James – Laid

180 Gram double vinyl set with printed inners and Download code. Given that no-one, in the wider world, really cared about James until 10 years into their career, when they released ‘Sit Down’, it’s amazing they managed to repay this sudden attention with a creative burst that still sounds magical. ‘Seven’ was their journey out into Waterboys-esque Big Music, whilst 1993’s ‘Laid’, following a year after, was a semi-retreat back indoors again. Producer Brian Eno – ever the restraining reins when bands get on their big horse of rock – made sure that James’ urges to go all Simple Minds are firmly curtailed, whilst the simply gorgeous ‘Sometimes (Lester Piggot)’, the result of an all-night jam-session, could probably be used in religious devotionals. One chord, sixty acoustic guitars, Tim Booth ranting about a boy being struck down by lightening and a choir that appears for the last 30 seconds. If only all bands could touch God this late into their careers, Tin Machine would never have existed.

2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered