James

by Tom DemalonWith Gold Mother becoming an unqualified smash in their homeland, the record was later issued Stateside as this self-titled 1991 release. The song that earned them U.K. commercial clout (and a spot on college rock play lists) was the infectious "Sit Down," with its hypnotic, shuffling melody and heart-on-its-sleeve lyrics. With the same effortless craftsmanship of earlier releases (and a newly revamped lineup that had left them a septet), James also contains the dense, droning "Come Home" and the percussive, wry "How Was It for You," both of which also (and deservedly) found favor with listeners. In keeping with prior releases, the lyrics are a mixture of disaffected outsider observations, tempered with optimism, delivered with warmth and earnestness by frontman Tim Booth. With winning melodies and a dose of humor (the take on televangelists "God Only Knows"), James is a record that earned the group new fans and is well-worth checking out for those who might be new to them.