James
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce James, the Manchester legends whose anthems and eclectic sound helped define multiple eras of British music.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Whalley Range, Manchester, England
Active years: 1982–2001, 2007–present
Associated genres: Indie pop, Madchester, alternative rock, Britpop
Record labels: Factory, Sire, Rough Trade, Fontana, Mercury, Sanctuary, Decca, Cooking Vinyl, BMG, Virgin
Members: Jim Glennie – bass guitar / Tim Booth – vocals / David Baynton-Power – drums / Saul Davies – rhythm guitar / Mark Hunter – keyboards / Andy Diagram – trumpet / Adrian Oxaal – lead guitar / Chloe Alper – backing vocals, percussion / Debbie Knox-Hewson – backing vocals, percussion
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1982 by school friends Jim Glennie and Paul Gilbertson, later joined by drummer Gavan Whelan.
Initially performed improvised material under names such as Model Team International and Tribal Outlook.
Discovered singer Tim Booth at a student disco and invited him to join as a dancer, later promoting him to vocalist.
Released debut Jimone EP on Factory Records in 1983, gaining attention with support slots for The Smiths.
Rise to Prominence
Gained a reputation for their dynamic live shows and released albums Stutter (1986) and Strip-mine (1988).
Signed to Fontana Records and achieved mainstream success with Gold Mother (1990), featuring hits like “Come Home” and “Sit Down.”
By 1991, the re-recorded “Sit Down” reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, establishing them as a household name.
Commercial Success and Albums
Released Seven in 1992, achieving No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and expanding their audience internationally.
Worked with Brian Eno on the critically acclaimed Laid (1993), which became a college radio hit in the US.
Followed up with Whiplash (1997), Millionaires (1999), and Pleased to Meet You (2001), showcasing their ability to evolve across genres.
Later Activities and Legacy
Briefly disbanded in 2001 after singer Tim Booth departed but reunited in 2007 with the album Hey Ma.
Continued to release new material, including La Petite Mort (2014), Living in Extraordinary Times (2018), and All the Colours of You (2021).
Announced their 18th studio album, Yummy, set for release in 2024, further solidifying their legacy as one of Britain’s most enduring bands.
Notable Facts
James have sold over 25 million albums worldwide as of 2010.
Their anthem “Sit Down” became a cultural touchstone of the early 1990s.
Collaborated with Brian Eno, who described their recording process as “a journey of self-discovery.”
Defining Lyric
“It's worse than it was before.” – “Sit Down”
Discography
Stutter (1986)
Strip-mine (1988)
Gold Mother (1990)
Seven (1992)
Laid (1993)
Whiplash (1997)
Millionaires (1999)
Pleased to Meet You (2001)
Hey Ma (2008)
La Petite Mort (2014)
Living in Extraordinary Times (2018)
All the Colours of You (2021)
Yummy (2024)
Essential Listening
“Sit Down” – Their quintessential anthem of unity and introspection.
“Laid” – A playful, subversive hit that became a US college radio staple.
“Come Home” – A driving, anthemic track that cemented their early success.
Why You Should Be Listening to James Now
James remain as relevant today as they were during their 1990s peak, blending timeless anthems with adventurous new material. Their music offers a profound emotional connection while continuing to evolve, ensuring their place as one of Britain’s most beloved bands.
See you on down the road.
