Pitchfork

Long-suffering singer and sub-Michael Stipe egghead Tim Booth has decided to leave James, the floundering Brit-pop band he founded nearly 20 years ago. In a statement released on the band's official website, he reveals, "I am leaving the band on a high. We have made a CD that I believe to be our best since Laid; yes I have heard that reviews state otherwise but by not reading them I keep myself in a blissful bubble of ignorance." Later he states, "I want to stop while we are on top," which begs the question: are you fucking kidding?

Booth has plans to teach creativity workshops, write new music, and finish the screenplay he's been working on recently. After a seven-date British tour, which will mark the band's last performances with Booth as frontman, the remaining members of James plan to carry on as a band, though an announcement on their future plans is still forthcoming.

James are best known for their 1994 Brian Eno-produced album Laid, whose title track scored a hit on alternative radio. The band's last two studio albums, including the new release Pleased to Meet You, have failed to find distribution in the U.S. Hurry, there's still time to catch a cheap flight to Blighty and say goodbye.

12-02 Brighton - Brighton Centre
12-03 Leeds - Leeds University
12-04 Newcastle - Newcastle Arena
12-06 Birmingham - Birmingham NEC
12-07 Manchester - Manchester Evening News Arena
12-09 Glasgow - Glasgow SECC
12-10 London - Wembley Arena