An Introduction to James, the Standout Madchester Band of the '90s

In the flux of the late 1980s musical scenes, Manchester, famously known as Madchester, emerged as a hotspot for a new wave of bands. Among them was James, a group that found their way into American hearts through the airwaves of college radio and the modern rock stations of the time. Notably, James achieved success in the U.S. with albums like Laid and Whiplash, both finding spots on the Billboard 200 chart.

1. “Sit Down”

Beginning as a quartet, James evolved into a seven-piece ensemble by their third album, Gold Mother. This expansion included key members such as Tim Booth and Jim Glennie, with the latter giving the band its name. A milestone for the band was the 1991 re-release of this album, which featured a new version of “Sit Down.” This single introduced James to a broader audience, climbing the charts and resonating with themes of connection and overcoming isolation, an evergreen appeal confirmed by its use in a 2017 promotion for HBO's Game of Thrones.

2. “Born of Frustration”

Continuing their chart-topping trajectory, James followed up with Seven. The song “Born of Frustration” reached the top five of the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. Its messages of self-empowerment and coping with challenge are delivered with the cathartic yells of Tim Booth and the inspiring trumpet work of Andy Diagram, making it an anthemic track for listeners.

3. “Laid”

Perhaps the most well-known James song is “Laid,” a quirky number about obsessive love. It's notable not just for its Billboard Top 100 appearance but also for marking the first James album produced by Brian Eno, adding an ambient touch to their sound.

4. “Getting Away with It (All Messed Up)”

Despite a decline in U.S. attention post-Laid, James didn't cease to create compelling music. Within their ninth album, Pleased to Meet You, lies “Getting Away with It (All Messed Up),” a song that conveys hope and perseverance through its uplifting chorus and the notion that imperfection is part of life's essence.

5. “Pleased to Meet You”

While it might be considered a deep cut as it wasn’t released as a single, “Pleased to Meet You” is as worthy of attention as any James hit. This track showcases the dynamic range of the band's music, from atmospheric to rock energy, perfectly complementing the introspective nature of Booth's lyrics.

James, Madchester, Music