James

The Profile

James are a British alternative rock band from Manchester, formed in 1982. Known for hits like Sit Down and Laid, they collaborated with Brian Eno on Laid and Wah Wah, paused in 2001, and returned in 2007, continuing with albums including Hey Ma and Living In Extraordinary Times.

Formed in 1982 in Manchester; early work supported by The Smiths’ audience; broke through with Gold Mother and Seven; Laid and companion project Wah Wah were produced with Brian Eno; signature songs include Sit Down, Born of Frustration, Say Something, and Laid; hiatus in 2001 and reformation in 2007; Living In Extraordinary Times showcases a return to mid-90s experimentation.

Four DeBaser reviews chart James’s rise from the Madchester breakout Gold Mother and peak-era Seven to the Brian Eno‑produced Laid and the later Living In Extraordinary Times. Reviewers praise anthemic songwriting, brass-laced arrangements, and Tim Booth’s falsetto. The band’s reinventions are noted without losing roots in their Manchester identity.