Stutter

Released 21st July 1986
Stutter (UK 1986) (opens in a new tab) LP – JIMLP1
Stutter (UK & Europe 1986) (opens in a new tab) CAS – JIMC1
Reissued on CD May 1991
Stutter (Europe 1991) (opens in a new tab) CD – 7599-25437-2
Following the move from Factory to Sire and the release of the Chain Mail (Sit Down) EP, James released their debut album Stutter 31 years ago in July 1986.
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" to reach a mass audience and the promotion of the album was restricted. It still managed to hit number 68 in the album charts.
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.