James Review – Special Band Still Filling Arenas with Anthems of Warmth and Humanity
At the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, the legendary Tim Booth, with his unique stage presence, guided the audience through a magnificent set that traversed five decades of this distinctive band's cherished discography, interspersed with exhilarating new compositions. Booth playfully remarked on his decision to forgo his signature crowd-diving, quipping, “I think our audience has got to an age where they don’t want me to dive in.” While their vast fanbase visibly includes younger generations, the frontman acknowledged the devoted followers who have remained steadfast throughout James's remarkable journey. This trajectory spans from their origins as a support act for The Smiths, through their emergence as a Madchester-era chart giant, to their current nine-piece configuration, which celebrated a monumental achievement with their first UK No. 1 album, "Yummy," in 2024—42 years into their career.
Formed in Manchester and initially signed to Factory Records, James has consistently eschewed conventional paths to success. Booth accurately portrays them as "this crazy, idiosyncratic band who improvise, change the set list every night and play new songs which don’t have finished lyrics." This innovative spirit was perfectly illustrated by the eight-minute track "Nantucket," a curiously titled piece named after the Massachusetts island. With its mesmerizing wordless chorus, an enthralling electro/violin-driven groove, and verses proclaiming a desire "to inspire," "Nantucket" already possesses the hallmark qualities of another future James classic.
Fresh materials — Society news
Unseen Drawings by Tove Jansson, Creator of the Moomins, to Feature in London Exhibition
Previously unseen drawings by Tove Jansson, the Finnish artist and writer behind the globally popular Moomin books, will be exhibited in London. The Moomins, described as lovable trolls with hippopotamus snouts who live in harmony with nature, have sold up to 30 million copies since Jansson cr
Mr T: I Pity the Fool Review – A Rare Chance with an Electrifying Star… And They Blew It
Reflecting on childhood memories, one might ask when was the last time entertainment rivaled the joy of watching "The A-Team." For many, the documentary "Mr T: I Pity the Fool" evokes the iconic character of B.A. Baracus, the genius engineer and fan-favorite from the soldiers of fortu
Review: I Made You a Mixtape - Energetic Dorm Party Fun
"I Made You a Mixtape" is an undefinable, vibrant, and somewhat chaotic performance, unlike any other. As director Christie Lee Manning of Response Theatre Company explains, it's not strictly a play, musical, or dance show, despite being predominantly dance-focused with th
Chris Carter is mistaken if he thinks more gore will bring The X-Files: I Want to Believe back to life
While director's cuts are often lauded, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn," a new version released on Disney+, is unlikely to change critical opinions of the original 2008 film. Director Chris Carter has emphasized the new version's graphic additions, b
Lara Ricote: Inkling Review – This Fizzy Stand-Up’s Smart New Set is Her Best Yet
Lara Ricote delivers a rich and enjoyable show with "Inkling," a significant step forward from her already impressive early work. The Mexican-American comedian remains as endearing as ever, her drive to connect with the audience evident in a performance exploring how to decipher life's messages,
France-Lise McGurn: The Art of Embracing Life's Complexities
Artist France-Lise McGurn embraces the intricate nature of life, acknowledging that while parties are enjoyable, they eventually end. Her latest exhibition at Dundee Contemporary Arts, titled "The Charm Offensive," marks a significant expansion of her dynamic and vital paintings to an