A little over five years ago the Manchester based band James performed their farewell concerts in the UK to much acclaim. Singer Tim Booth exited leaving the band without a singer. Despite reports they would carry on with a new singer, this never came to fruition. Many people feel bands like Coldplay are deeply influenced by U2, but in truth, I hear more of James in them rather than U2.
One of my best friends, Kevin, became enamoured with the band back in high school and he continually reminded me of when "Laid" would be landing in stores in the fall of 1993. Because of him, James became one of my favorite bands and in America, one of the most underrated bands of the 1990's. There was so much more to this band than anyone gave them credit for. When U2 wanted to work with Eno in 1999 and 2000, he gave James precedence and I believe I read in an interview that "Sometimes" is one of Eno's favorite tracks that he ever produced.
Sadly I doubt we'll see a lot of new material from the band but instead will get a revamped "Greatest Hits" instead. However, I never caught the band live, so I'll anxiously wait until they make their way to US hopefully in the fall. Check out the letter posted by the band on their website here.
Gotta keep faith that your love will change tomorrow
Phenominal live and I don't use that word lightly.
ReplyDeleteThis band also pioneered the band T-shirt industry. They just had the coolest stuff.