James

James are an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, part of the wave of guitar-driven groups that emerged from the city alongside acts like The Smiths, whose members were early supporters of the band. Over four decades, James built a reputation for anthemic, emotionally direct songwriting paired with a restless willingness to experiment, moving between jangly indie rock, orchestral pop and more experimental textures across their catalog.

The band's commercial and cultural peak came in the early-to-mid 1990s with singles such as «Sit Down», which became a communal singalong anthem and one of the defining songs of the British indie scene, and «Laid», produced by Brian Eno, whose atmospheric influence shaped the record's sound. «Sound», «Tomorrow» and «Getting Away with It (All Messed Up)» further showcase the group's range, from driving rock energy to more reflective, string-laden arrangements.

Despite lineup changes and a hiatus in the 2000s, James have continued releasing music and touring, maintaining a loyal fanbase built on their live shows and the enduring popularity of their singalong hits. They remain one of Manchester's most durable rock exports, respected for longevity as much as for their early commercial success.