Comme Un Lundi

James is a British alternative rock band formed in Manchester, England in 1982. Known for her longevity, creativity, and ability to reinvent herself over the decades, James has a loyal fan base and a string of hits that span generations. The band's classic line-up includes Tim Booth (vocals), Jim Glennie (bassist), Larry Gott (guitar), Saul Davies (guitarist and violinist), David Baynton-Power (drums) and Mark Hunter (keyboards).

The band began their career in the early 1980s, inserting themselves into Manchester's post-punk and indie scene. Initially, James drew attention with his energetic live shows and the eccentricity of Tim Booth as a frontman, whose performances were known for their intensity and theatricality. Their first significant release was the Jimone EP in 1983, followed by the James II EP in 1985, both released by Factory Records, which also had bands such as Joy Division and New Order in its catalog.

James first achieved considerable success with his album Gold Mother in 1990, which included the singles "Come Home," "How Was It for You?," and the iconic "Sit Down." "Sit Down" became one of the band's most iconic songs and a uniting anthem for their fans, reaching number two in the UK charts when it was re-released in 1991. The song, with its catchy chorus and inclusive message, continues to be a favorite at the band's concerts.

During the 1990s, James continued to evolve musically and experiment with different styles. The album Seven (1992) was a commercial success and cemented the band's status as one of the main forces in British rock. Singles such as "Born of Frustration" and "Sound" highlighted the band's ability to combine introspective lyrics with rich, expansive instrumentation.

James' success continued with the release of Laid in 1993, one of the band's most successful and critically acclaimed albums. Produced by Brian Eno, Laid brought a more intimate and melodic sound, with the title track "Laid" becoming a major hit in both the United Kingdom and the United States, where the band began to gain greater popularity.

Following the release of Laid, James continued to collaborate with Brian Eno on the album Wah Wah (1994), a more experimental project that explored ambient sounds and improvisations. Although it did not achieve the same commercial success as its predecessors, Wah Wah demonstrated the band's willingness to take creative risks.

After a brief hiatus in the late 1990s, during which Tim Booth temporarily left the band to focus on solo projects, James returned with the album Millionaires in 1999, which brought back the band's grander, more pop sound. Although it received mixed reviews, the album included memorable tracks such as "Just Like Fred Astaire."

In 2001, James released Pleased to Meet You, once again produced by Brian Eno, before the band went on an extended hiatus. During this period, Tim Booth focused on his solo career, while other members pursued side projects.

James reunited in 2007 with the classic line-up, and released the album Hey Ma in 2008. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, standing out for its mature sound and lyrics that addressed contemporary themes such as war and loss.

Since his return, James has continued to release new albums and tour the world, maintaining a loyal fanbase and expanding his discography with releases such as The Morning After the Night Before (2010), La Petite Mort (2014), Girl at the End of the World (2016) and Living in Extraordinary Times (2018). Each album showcases the continuous evolution of the band, which continues to explore new musical territories while staying true to its essence.

James is known not only for her albums, but also for her live performances, which are celebrated for their energy and interaction with audiences. The band's ability to reinvent itself and connect with new generations of fans is a testament to its resilience and continued relevance in the music scene.

With a career spanning several decades, James remains one of the most respected and admired bands in British rock, with a rich discography and a legion of dedicated fans around the world. The band's legacy is marked by their ability to create music that speaks directly to the human experience, combining lyrical introspection with catchy melodies and an unbeatable energy on stage.