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With the possible exception of John Major, JAMES were 1990’s most spectacular surprise success. They began the year as indie cult heroes with a spell of failure on a major behind them, and ended it as chart regulars with a massive, obsessive following and a reputation as one of the nation’s most thrilling live bands. For every old supporter who bemoaned the way James smoothed some of the rough edges from their early, quirky noise, there were 100 new converts.

The first obvious sign of the band’s rapidly rising status came when their single “How Was It For You?” went Top 30 in May. It was a glorious, uplifting summer song, a celebration of post-coital euphoria entirely free from laddish sexual boasting. “Gold Mother”, the album released in June, confirmed that it was no fluke. James were just as convincing being coldly furious and determined (“Government Walls”) or achingly lonely and vulnerable (You Cant Tell How Much Happiness (sic) [On A Face That’s Always Smiling)”.

A series of major live triumphs began around the same time. James were one of the biggest hits of the Glastonbury Festival despite an unpromising mid-afternoon time slot, and that was followed by two sold-out, delirious nights at Blackpool’s huge Empress Ballroom. Meanwhile, a remixed version of the surging, anthemic “Come Home” became James second hit single in July.

The year ended with more major label live dates – an AIDS benefit at Brixton Academy, and two nights back on home ground at Manchester G-Mex-and another hit single. “Lose Control” sees James making a diversion into dance music without compromising their character.

James’ big breakthrough was undoubtedly helped by the baggy movement, but they’re too unashamedly intelligent to be part of that tribe. They were unstoppable this year – and their momentum is still building.

JAMES (above) release a new single through Fontana on November 26, the follow up to ‘Come Home’. Called ‘Lose Control’, it sees the culmination of the band’s most succesful year since they formed in 1983.

Their album ‘Gold Mother’ went silver, they played Glastonbury, sup­ported David Bowie and saw their T-shirts become second only to the lnspirals’ ‘Cool As F**k’ as the essential fashion
item for the hip young person.

The band play a series of Christmas dates next month, culminating in two home town shows at Manchester G-Mex. They are currently working on the follow-up to ‘Gold Mother’, due for release next spring.

JAMES wind up what’s already become their most successful year to date with three Christmas shows in Glasgow, London and Manchester.

The band, who proved the surprise hit at this year’s Glastonbury Festival and at their support slot to The Cure at Crystal Palace three weeks ago, are currently in the studio. They´re recording with producer Flood (Depeche Mode), and a single looks likely to be released in late September.

After that they’re off to America on a press and promotion trip. They return for shows at Glasgow Barrowlands on December 4, Brixton Academy (6) and Manchester G-Mex (8). Their current LP “Gold Mother” is just about to go silver in the UK.