James

James formed in Manchester in 1982, Tim Booth's extraordinary stage presence and vocal range giving the band a quality that set them apart from the beginning. They were part of the Manchester scene but never quite fit the Madchester template — their music was more expansive, more spiritual, and more concerned with community and connection than with hedonism.

'Gold Mother' (1990) was the breakthrough — 'Sit Down' became one of the great British anthems, a song about belonging and community that seemed to speak to an entire generation. The image of thousands of people sitting down simultaneously at James concerts became one of the defining images of early 90s British music. 'Come Home' and 'How Was It for You?' were equally strong.

'Seven' (1992) and 'Laid' (1993) confirmed that James were more than a one-anthem band. 'Laid' in particular — produced by Brian Eno — was a remarkable record, intimate and strange, full of songs that rewarded repeated listening. 'Sometimes' and 'Say Something' showed a band capable of genuine emotional depth.

James have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency, their fanbase remaining intensely loyal. 'Living in Extraordinary Times' (2018) and 'All the Colours of You' (2021) were both strong late-career albums. Booth's voice has only deepened with age, and the band's live shows remain among the most communal and joyful experiences in British music.