James

Fronted by the keening tenor of Tim Booth, James had a long evolutionary process and a slow road to international success. They formed in Manchester in 1982 and released their 1983 debut EP on the now-legendary hometown label Factory Records, unveiling offbeat, complex tunes that were equal parts post-punk and folk rock. Over time, James gradually developed a more accessible sound, and their third album, 1990’s Gold Mother, became a big U.K. hit. Over the next couple of years they made inroads in the U.S. with singles like “Sit Down” and “Born of Frustration.” Brian Eno produced 1993’s Laid, and its full-bodied sound broke through in the burgeoning U.S. alternative market via the wry title track. The jam-oriented, Eno-produced 1994 follow-up, Wah Wah, didn’t do the same business, but James’ British following remained hardy up to the band’s 2001 split. They reunited in 2007 and have maintained an active recording and performing schedule ever since.