One Man Clapping

One Man Clapping, a 1989 Live Album by James.

Summary

Released 35 years ago, One Man Clapping was a self-funded live album by James that included the classic tracks Ya Ho and Johnny Yen.

Track List

Chain Mail / Sandman (Hup-Springs) / Whoops / Riders / Leaking / Why So Close / Ya Ho / Johnny Yen / Scarecrow / Are You Ready / Really Hard / Burned / Stutter

Details

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Release Name:	One Man Clapping
Artist Name:	James
Release Date:	13th March 1989
Format:	Live Album
Catalogue:	LP – ONE MAN 1 LP, CAS – ONE MAN 1C, CD – ONE MAN 1 CD

Frustrated by the lack of support from Sire, James had been advised that the only way they could break free would be to split up and reform under a different name. Spurred on by the new material they had just written, including Sit Down, James found a clause in their Sire contract that stated Sire had to fax the band within six months of the master tape of the second album being delivered to confirm the contract was to continue. An oversight at Sire meant the deadline had lapsed. James were free.

Initially unable to get a deal, James went to the Royal Bank of Scotland to borrow £12,000 to fund the recording and release of their own live album. The bank manager was unconvinced until he was taken to a triumphant show in Manchester after which he agreed. James hired the intimate Bath Moles Club for three nights where they recorded a selection of old favourites and unreleased older tracks.

With the distribution assistance of Rough Trade, the album was released in March 1989 and shot to number one in the indie charts without any significant funds being available for promotion. A national tour supported by Inspiral Carpets helped to push the album’s sales.

The limited run of the album means that it is now deleted and copies can change hands for up to £100, particularly the CD version, although second-hand copies do turn up occasionally for significantly less if the record shop does not recognise the rarity value.

The success of the album saw James sign to Rough Trade in the summer of 1989 for the release of two singles Sit Down and Come Home.

Songs related to this release: