Booth's ego trip destroys the show

(Morning Star, Saturday 13 November 2004)

LIVE: Tim Booth, Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow

AS the former singer of one of Manchester's most likable bands, Tim Booth had it made, writes KIRSTIE MAY.

James started in 1983 on the mythical Factory Records and enjoyed heady musical successes among students and dreamers for years, the most famous of which being singalong classic Sit Down and the most wonderful of which being Eno-produced paean to lust and madness, Laid.

But what now of the shaggy-haired romantic? Well, the hair's gone for a start, giving him a curiously malevolent look.

As Booth takes to the stage in this converted church with axe supremo and producer Lee "Muddy" Baker and chanteuse Lisa by his side, the air of the misfit hangs about them like intoxicating cologne.

Starting out with a sweet and clear version of Laid, Booth becomes increasingly agitated by the Glaswegian spirit and urges the crowd to quieten down, even stopping halfway through to go back to the first note and demanding no singalongs.

As beautiful as Booth's rolling, honeyed voice is, right through to the undulating Fall in Love, his overly precious nature is irritating and the voice of Lisa can only be characterised as a screech.

Sadly, what would have been a wonderful performance by a truly great talent is ruined by the self-congratulatory nature of the show.

The rapport that should have been built up with the audience never materialises and the fans are left wondering what on earth they're here for.