James

James is an English band from the city of Manchester formed in 1982 by Paul Gilbertson (guitar), Jim Glennie (bass), Gavan Whelan (drums) and Tim Booth (vocals). Earlier in their career, the band's pop-folk received acclaim from Morrissey, then lead singer of the Smiths. However, it was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, under the influence of the acid house scene, that the group released their biggest hits, such as "Sit Down", "Born of Frustration" and "Laid".

In 1983, the band signed with the Factory label. The following year, the first EP, entitled Jimone, was released. The second EP, James 2, came out in 1985. That same year, Larry Gott replaced Paul Gilbertson and James signed to Sire Records. Stutter, the first album, came out in 1986. Strip-Mine, the second, was released two years later.

Outside Sire Records, in 1989 James released the single Sit Down on Rough Trade Records. The song became one of the most famous of the band. In 1990, drummer Gavan Whelan was replaced by David Baynton-Power. The band also gained three more members - keyboardist Mark Hunter, violinist Saul Davies and trumpeter Andy Diagram. That year the album Gold Mother was released by Fontana Records. Next came the albums Seven (1992) and Laid (1993). The latter was produced by Brian Eno. Eno also produced 1994's experimental Wah Wah. In 1995, Larry Gott left James.

With guitarist Adrian Oxaal, the group released in 1997 the album Whiplash. Millionaires (1999) and Pleased to Meet You (2001) followed. In 2001, vocalist Tim Booth announced his departure from the band. James took a break, returning in 2007 for a few shows, with Tim Booth himself at the head of the band.

In 2008, the group released Hey Ma. In 2010, the band released two mini albums - The Night Before and The Morning After. La Petite Mort arrived in 2014. A new album, Girl At The End Of The World, was released in 2016. Two years later came Living in Extraordinary Times. The band returned in 2021 with All the Colours of You.

In Be Opened by the Wonderful, a work from 2023, the band re-recorded their main singles of their career in acoustic and orchestral format. A new album of new songs, Yummy, arrived in 2024.