The Charlatans Sometimes, the best things in life are free! Call it an adage, a maxim, a proverb or whatever you want to, but with their 10th studio album, You Cross My Path (originally given away as a free download exclusively through the XFM Website earlier this year), The Charlatans have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this can be gloriously true! And, not only is the legendary band part of Manchester's rich musical heritage, but in a world of fashion and fads, they continue to be inventive, inspiring and impossible to ignore! With this in mind, R*E*P*E*A*T decided to get in touch with their iconic frontman, Tim Burgess, through MySpace - who after giving up drink and drugs, maintains his ever-youthful looks and spirit through a diet of peanuts, bananas and Diet Coke - to see if he would be willing to discuss the group's history, his love of music + songwriting and his many other related interests, which he was! The questions were submitted to Tim on July 25, 2008, and he kindly typed his answers and returned the Questionnaire to us on August 7. Having written and recorded some of the most memorable long players and singles since the early '90s, overcoming tragedy and sadness along the way - like the greats, The Charlies' sound, although always retaining the trademark Hammond Organ, has constantly evolved and stayed fresh, with much of their output remaining self-contained within the era it was created. Funnily enough though, their latest offering is probably their most 'Manchester-sounding' record to date, not to mention one of their most cohesive and very best! Given that Tim has also now lived in Los Angeles for several years,
it just goes to show how The Charlatans have never forgotten their 'Madchester'
roots, yet at the same time, have successfully managed to become a separate
entity in their own right
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1. NME Radio was recently launched and after topping a readers online
poll, Muse's Knights Of Cydonia was the first track to ever be played
- but if the decision had been yours, which song would you have launched
the station with?
A very special thanks to Tim, to Cathryn @ thecharlatans.net, and to Rosey, for all of their time and help.
-+-+-+-+ Message from Tim about this interview "Looks Ace - love it! Cheers!" |