the band's debut EP Jimone, in November 1983 even though James did not have a contract with the label. Glennie thought Factory worked inefficiently and did not trust them to release an album; Whelan said the label would pay to have a single made leaving no money to promote it. After more shows, Gott became more involved in the band as Gilbertson withdrew. For most of 1984, James disappeared publicly for a few reasons. They wished to work on their song-writing. As well, Booth was struggling with liver disease, which had plagued him throughout his teenage years, and Gilbertson's erratic behaviour resulted in him not showing up for rehearsals and often disrupting their live shows. Morrissey of the Smiths praised James and asked the band to support them on tour. With Gott now an official member, the Smiths and James embarked on a short tour of Ireland near the end of the year. James released their second EP James II in February 1985, which was promoted with a 48-date tour, again supporting the Smiths. James performed on national TV. Gott estimated half the audience consisted of A&R people from major labels. Following this, Martine McDonagh, Factory's press officer, advised them she had become the band's manager, and that they were leaving the label. A&M, Elektra and MCA Records all expressed interest in the band, who turned them all down. Through Geoff Travis of Rough Trade Records, the band learned that Seymour Stein of Sire was interested in signing them. He co-founded the label and had signed the Talking Heads, the Undertones, and Madonna previously. Wishing to have their songs reach a wider audience, the band signed a two-album deal with Sire and Blanco y Negro Records in November 1985. Production Stein asked the band who they wanted to produce their upcoming debut album. The band showed him a list that included Brian Eno, Patti Smith and Smith's live guitarist Lenny Kaye. Seeing his name, Stein told the band he was a friend of Kaye's, having met him following the release of Smith's "Piss Factory" (1974). Booth was enthralled with Kaye after hearing him playing on several albums as his career developed, and learned Kaye had begun moving into production. Initially, Kaye was hesitant about working with the band, proposing he would do their second album instead, so that they would be familiar with the recording process. After reassurances from Booth,