Every time I tell someone I’m listening to or going to see James, the usual response is, “James? Who is that?” Then (in my mind), I roll my eyes and say, “You know… the song – “Laid”? (after which I usually have to sing, “This bed is on fire with passionate love”). Then the eye brows raise and the smile appears and I get the typical reaction: “Ohhhh, I know that song!”
Yes. We ALL know that song. “Laid” was the first single released from James’ 1993 album of the same name, Laid. This is probably one of very few songs by James that most people know. However, these people are truly missing out because the band James (who’s handle on Facebook is @jamesisnotaperson (haha), is truly a phenomenally talented group of musicians and song writers.
I found James in high school, around 1992. In truth, I picked up the cassette (yes, a cassette) because I loved the cover and the simplicity of their name. I took a chance. I had no idea who they were but I was in Record and Tape Traders looking for something new, so I picked up their 1991 release simply titled, James (which goes by Gold Mother everywhere else but in the U.S.). Instantly, I fell in love. This band combined horns, an electric violin, tribal rhythms, and almost obsessively repetitive phrases in their songs. Combine that with Tim Booth’s haunting vocals… this band quickly got into my head – and heart.
I instantly connected with many songs on this album. “Government Walls” addressed issues with trusting those in power and, along a similar theme, “God Only Knows” called out the hypocrisy of organized religion. “Walking the Ghost” is beautifully haunting and “Top of the World” shares with the listener what self-doubt feels like. At a very emotional 16 years of age, I listened to this album to remind me that I wasn’t alone in my feelings. From then on, I looked forward to every new album from James.
Fast forward to 2019 and I am proud to say that I have been a devoted fan of this band for close to 30 years. And of course, when I heard they were returning to perform in the United States, touring with The Psychedelic Furs, I dropped everything and picked up tickets to this show. I never miss an opportunity to see this band perform live, especially since they don’t tour the U.S. that often. Although I was a bit disappointed that they weren’t headlining (as I had never seen them perform as an opener before), I thoroughly enjoyed their 11-song set list. Five of these songs were in support of their most recent album, Living in Extraordinary Times (I couldn’t agree more), and the set started on a dark stage with the pounding drums of album opener, “Hank”.
Three songs in, right in the middle of “Interrogation”, the power on stage cut out unexpectedly. The band handled it with humor making a comment that the “sound engineer must be a Trump supporter” (as the song they were singing had a political message). The power came back on and the band got right back to the show. During “Born of Frustration”, Tim Booth and Andy Diagram (trumpet player) treated the fans in the balcony to a front row performance. Then, a few songs later, Tim Booth did a little crowd surfing for those on the ground floor!
Although this show was shorter than most I have seen in the past, I was not disappointed. If you are only familiar with the song “Laid”, then I encourage you to check out James. And if you ever get a chance to see them live – you won’t regret it! Enjoy a few of my favorite songs by James in the YouTube videos below and take a look at the dark and moody photos from the show July 14th at The Fillmore in Silver Spring.
All photos courtesy and copyright of Shantel Mitchell Breen.
