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Born from 1980s Manchester at the height of the Factory Records era, storied art rockers James have nothing if they don’t have integrity. Feeling that the Tony Wilson-run company was too image driven, the freewheelin’ rockers, led by idiosyncratic vocalist Tim Booth, did the unthinkable and jettisoned what was the hippest record label on the planet at the time.
Such has been the story of James. More misses than hits have rendered their tumultuous thirty-year history one of relative obscurity, which is an utter shame. With an unwavering commitment to song-craft and impeccable production choices, the James discography deserves to be recognized alongside fellow Manchester bands like The Smiths and Oasis. While James’ trailblazing proclivities may have factored into their tremendous longevity, they may have also kept an outstanding band in an arcane Mancunian shadow.
Mon., April 16, 6:30 p.m., 2012
