Burgess plays gig on night of single release

Tim Burgess releases his brand new solo album, 'I Believe' on Friday, September 12 and celebrates the album's release with a gig at The Village on Dublin's Wexford Street on the same day.

The album's release is preceded by the single, 'I Believe In The Spirit' (out August 29).

It's a fitting debut single from the album which in turn is inspired by Burgess's influences, including Gram Parsons, Dylan, The Stones, The Clash, The Drifters and even Barry White.

The B-side tracks are exclusive to the single and include a cover of Bob Marley's "Who The Cap Fit".

The debut solo album from The Charlatans' charismatic front-man was recorded between August 2002 and June this year and features 11 tracks including "I Believe In The Spirit", and the instantly catchy single contenders "Only A Boy" and "Say Yes", through to the country twang of "Years Ago".

This is a completely uplifting album drawing deep from Tim's roots.

Recorded with a band including the likes of Roger Manning Jnr (Beck, Air) and Probyn Gregory (Brian Wilson) Tim Burgess has never sounded looser, more easy-rolling, rootsy and relaxed.

The album was produced and mixed by Linus of Hollywood and Mike Patterson who between them have worked with Puff Daddy, Lil Kim, Jennifer Lopez, Beck and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

In Tim's own words he considers the album a "cheer you up record, with influences of all my favourite artists rolled into my own style ... I wanted my songs to represent me, my soul and my spirit.

"When I started writing I never thought it would get this far, there were so many obstacles in the way, but once I got started - I just couldn't stop.

"All the musicians who helped me with this record did it as a favour. The album was recorded in Linus' one bedroom flat in Hollywood and if you listen carefully you may be able to hear the noisy neighbour downstairs blaring out 80's hard rock."

The sleeve photography was shot in the room at the Joshua tree Inn where Gram Parsons died.

Meantime, Tim and rest of The Charlatans have already recorded seven songs for their follow-up to 2001's acclaimed 'Wonderland'.

According to bassist Martin Blunt, the band are not going to return to the record until later in the year.

Blunt recently told London's XFM: "Things are going amazingly well, it's started very strong. The recordings are another big step on from 'Wonderland'. The Chemical Brothers have already mixed one of the songs which is earmarked for a single called 'Feel The Pressure'.'"

"Tim's stuff sounds great... He has wanted to make a solo album for a couple of years and the rest of us all wish him the best of luck."

The Charlatans previewed some of their new material at live festivals this summer including the Move Festival in Manchester and T in The Park in Scotland last month.

Catch Tim Burgess live when he plays The Village in Dublin on Friday, September 12, with full band.