The Coral are back, with a new/old album, The Curse of Love. We asked frontman James Skelly some questions about the band, his record label and what he thought of the new U2 album…
Afternoon, James. Where are you and what have you been up to this week?
I went to Blossoms’ gig in Heaton Moor, which was good. The band were on form.
You’re releasing a new album next month, The Curse of Love, which was recorded eight years ago. Why the delay and what made you decide to release it after all this time?
It got shelved at the time for a number of reasons. I was a bit gutted because I thought it was great, so I couldn’t listen to it. Then Nick [Power, keyboard player in the band] put one of the tunes up on Facebook and everyone liked it, so I heard it again with fresh ears and we all agreed we should put it out.
How does the album compare with Butterfly House in terms of its sound and style?
It’s quite different; it’s somewhere between Magic and Medicine and Invisible Invasion.
Geoff Barrow has been saying positive things about the album…
We gave him a copy and he kept telling us it was our best album and we should put it out.
You’re releasing the album on your own label, Skeleton Key Records. Tell us about some of the acts you’ve signed.
We’ve got a few now. We’ve just released Blossoms’ new single, ‘Blow’, and that’s gone down well. We’re about to announce details of Sundowners’ album. Circles have almost recorded their album – that’s sounding great. Marvin Powell is putting the finishing touches to his EP. And She Drew the Gun is working on her album and should have a single out soon.
What did you think about U2’s new album being dumped on anyone with an iTunes account?
Funny.
The Mercury Music Prize nominees were announced last week. As a former nominee, what was your take on this year’s list?
Haven’t seen it.
Tell us one thing that’s great and one thing that sucks about being in a band with your brother?
He started the band, so I can’t slag him or he’ll kick me out.
What was the first album you bought, when and where did you buy it, and do you still listen to it?
I think it was Kylie and Jason on tape cassette. I stick it on from time to time.
What have you been listening to recently?
Gene Austin, Junior Kimbrough, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Radiohead, John Lee Hooker.
Other than music, who or what inspires you to write songs?
Richard Yates. He’s a very underrated writer. Eleven Kinds of Loneliness is a great book.
What do you think of the Liverpool scene these days?
I’m too old to be in the thick of it, so I wouldn’t know. Scenes are created by people younger than me.
Who’s the most underrated band to have come out of Liverpool over the years?
Shack.
What’s next for The Coral? Any plans to tour the new album?
Not at the moment, but you never know…
The Curse of Love is out on 20th October on CD, digital download & limited vinyl. Pre-order the album from www.skeletonkeyrecords.com
Paul Sng
Paul Sng
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