for the missing members. Someone mentions the need to do a set list, but there seems little enthusiasm yet. The last of us arrives and we leave for the gig, as always, fifteen minutes late.
Chelmsford V Festival – 20th August 2000
Setlist
Laid / Sometimes / She’s A Star / Coffee And Toast / Stutter / Out To Get You / Someone’s Got It In For Me / Senorita / Johnny Yen / Tomorrow / Sound / Ring The Bells
Support
n/a
Review
n/a
Stafford V Festival – 19th August 2000
Setlist
Sometimes / She’s a Star / China Girl / Stutter / Out To Get You / Junkie / Someone’s Got It In For Me / Tomorrow / Coffee and Toast / Sound / Ring The Bells
Support
n/a
Review
Ted Kessler, NME
Time for a rest. Time for couples to smooch in the golden sunset. Time for James to soothe and caress the heartstrings with more poignancy than you thought them still capable of. They nearly blow it with a cover of Bowie’s “China Girl”, but the abundance of singalong anthems clears the palate nicely for the heavyweights to follow.
Mark Beaumont, Melody Maker
And James are the last cigarette for a condemned rock festival, managing to mash a cover of David Bowie’s “China Girl” and a new song that sounds like The Specials playing “Pac Man” between their intoxicating pop bombast.
Mark Answers Questions To Jamestheband.com – July 2000
On the old wearejames.com website, the band would periodically answer questions submitted by fans.
The following were answered by Mark in July 2000
From: Gary
Answered by: Mark
A long, long time ago… the band had a wonderful song in their set which I think was called, funny enough, ‘Wonderful’. Was the track ever developed / demoed / mutated / recorded?. If so, I’d love to hear it. Cheers, Gary
No idea …..might you mean ‘Waltzing Along’ from Whiplash?
From: Karla
Answered by: Mark
I was just curious, in the “Come Home-Live” video, Andy is wearing some sort of arm braces. What happened to him? Was he in an accident? Thank you to anyone who might be able to answer this for me.
Hi Karla, those were not arm braces, they were crutches …Andy had just had an operation on his foot, so his leg was in a cast.
From: Alan
Answered by: Mark
Will Crash be a single, it should be, it’s amazing. Respect.
Well, I doubt it Alan, but I agree with you …it should have been. Respect back.
From: Mac
Answered by: Mark
Q1: Were you disappointed with the chart positions of I Know… and Fred and do you blame this on Mercury? Q2: What is your reponse to criticisms that the ‘Millionaires’ is over-produced and has too ‘slick’ a sound?
Erm, yes …a little, and …no really …have you seen the state of the charts here at the moment? Why do you think we’re all learning dance routines? And Q2: I disagree …I’d like it to sound slicker still …especially Vervacious ..that should be way slicker ….no, I think it’s all fine …anyway, who said that?
From: steffi
Answered by: Mark
is there any chance of seeing you play in germany or denmark to promote “millionaires” or on any other occasion? i’m running out of money to go to england every time,so please help me!! p.s.:love the new songs! they’re just fantastic-i didn’t expect anything else really.love,steffi
We played a couple of German festivals last year and hopefully will do the same to promote the new album next year.
From: PETE BURKE
Answered by: Mark
Re : recent TFI performance of “Fred”.
Why were Jim AND Michael both playing bass guitar ?
Because there are two bass guitars on Fred Astaire. One plays a high melodic line …Mike’s, and the other a normal low bass line…Jim’s …..which is funny really ‘cos it’s usually the opposite …eh Mr.G?
From: James
Answered by: Mark
I’ve noticed that Millionaires is more poppy and dancey them usual James albums. Is that because of Saul and the money project taking over James?
Cheers lads and I’ll see you in December. James
Yep, that’s right… See you there.
From: James
Answered by: Mark
To all the band.
Having heard Millionaires I get the feeling that it is too over produced and as a result is lascks that little something to make a classic James album.
What do you have to say?
I’m not sure what a ‘Classic’ James album involves exactly, nor whether we misplaced our little something. Sure, there may be elements of Millionaires that may be over-produced, but when I think of the process, the words over-produced never come to mind ha ha ha…over done it, overdose, over the hill, over to you ….
From: Graham Shearer
Answered by: Mark
You do a duet with Sinead O’Connor on one of the B-Sides of Fred Astaire, (can you guess what’s coming next?…that’s right) Is there anyone else you’d like to duet with? Morrissey perhaps? Also, am I gonna be able to get backstage at Wembly on Dec 12th, eh?
Yeah, Stephen Hawking …we’re gonna make his voice sound like Sinead o’Connor. And …..I doubt it, but I’m speaking after the fact …you tell me.
From: Wayne Veilleux
Answered by: Mark
When is James going to tour the US? Will they do San Francisco?
If we do, I’m sure we will.
From: Fordy
Answered by: Mark
More one for the record company, but with so many great videos to so many awesome songs. Why not a video greatest hits?
Sure …If we could do it what would you prefer ..VHS, CD-Rom or DVD ? …Seriously.
From: anne
Answered by: Mark
I was listening to your fabulous new album in my car today and singing away, but on one of my favourites – we’re going to miss you, I can not make out the words to the beginning of the chorus! Please do tell!
luv ya
Here’s a mirror with your name on, Singing we’re gonna miss you when you’re gone.
From: Ali Awan
Answered by: Mark
Will you tour the US for Millionaires? If so, when? If not, why not? Doesn’t have to be huge arenas, there’s enough of a cult following for a successful club tour, and it’d be lovely to see you in an intimate setting. We US fans feel left out…
I know what you’re saying …unfortunately the cost of taking our production around even small clubs can be prohibitive. We have a large band, a lot of equipment and a fairly large crew. It’s very dificult to reduce any of this without the show suffering ….Also there’s a general apathy towards British bands by record companies over there that means we can’t even justify spending money as a gamble to getting a deal over there. Mercury in the U.S. seem to lead the way in this field.
From: Wen
Answered by: Mark
Which is your favourite gig that you have ever performed? (I thought that the Fleece and Firkin in Bristol a couple years back was awesome…!)
I thought Wembley Arena December ’98 was one of the best big indoor shows we’ve done in a while. Some of the Portugese festivals this summer have been great too, but I think the Beijing gig recently will stand out for me for a long while to come.
From: Chris Orton
Answered by: Mark
If the band could do a cover version of any record, which would each of the members like to do?
I’d probably choose ‘Mathilde’ by Scott Walker, or ‘Rae’ by Autechre …it’s instumental but I think Tim could come up with some good vocals for that …
From: Larry Cheng
Answered by: Mark
Hi everyone (Tim, Saul, Mark, Adrian, David, Saul, and Michael), Just wanted to say that I’m a long time fan since the “Hymn From a Village” days. I actually have two questions: 1) Do you guys still talk to Larry Gott? 2) Will you be playing a couple of US dates for Millionaires? Thanks.
1) Occasionally. 2)Possibly …though nothing definate yet.
From: claire birtles
Answered by: Mark
Could you let me know when Millionnaires is likely to be out in Australia and also if the band have any plans to tour in Australia? Thanks
Millionaires will probably only be out on import. We’d love to tour over there, but it’s a long, long way ….It all comes down to cost …hopefully we can arrange a tour of the far east and Australia in the near future andkeep the costs down that way …
From: Brent Lindberg
Answered by: Mark
I’ll keep this brief. Just curious if Larry Gott still participates with the band in any capacity, most notably the songwriting responsibility? Do the band members remain close with him?
To be brief …no, and not really. We all live miles away so only catch up with him once in a while.
From: Neal Glassett
Answered by: Mark
If you tour here in Houston, TX and do some acoustic numbers, can I be the cellist in any of the songs?
I’m afraid we already hace a cellist …his name is Adrian, but we call him Voo Voo.
From: Graham McPhail
Answered by: Mark
To whoever recieves this question, I as a long term James fan would love to be able to own a very nice video containing the videos for the singles as there is no programmes on terrestrial T.V. today that actually show the whole video. So is there any chance of this occuring?
Thanks
This is another idea we are considering at the moment …glad to hear there’s some support
From: rob
Answered by: Mark
Gigs–I appreciate u have to cater for folk who are seeing u for the first time, but could u play a couple of “surprise” songs in your upcoming gigs *pretty please*? A rendition of…no that wouldn’t be a surprise would it? Go on amaze us.
Good luck with the new album lads 🙂
rob
How about Charlie Dance? ….that would surprise you wouldn’t it ….with a full brass section and a dance routine.
From: Fernando Eiras
Answered by: Mark
Are JAMES planning to release a ” B sides and rarities ” album? Honestly,i think it would be a crime not to do it,specially after all the exellent B sides of Millionaires singles(Downstairs is absolutley fantastic) Cheers
We’re working on it …there’s alot of stuff to go through!
From: Tom Burg
Answered by: Mark
Although I’m sure you have no PLANS to play in the States to support Millionaires, what would it take for you to change your mind?
Record company backing ….you got $100K to spare Tom? ..we’ll hopefully be back with the new album though.
From: Piers Hampton
Answered by: Mark
Just one simple question… what is the likelyhood of any gigs/concert dates in europe, the likes of belgium, france or Luxembourg?
Pretty unlikely …a festival or two maybe next year …
From: hector
Answered by: Mark
Hi. yo no se escribir en ingles y tampoco hablarlo pero si lo se leer si hay alguien que lo tradusca james es una de los mejores bandas inglesas de todos los tiempos.Si pudieran decir si visitaran algun pais de latinoamerica en especial mexico.
Que tal Hector? Muchas gracias por los complementos. Yo quisiera visitar Mexico, especialmente Zacatecas (es donde son la familia de mi novia).
From: jabba
Answered by: Mark
Mark, Still playing with dice ??? Julie.
White 99
From: Deniz
Answered by: Mark
Hi, Did Sinéad O’Connor contribute to some other tracks than Vervaceous on Millionaires? I keep hearing her voice in Afro Lover’s chorus and especially in Surprise (after 3.20). Regards, Deniz
Yeah, she also sang on the song ‘I defeat’ which was the B-side to Fred Astaire. The backing vocal on Afrolover was not her, and the backing vocals on surprise are Mr.Michael Kulas.
From: jim hannah
Answered by: Mark
Surely it’s about time all the Factory, Sire, Rough Trade stuff was issued on CD?
Yeah, but unfortunately, this also incurs lots of associated legal problems. We’re working on it.
From: Sven
Answered by: Mark
Hi! When do James come to Germany again? Haldern was great….want more!
Hello Sven,…hopefully next year with the new album.
From: Jonni Zhivago
Answered by: Mark
Why is Saul always looking at the Canadian boy with brown hair??
I think it might be love
From: Mark Townsend
Answered by: Mark
In the song ‘Crash’ what is the line of lyrics thet sounds like, “Cut the hurt man from the heads”? This is obviously wrong so what is the correct line?
‘Cut the Herman free from the Hesse’. You may know the author Herman Hesse …also, Hesse in German means ‘Heart’. You can thank Mr.Eno for that one.
From: rene luja arana
Answered by: Mark
This is a petition from the depths of my soul, please, please come to Mexico, and let me be your guide and friend here in Mexico, James means so much to me, I fan of you since 1990, thanks for read this. James are the best band of the world. Your Mexican fan Rene.
Un dia nos vamos a Mexico… en ese dia bebemos mucha tequila, y despues sacamos la pinata!
From: Francisco
Answered by: Mark
When will you come to Mexico city? here are a lots of fans waiting for you.remember going down to Mexico as you said in “go to the bank”. PLEASE we really want to see you soon.best regards from this side of the world. sincerely Francisco
Nos vamos a Mexico solamente si tienes:
1) muchos Coronas 2) mucha Tequila 3) tostadas 4) enchiladas 5) bastantes jalapenos
Gracias.
From: JORGE
Answered by: Mark
please, would you come to spain if i promise to give you good wine to drink? seriously, i`d never saw a james gig, and i ddon’twant to die before a historical date like that. un abrazo, jorge
Cuanto buen vino tienes?
From: Ethan
Answered by: Mark
What’s your favourite b-side(non-uk album track)? and What songs did you have the most fun/pleasure recording?
A song called still alive …I think I played about five notes … The new album has probably been about the most ‘fun’ record to make.
From: Alex Massie
Answered by: Mark
What has been the most satisfactory album for each of you to work on, and which albums artwork do you prefer
Wah Wah,and Wah Wah. …and the Whiplash cover was OK too!
From: Steve Watson
Answered by: Mark
I moved from Scotland to New Orleans in 94 and haven’t seen James live since. I had tickets to the Phoenix show a in 97 but Tim’s neck injury canned that. Have you ever thought about coming to N’awlins? We have some great venues. If you ever get the whole U.S contract sorted keep us in mind.
We have been to New Orleans a couple of times a few years back. It’s definitely a place I’d like to come back to next time…
From: Gillian Kenworthy
Answered by: Mark
Is there any possibility of you re-releasing ‘One Man Clapping’?
Errrr ….yes, maybe, but not right now ….
From: Ben Lilly
Answered by: Mark
Are there many James songs that have been recorded but never released? If so, can you tell us about any of these tracks and if there is a chance of them ever being released in the future?
There are hundreds of James songs that are recorded in some form or another and never released. This is because the recording process is expensive, and to give those songs that are not contenders the time and space to make them releasable would be counterproductive. No doubt in twenty years time we’ll all be down the record market trying to sell off our old shitty James demo cassettes to gullible fifty year old James fans. I advise you now ….don’t buy them! …when the time comes buy me a pint and I’ll do you a copy…
From: Ben Lilly
Answered by: Mark
Looking back over all the songs you have written together, which songs are you most proud of and why?
Personally it’s probably the songs that came about the quickest and most naturally to us ….songs that happened very spontaneously out of jams ….maybe 15 minutes from start to finish. Songs like Come Home, Tomorrow, She’s a Star, Fred Astaire and many others happened like this. All of Wah Wah was created like this, but songs this strong, made in an instant tend to have quite an impact.
From: Ben Lilly
Answered by: Mark
Recently you performed an excellent cover of Iggy Pop’s “China Girl”. Are there any other artists/songs that you are planning to or would like to cover in the future?
Yeah, we’re currently working on some kind of medley of Joy Division, Soft cell, Nancy Sinatra and Pink Floyd. Maybe with some Fleetwood Mac and The Skids thrown in. Nothing to report yet, but watch this space Ben.
From: Mattman
Answered by: Mark
Any plans to tour the US soon? Please!!
I think this question will keep popping up …..we hope to tour the new album next year over there, but until then we’re trying to get an odd show or two together …keep a look out on these pages.
From: Tom Anderton
Answered by: Mark
Is this the last album by James, or will James continue into the next millenium. Thanks for an amazing album guys.
We are now in the next millenium, and I can confirm we are continuing. Thank you, and goodnight.
From: Anthony De Motta
Answered by: Mark
If you folks do tour the US again, would you consider doing a few gigs in Hawaii? I’d really like to see you guys play here. Thanks for your time.
You could twist my arm, but the man with the budgets might have something to say …..thanks for the invite though …maybe one day.
From: Anita
Answered by: Mark
Is there any chance to see James live in Switzerland this year.I`m waiting since 1992….
Unfortunately not …I remember the gig …Bob Dylan and Urban Dance Squad amonst others …hopefully we’ll get back there soon.
From: Tony Snape
Answered by: Mark
There must be many fans out there who like myself find it nearly impossible to get their hands on a copy of ‘One Man Clapping’. Would it be possible for the band to re-release the said item some time in the future.
Yep.
From: Evelain
Answered by: Mark
I was wondering if it really is Tim singing backing vocals on House of Love’s 1990 album.. Thanks!!
No.
From: Thomas
Answered by: Mark
I’d like to know if there will be a video of the december tour
Thanks
I’m afraid not, but check out some of the video footage on the site.
(See the video section. – LR)
From: Tyler
Answered by: Mark
Would you ever consider doing covers of any of the songs from the movie James and the Giant Peach? It could be real interesting, particularly the song “My name is James.”
I think that maybe Eminem would do a better version …thanks for the thought though.
From: angie calderon
Answered by: Mark
Will James perform in the States anytime soon? (2000)
thanks!
Hi Angie, To answer all of the questions posted about when we might be touring in the U.S. in the near future ….We hope to put a tour together next year to promote the new album, taking in as many places as we can around the country …but as yet there is nothing confirmed.
From: Jessica
Answered by: Mark
Is Millionaires ever going to be released in the US????
As I’m sure has been pointed out on this site, Millionaires has not been released in the States and will not be with the current contract with Mercury. Hopefully this might change in the future but for the moment it will only be available on import.
From: Derek Gruchy
Answered by: Mark
I read in one of your responses to these questions that Micheal Kulas is Canadian. I also read that he has a side project album…is it available here in Canada? And how did he hook up with you guys?
Yeah, Michael is very Canadian. His album is called ‘Mosquito’ and it’s no doubt available through all your Canadian outlets. Mike was a friend of Saul’s, bought in to sing BV’s four years ago.
From: MIke Peters
Answered by: Mark
I heard that you recorded an acoustic version of ‘Ring the bells’.Is this true, and if so where can i get it from because I love the song. Cheers!
We did. It was used on an ‘X-Files’ soundtrack, but whether it is available to buy I don’t know. Laurie on the site might be able to advise you.
From: Veggie
Answered by: Mark
I’ve heard that you all are vegans…true or not?
Not.
From: Chris Duffy
Answered by: Mark
Why does Tim have the headphones in his ear whenever they perform?
This enables him to monitor himself and the band from wherever he is on stage …so he can dance about like a loon and still sing, even if he isn’t stood in the middle in front of his speakers.
From: Matt Walinski
Answered by: Mark
This is for all the guitar players who are frustrated figuring out James’ great songs. Can someone please tell me the chords to “Sometimes”? Thanks
Basically, the guitar just plays ‘A’ modal all the way through …..that’s ‘A’ without a third note. The bass meanwhile plays …’A’, ‘F#’, ‘D’ and ‘A’ ….around and around and around ……
From: Tyler Allen
Answered by: Mark
I’m one of the fans stuck in the U.S. where it looks like no U.S. tour will happen. I will be in China for a few months, though. In response to the rumor of some shows in China, is there any possibility of a show happening between now and May? Let’s hope so; I’m dying to see you live.
Sorry I missed your question ….i hope you made it to the Beijing Show…It was great, you would’ve enjoyed it.
From: JAMES WINFIELD
Answered by: Mark
WHATS THE SONG ‘God only knows’ about?
Erm …Gods …apparently knowing stuff.
From: Nicola Redwood
Answered by: Mark
You have lost a lot of money on tours in the past, especially in the USA. What exactly does all the money get spent on for a concert?
Exactly …I’m not sure, but roughly: personnel, hotels, flights, buses, trucking, PA equipment, lights, catering, wages, agents, promotion, food, insurance…
From: Sarah Robson
Answered by: Mark
Was Tim Booth’s hair naturally curly or was it a perm? That curly do’ has haunted my waking dreams since I was 8, when you were performing Sit Down at the Megabowl for ITV’s Ghost Train(Oooooooaaaaahhhhhh.) See ya! PS Dave, are you feeling alright?
Jesus, are you feeling alright?
From: lloydy
Answered by: Mark
Do you have a side project that does dance music, possibly under a different name?
Yeah, it’s called ‘Money’ but we’ve neglected to release anything as yet.
From: lil
Answered by: Mark
Is it true that the violinist saul is a transvestite!
Of course …he’s a bender of insurmountable bounds.
From: james
Answered by: Mark
A while back there was someone selling CD-R copies of One Man C. on a web sites. This person was making a profit, but it was’t much for all the work put into the out of print cd. Did this upset the band? If this person was to sell the cd again would the band persue to stop him?
This person was selling a product that was inferior to the original CD. People can always get hold of illegal copies of a record, but ultimately that is what makes it harder for us to come and tour all the places that you are asking us to come and play. The amount of work put into copying the CD was nothing compared to the amount of work put into creating it in the first place….
From: James Koich
Answered by: Mark
Are there any plans for a Uk tour soon? If so will you consider a venue in Leeds?
I lived in Leeds until Christmas …hopefully we’ll play there at the Town and Country or University next year.
From: Henry
Answered by: Mark
To all members of James:
Who have been your musical influences?
For me; Simon and Garfunkel, The Sweet, Slade, The Bay City Rollers, Abba, Genesis, Blondie, Japan, King Crimson, Gary Numan, Bill Nelson, The Cocteau Twins, Gang of Four, Ausgang, The Pixies, R2D2, Scott Walker, Massive Attack, Cabaret Voltaire, the funny guy from Sparks …and many others. These are some that I’ve listened to for long periods of time at some point in my life…. ….and then sometimes you think to yourself, ‘Shit, I could be out getting drunk instead, and you discover bars and things, and some of them play music too, and it all kind of snowballs from there really ….
From: Bernd
Answered by: Kulas
Do you have plannings about Concerts in Germany???
Last year we managed to play a few festivals in Germany which were quite successful. At the moment no mention has gone out about the possibility of a show but that doesn’t mean it wont happen. As we are in the middle of writing new material for the next album, we might not have the time to return. Hopefully some good news will come in the months ahead and who knows?…………..
From: Peter Harris
Answered by: Kulas
Who do James feel are the best band at the moment (obviously apart from themselves!)?
All members of the band have a wide variety of musical tastes which is what I believe makes us so strong. The music I’ve been listening to lately includes The Dust Brothers The Bluetones, Travis, Supergrass, Eminem, and a large amount of ambient techno, hip hop, and break beat music including the Chemical Brothers. But to narrow it down to who is the best would be too difficult as I like to enjoy as much as possible. Anyhow, that’s how I see it, I hope that’s of some help. Ciao for now. Kulas
From: Ray Gillespie
Answered by: Mark
Hey, I remember an awesome song at the NEC 1998, that went wrong half-way through. It’s title was Real World Jam. Are there any plans to release this brilliant song at all either as a B-side, or on the new EP. Thanks, you’re great.
It certainly was called Real World Jam, and it certainly went wrong. It’s now called Shooting My Mouth Off, and it’s on Millionaires.
From: Leah Wislocki
Answered by: Mark
Are any of the band members vegetarian? Simply curious.
Once upon a time there was a bunch of Buddist, vegan folk-rockers called ‘Ye Olde James’. And it came to pass that while browsing the local felafel merchants their eye was taken by a juicy sausage, but, as was their nature at that time, they did shoo the sausage away and couscous was aplenty. As time passed by, folk-rockers came and went and soon there were seven. Seven folking vegies…! And as the power in their music grew, so grew the power of the Sausage, and in only seven short years they were all transformed into Ye Stadium Folk Whores, and Tabouleh was banished thence from their kingdom. And they all lived happily ever after.
From: Bill Ding`
Answered by: Mrs. Kulas
What’s with that new back-up singer, Mike Kulas…doesn’t he realize he’s doing a chick’s job?
Please retract your neck Bill Ding.
From: Shellie
Answered by: Mark
I notice that some James tracks mention God in the lyrics. Are any of the members religious?
Well, I know Jim likes to wear a dog collar from time to time…
From: Lou
Answered by: Mark
BOYS: There’s a lot of unconditional devotion out there – does it ever get just a WEE bit freaky? Or create a cosy warm glow inside? I’m curious.
Wee bit freaky.
From: Holly
Answered by: Mark
What was the logic used to determine the cover of “Whiplash?”
We thought it was a strong image which, incidentally, was a man dressed up in a mask …as were most of the masks in the artwork in that series.
From: David Godfrey
Answered by: Mark
Is there any plans to release any recent live performances on video or DVD? The recent MTV show was excellent and needs to be seen in full.
Hopefully there’ll be some footage of the recent Beijing gig on the website in the near future.
From: Tom
Answered by: Mark
I want to name my first son james (he’s due in September) but my girlfriend rejects the name out of hand, claiming that it’s “wet”. Do any of you have a better suggestion?
How about Jim, of maybe Big Jim. Failing that, what about Mark?
From: NIX
Answered by: Mark
how tall is Tim? and when are the questions being answered?
178cm …around about now
From: Kate
Answered by: Mark
My friend James once heard a track possibly called ‘Maria’s Party’ and has been trying to track it down ever since. It’s not on Stutter, Gold Mother, Stripmine, Laid, Whiplash, Wah Wah or Millionnaires. Where is it? I would love to get hold of a copy for him if possible.
That’s a track that hasn’t been released on any CD Kate….You might be able to download a dodgy live version from http://james.wattyco.com/.
Covilha Pavilhao da ANIL – 20th May 2000
Setlist
tbd
Support
n/a
Review
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Faro Campo de Futbol de Penha – 19th May 2000
Setlist
tbd
Support
n/a
Review
n/a