September 2008 Archive |
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James
Hey Ma
Review By George A. Paul
For Anglophiles with non-mainstream tastes, James was the one reunion to really get excited about last year. The septet’s history dates back to the early ’80s, when Factory Records put out their first EP. Tours with fellow Manchester groups New Order and The Smiths (Morrissey was a fan) ensued. James’ frenzied folk/pop sound was slow to catch on though. A more dance-oriented approach found favor amid the burgeoning “baggy” scene alongside Happy Mondays. U.K. success finally arrived with Gold Mother in 1990. Soon after, American modern rock radio latched onto “Sit Down” and “Born of Frustration.” The expansive Laid (produced by Brian Eno) broke things open here in 1993. Following a Lollapalooza stint and several solid CDs, James dissolved in 2001. Leader Tim Booth did a bluesy solo effort and had a minor role in Batman Begins.
Now, the Seven-era lineup is back with Hey Ma, an excellent effort that scales the lofty heights of old. Returning guitarist Larry Gott and trumpeter Andy Diagram play key roles in the band’s classic panoramic sound. James comes up with quite a few memorable anthems, both spiritual tinged and life affirming. Atmospheric opener “Bubbles,” about a baby’s birth, finds Booth repeatedly belting out “I’m alive.” His lyrics are sharp, the vocals dramatic and choruses catchy as ever. “Waterfall” is sure to prompt spontaneous dancing. Other standouts include the happy protest song where Booth references 9/11 and the Iraq War (“Hey Ma”), a gilded pop gem taking James detractors to task (“Boom Boom”), an enthralling composition a la U2’s “Love is Blindness” (“Semaphore”) and a bit of rapid-fire wordplay and self-deprecating humor that will remind longtime fans of “Laid” (“Whiteboy”). There isn’t a bad song in the bunch. A welcome return.
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