Tim Booth's Musical Journey: From Patti Smith to Funeral Tunes
In a candid revelation, Tim Booth, the frontman of the band James, opens up about the songs that have defined his life, from childhood initiations to adult passions. His honest playlist spans decades and genres, offering a glimpse into the soundtrack of his personal and artistic evolution.
Early Influences and First Loves
Booth's musical awakening began at the tender age of eight, when his older sister, Penny, introduced him to Leonard Cohen's So Long, Marianne. He describes this moment as an initiation into the world of real poetry, a stark contrast to the pop flotsam of his white, suburban upbringing. The song gave him a tantalizing taste of adult romantic relationships, something a child could not fully grasp, and he credits his sister for sparking this early fascination.
By 15, Booth had purchased his first single, Patti Smith's Hey Joe/Radio Ethiopia, using WH Smith tokens. He recalls playing it with reverence, like it was the word of God, highlighting the profound impact Smith's music had on his formative years.
Party Anthems and Karaoke Choices
When it comes to setting the mood at a party, Booth praises Underworld's 8 Ball for its slinky, sexy, and seductive qualities. For karaoke, he admits he rarely participates, but if given the chance, he would opt for Val Doonican's Paddy McGinty's Goat, showcasing his eclectic taste.
Changing Tastes and Secret Loves
Booth reflects on songs he no longer listens to, such as Cockney Rebel's Sebastian, which he loved during a brief glam phase at 13 but now finds preposterous with its pretentious strings and nonsense chorus. Conversely, he confesses a soft spot for artists like Billie Eilish and Beyoncé, whom he admires despite them not fitting his typical canon. He also mentions being moved to tears by Don McLean's Vincent, due to his affection for Vincent van Gogh.
Music as Medicine and Life-Changing Moments
One of the most poignant parts of Booth's playlist is his revelation about Brian Eno's Discreet Music, which he associated with sex by age 18. He notes its ambient qualities slow things down, making it ideal for lovemaking. More significantly, he credits Patti Smith's Birdland with changing his life. He first heard it at 16 upon learning his father might die, and it taught him that music could be medicine for pain. The song's lyrics about Wilhelm Reich led him to study alternative healing, enriching his life profoundly.
Emotional Responses and Final Farewells
Booth avoids music in the morning, preferring a quiet cup of tea to gather his thoughts. However, Nina Simone's live version of I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free destroys him emotionally, as it embodies the weight of Black oppression and mental health struggles. For his funeral, he chooses Jocelyn Pook's Upon This Rock, which James uses as intro music before performances, symbolizing a full-circle moment in his career.
Tim Booth's debut novel, When I Died for the First Time, is now available in hardback and audiobook, while James is set to tour in April, continuing his musical legacy.
