James are probably my favourite of all the Manchester bands that I like (you have to support your own boys and girls). I first started listening to James because my sister P liked them when I was a kid. James are comprised of Tim Booth, Jim Glennie, Larry Gott, Saul Davies, Mark Hunter and Dave Baynton-Power. They formed in 1981 in Whalley Range in Manchester. In my eyes James were at the forefront of the Manchester Indie scene in the early 1980's and were of the dance, trance, indie drug fueled genre of the time. I remember falling in love with their first album (Stutter) and since them have followed them religiously, always getting the albums as soon as they hit the shelves.
I went to see James play at the Manchester G-Mex exhibition center and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. When the song "Sit Down" (which is probably the song most people know James for) came on the whole building as one sat down to listen and watch Tim on stage. To me James are not like any other band that has passed or will ever come in the future, they are totally unique which is why they appeal to me so much, I believe that I am as unique in my thoughts and actions. When Sit down was released as a single it took 2nd place only to Chesney Hawk's "The One And Only" which was a massive hit in itself. James will forever be remembered as a "Live" act as this is where their excellence shines and the performances are not to be missed if ever you get the opportunity. I am upset that I am currently in the US and will miss their upcoming tour, I was thinking about returning for it and then coming back to the US if funds allow.
Over their live tours James have had many famous supporting acts who themselves have become very popular such as The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Nirvana, Radiohead, The Corrs, Stereophonics, Supergrass and even Coldplay. James have released many albums over the past 20 years, the most notable being; Stutter, Gold Mother, Seven, Laid, Millionaires and Pleased to Meet You. Their new album (Hey Ma) will be released in the UK on the 7th April so look out for it.
My Top 10 James songs are as follows: 01. Top Of The World 02. Johnny Yen 03.
Sandman (Hup-Springs) 04. U Cant Tell How Much Suffering 05. God Only Knows 06. Sit Down 07. Don't Wait That Long 08. Out To Get You 09.
Sometimes (Lester Piggott) 10. English Beefcake.
My name is Andy I'm 31 and I'm from Manchester, UK I like to read a lot (Discworld, Sci-Fantasy) and listen to music (The Doors, Wu-Tang, Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs, Blondie, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix). I also try to be a skateboarder when I get time and dry weather. Please view and leave comments on my blog which contains lots more music reviews. http://my-top-music-reviews.blogspot.com
