Sit Down Live at G-Mex

Trust me #100
Sit Down (Live at G-Mex) by James

There are songs that come and go, and then there are songs that stay with you. Songs that feel like old friends. For me, Sit Down by James is definitely one of them.

First released in 1989, then subsequently re-recorded and re-released to huge acclaim and success in 1991, Sit Down somehow manages to be both deeply personal and completely communal. 

“Sit Down is one of those songs that encourages people to put their arms around strangers. As soon as we launch into the opening bars, they start smiling. 

Then they turn to someone next to them or their girlfriend or boyfriend and hug them, and then they start singing every single word. As a musician, that’s incredibly humbling.” Larry Gott, original James guitarist

The original cover for Sit Down

James were already something of a cult band by the late ‘80s, releasing two albums and having a range of t-shirts that always (and to this day) sold well. 

By 1989 the band had gained enough confidence to buy the album rights to their forthcoming Goldmother album from Rough Trade in search of a bigger label. Fontana was the label they found for new songs like Come Home and How Was It For You. They also re-recorded Sit Down, a single they had released on Rough Trade in 1989.

The original version of Sit Down clocked in at over 8 minutes. The lyrics, beat and structure are all there. The extended piano break/instrumental is gorgeous and goes all dreamy, then a little weird after the fade out and in at the end  ... but it lacks bite, it misses the oomph of the re-recorded version.

Sit Down (8-minute original version)

By the time Fontana re-released the new version in 1991 ... everything had changed. Madchester had exploded and James were swept up in the whirlwind around it.

Sit Down reached #77 in the UK charts on it's original release, #2 in the Indie Charts. Upon re-release, it leapt up the UK charts and reached No. 2 on the actual charts, only kept off the top spot by Chesney Hawkes’ The One and Only. (A very ‘90s chart showdown if ever there was one.)

But chart positions only tell part of the story. Sit Down hit differently. At festivals, clubs, indie discos and sweaty student unions, the song became a kind of mass communion. People didn’t just sing along—they felt it. And often, they sat down on the dancefloor and swayed along to it.

Ecstasy was the drug of choice up and down the nation. People were coming up and opening up. Sit Down connected with people. James had somehow distilled something deeply human into a few verses and a chorus: vulnerability, empathy, connection. Love. 

Those who feel the breath of sadness

Sit down next to me

Those who find they're touched by madness

Sit down next to me

The heady times of Madchester were captured on film by James when they played the city's cavernous G-Mex venue. I borrowed by friend Dave's VHS cassette and watched it on a loop in the summer of 1992 as I recovered from a broken leg. James performance of Sit Down was particularly mesmerising.

In time, I found that this incredible 9-minutes 21 -seconds version had been released as a single in March 91 and I gleefully bought the 12-inch after tracking it down. The live version was the a-side, with the Gil Norton produced new version and Tonight on the flip.

This is your show, this is our song is how a curly haired Tim Booth introduces the anthem to the blissed out crowd. Starting to the sound of air horns, the drum beat of Sit Down kicks in, followed by acoustic guitar and piano.

It's hard to carry on

When you feel all alone

James are off, powering along at pace, Larry Gott's electric guitar has a zip to it, Booth is smiling at a boy lost in the music in the front row. The band take it right down, Booth sits on the stage and some of the audience get down too - something that was repeated in clubs across the country, people stopped dancing to sit down together on the floor, to sway and sing-a-long. Then the audience take over, clapping to the beat, singing the mantra over and over. 

From One Of The Three interview (link below);

Larry Gott: While we were away touring, Sit Down was getting played at the Hacienda and people were sitting down. And then the Hacienda did special bus journeys on Friday nights from the club to a Saturday evening gig at La Locomotive in Paris. Four coaches from the Hacienda went to see James.

Saul Davies: It did feel like Manchester had invaded Paris. A bunch of nutters with floppy trousers from Hulme were sitting down...

Larry Gott: It just took our breath. We didn't know what to do. The place was ram-packed - the heat in the air was causing a fog. And as they all sat on the floor, Tim walked through the audience, standing head and shoulders above them, looking almost Biblical in a cloud of sweat droplets in the air. What the fuck happened?

Tim Booth: It was overwhelming. For this to happen, on that song asking for some kind of unity was devastating.

A week later, we were playing Liverpool Royal Court Theatre and Larry's strings snapped in the middle of the song, so I signalled Dave to take the song right down. And then the audience started singing it to us for 10-minutes. Larry cried. I was crying.

The last 3-minutes of the 12-inch version feature no sound from the stage. The crowd become the band. Air horns are blasted, whistles are blown, the bands daisy logo is projected across the stage like a 60's happening, Booth looks on amazed at the ecstatic reaction to his bands anthem. There isn't a mobile phone in sight! Everyone is engaged, singing with all their might.

Oh sit down, oh sit down

Sit down next to me

Sit down, down, down, down, down

In sympathy

After a while Booth takes a film camera from one of people filming, determined to capture his view for prosperity. The place goes even more mental, the place is bouncing, manta still going, backed by cheers, whistles and air horns.

Fist raised in triumph, Booth then hands the camera back and begins to applaud the crowd. Booth and Jim Glennie then stare in disbelief at the sight and sounds they are witnessing. The mantra returns, eventually leading to wild applause before, finally it finishes. 

Every second is captured on the 12-inch, it's utterly magical. Watch the video (that misses Tim's intro) below.

A couple of memories;

If I hadn’t seen such riches, I could live with being poor

That line alone speaks volumes: about perspective, longing, and the burden of knowing what could be. It’s simple, but it cuts deep. I still have a t-shirt that I bought after Manchester United won the treble in 1999. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is celebrating with those lyrics. I refuse to throw it out. In fact, I might order another from T-shirts United. 

I was in Barcelona for the final (blog here) and my favourite memory of Sit Down is the DJ playing it (at least once) after the game and everyone singing along, hugging strangers in complete tears.

Another time, in the 90's at the Barrowland, Tim and the band were pulling some of the audience up onstage to dance to the song. One of my best friends, Wigs, was pulled up by Jim Glennie and danced along. In the days before mobile phones, my friend Dave and I were lost in the moment with our jaws dropping, so no footage or image of this exists, sadly! But we'll always remember it.

Sit Down still feels very fresh, essential. In a time when loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection are part of daily life for many, its universal message of empathy hasn’t aged a day. 

Check this fantastic interview with Tim Booth and Larry Gott about Sit Down for One Of The Three.

Sit Down (live at G-Mex) is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE. Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton

1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells

2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond

3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell

4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot

5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon

6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras

7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans

8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland

9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave

10. Sometimes by James

11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time

12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre

13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields

14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals

15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser

16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes

17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth

18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter

19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground

20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub

21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From by Teenage Fanclub

23. Belfast by Orbital

24. Clouds by The Jayhawks

25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral

26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair

27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke

28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones

29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze

29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells

30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor

31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton

32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich

33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem

34. Mondo 77 by Looper

35. Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

80. Sweet and Tender Romance by The McKinleys

81. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

82. 69 Police by David Holmes

83. Hey Lisa by David Holmes

84. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

85. Kung Fu by Ash

86. Kids by MGMT

87. Slight Return by The Bluetones

88. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

89. Cut Your Hair by Pavement

90. Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips

91. Waitin' for a Superman by The Flaming Lips

92. Acquiesce by Oasis

93. This Is Music by The Verve

94. Lone Swordsman by Daniel Avery

95. Sparky's Dream by Teenage Fanclub

96. Common People by Pulp

97. Let Our Love Grow Higher by Eula Cooper

98. Regret by New Order

99. Keep On Keepin' On by Nolan Porter

James are 40 at the Armadillo Glasgow

 James has always made a point of doing things differently. It's what has kept them fresh (as a daisy) after all these years ... 40 of them! So, last night, James brought their James Lasted tour to the Armadillo in Glasgow and their performance displayed the energy, boldness and inventive playfulness to suggest they will be going for many more years yet.

To celebrate 40-years as a band, James decided to go on tour with a 22-piece orchestra and gospel choir! No messing! And certainly no expense spared.

From the very off this tour (and the forthcoming album recorded with the orchestra and choir) was billed as greatest hits, fan favourites and deep cuts. I excitedly poured over setlists from previous shows in advance and the ecstatic reviews coming in from fans on social media had me playing non-stop James leading up to the show. I hadn't listened to some of the songs the band were playing in years.

My brother had bagged us tickets centre stage and 6 rows from the front. The Armadillo chairs are extremely comfortable and I joked to the lady to my left that the DJ (playlist) should play some more upbeat tunes before the band come on, so we don't fall asleep!

There was no danger of that. The orchestra (Orca 22), choir and conductor took to the stage before the band walked on ... but no Tim Booth ...

Ah, but Tim was here, up on the top floor, spotlight upon him, singing Magic Bus (not The Who song) and causing those below him to crane their necks to get a view.

Dust Motes was spine tinglingly beautiful and an early outing for She's A Star got a few of the audience on their feet, while the chorus of We're Going To Miss You was exceptionally powerful, lifted by strings, choir and audience backing the band. I think the band expected more from the Glasgow crowd (although man had travelled from further afield) though and Saul Davies said as much, commenting that he knew it was a Monday night and that we might be hungover ... blame Tim for the setlist!

Tim also commented a couple of times through the performance. Saying he had been saying to the orchestra - wait until we get to Glasgow. Also mentioning that the last time they played the Hydro 500 people had been ejected! Saul also used the old trick of playing the Glasgow crowd by saying Edinburgh had been a lot louder a couple of nights previously.

This wasn't a normal James show though - if there is such a thing as a normal James show!

Photo from @pmjawn

Hymn From A Village, dating back to 1985 was played with verve, enthusiasm and passion. The Lake (a b-side) was utterly gorgeous, you could have heard a pin drop. 

James are playing two sets/performances on this tour. They ended the first with a stunning Tomorrow that had a large percentage of the crowd out of their seats and dancing. It felt like a shame to pause it for a break as everyone was warmed up and going.

After a 30-minute break we were back and in our seats. The orchestra took to the stage and then Tim came on and said we're just waiting for the conductor. He played it beautifully as everyone around me joked that he must be at the toilet. Booth picked up his baton, dropped it, and the orchestra responded to his every movement as he picked it up and dropped it again. The conductor eventually came on and Orca 22 started playing something really beautiful. Tim started to sing Sit Down. It was a really stunning arrangement. There was no need for the choir to be on stage.

Say Something was sublime, Tim wandered through the crowd and was singing to someone at the end of our row. Moving On was dedicated to everyone who had lost someone over the last few years. The hook leave a little light on, leave a little light on was sung heartily by all and Andy Diagram's trumpet sounded beautifully poignant.

Alaskan Pipelines from the Pleased To Meet You album was seemingly created for a night like this. Gentle, dreamy and emotional. 

I wasn't expecting Seven to get an outing. It sounded even more pure, perfect and heavenly than ever. The chiming guitars and soaring strings with Tim singing love can change anything moved me, I was lost in the moment.

And that is exactly what James wanted from the night. the band and venue politely asked fans to switch off their phones and refrain from taking pictures or filming during the show. Hence I have lifted a couple of photos from the end of the night from social media.

 I jumped to the toilet as James started Medieval from 1988's Strip Mine album. It seemed to me like a few people were leaving the venue, unhappy with the performance.

I rushed back as quickly as possible and was able to stand at the back of the hall for an immensely powerful ending with everyone singing we are sound, we are sound, we are sound.

I was kind of hoping the band would swiftly start to play Sound! What an intro that would have been!

All The Colours Of You transforms into the closing mantra of Many Faces, crowd and choir as one.

After a very short encore (the orchestra don't leave the stage) the band return to play a string laden Sometimes that melts my heart and I got a little dust in my eyes. A rousing Nothing But Love has everyone on their feet, the Monday night show with seats is forgotten and Tim knows it, quickly rounding everyone to play one more - Getting Away With It -  one of my very favourite James songs!

A memorable night. The orchestra and choir brought out the best in the band, re-energising some 'lost' songs and reinventing some favourites. 

Although it was a mixed bag for many. Some songs, understandably, landed better than others. Tim seemed to be aware of that, facing the audience and saying not what you expected, huh? at one point.

Having monitored setlists and social media reviews of the first 4-nights, I knew what was coming. The introduction of Born of Frustration and Laid in place of some lesser known songs would have got the Glasgow crowd on their feet a little more. But when have James got the bends from pressure? ;-)

@boxedupcreates

10 from James

I broke my leg back in the summer of 1992. I was down at my friend Dave Taylor's house with the aim of meeting a girl I fancied. 

Dave and I were hanging about at a park near his house watching other kids we knew playing football. They asked us to play and Dave was up for it. That meant the teams weren't even, so I had to play too, even though I had my new British Knight trainers and best Joe Bloggs jeans on.

The ball broke for a 50-50 challenge between me and an older guy called Steven Wilson. I nipped in and managed to nick the ball away, only for him to come crashing into my leg and I was down.

I immediately knew something was wrong. My leg was pulsing. The game stopped. Steven Wilson was in the scouts and urged me to try and put my weight on it. I foolishly listened! Of course, I couldn't and ended up being carted off to a guy called Keith Hooper's house next to the park. Dave's Dad came and ran me to hospital.  

I never did meet the girl!

That summer I was laid up in bed with a full length cast on my leg (broken fibula and tibia) playing an early version of FIFA and Sonic The Hedgehog on a borrowed playstation. Dave lent me his James Live at G-Mex video and I must have watched it 100 times, marveling at the way frontman Tim Booth danced so freely and the wall of sound his fantastic band generated.

In addition, I remember lying in bed taping James live at Alton Towers off Radio 1. The band meant to record the show and release it as a live album, but there was a torrential downpour and apparently the recordings were ruined. 

But James got me through that summer. The Seven (CD) and Goldmother (vinyl) albums and then I somehow bought their earlier albums on cassette. I don't remember where I got them from or why I got them on cassette. Perhaps they were presents to cheer me up. I also had a blue James t-shirt with a big J on the front, AM on the sleeve and ES on the back. Then a long sleeve white t-shirt with their classic flower on the front and their name down the sleeve. I'll need to see if my Mum has photos!

That was just over 30-years ago, but back to the present where James are touring with a 22-piece orchestra and choir to celebrate 40-years as a band. What a journey they have been on, what an adventure they have taken their fans on!

I've caught the band a number of times over the years. One time in the 90's my friend Wigs got on stage for Sit Down at the Barrowlands!  Most recently, I caught the ban at The Hydro with The Charlatans. They blew me away. The energy that James generate on stage and in the crowd is incredible. James mix their setlist every night to keep things fresh and it works big time.

I'm looking forward to seeing them in the Armadillo on Monday.

It's been a while since I've written a 10 from blog. So here (at the time of writing) are 10 of my favourite James songs from their incredible 40-year career. 

Like a James setlist, this could change regularly! Songs like Johnny Yen, What For, Born Of Frustration, How Was It For You?, Come Home, Ring The Bells, Say Something, She's A Star, We're Going To Miss You, Moving On and Curse Curse are another 11 that could easily have been included.

Sit Down

I'll start with James biggest hit. It's come to mean so much to me, especially after 26th May 1999 when I was in Camp Nou to watch Manchester United win the treble. The DJ played it after United won and as I sang along I wasn't the only United supporter with tears in my eyes! I bought a t-shirt shortly afterwards that has Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrating his winner with the lyrics;

If I hadn't seen such riches I could live with being poor

I still have the t-shirt. Might be time to order a replacement!

My best friend Phil played the song when Lynn and I got married and everyone sat down on the dancefloor, swayed an sang along. Sit Down is a song that unites people in emotion, I think that's why it connected so much with the Hacienda/Madchester crowd. It still connects with me every time I hear it.

The Live at G-Mex version is my favourite. I love the bit when Tim is singing those who find themselves ridiculous, sit down next to me and he is looking at a guy off his face in the front row who is lost in the music. I'm moved every time I hear the piano intro and the way Tim and the band drop things down slowly to allow the crowd to take over. They sing their hearts out. Tim's face in the video is an absolute picture. The bit at around 7-minutes 30 seconds when the crowd just explode in appreciation is spine tingling ... and then they start singing the chorus again. WOW!

Sit Down is a beautiful song. Full of love, empathy and sympathy. In love, in fear, in hate and tears. A bonafide classic.

Live at G-Mex

Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)

Many years later (2001) James released Getting Away With It as a single. I fell head over heels for this song again back in 2016 when I was watching James live at Glastonbury on the BBC. It's probably been my most played James song since then.

The guitar riff is quite hypnotic, the band get into a groove and Booth sings about drinking like Richard Burton and dancing like John Travolta ... now. That little pause before now is lovely.

Check Tim in top form in the Glastonbury video.

Live at Glastonbury

Seven

Seven is as pure a James song as you can get in my opinion. The production is sublime, the way the guitar chimes at the start is heaven sent.

Blow me away 

Was that love you declared?

Only a word

Love can mean anything

I seem to remember a fact popping up on The Chart Show (a 90's Saturday morning staple) that the band nearly drowned on the video shoot. Rather than the water slowly being released, it all came out at once!

As Tim says at the end; love can change anything.

Dust Motes

The expansive line-up of James can conjure wonderful sounds and jam their way into some special places, but they can also produce achingly beautiful and slow ballads. Dust Motes is rather gorgeous with Booth singing I'll forgive you, I'll forgive you but then the song rises as Tim sings if you die, if you die ... A powerful song when slow, it really strikes home when it builds.

Audio

Sometimes

I bought Sometimes on both 12-inch vinyl and on CD. My Mum then heard me playing it and then asked if I could buy her the cassette single for the car. So our household had it on 3 formats.

Sometimes is such a beautiful song. For me it captures the band and Booth jamming; free flowing lyrics over a driving and somewhat ferocious acoustic guitar lead to a head over heels romantic chorus.

The song allows a 7-piece band like James to open up and go with the flow, and oh how they go with the flow. Check these incredible live videos, firstly BBC footage from Glastonbury and secondly fan footage from a concert in Athen where the crowd just keep singing the chorus, Tim Booth joins in, then he starts dancing and the band come in with some synth and it turns into a little rave for one glorious minute. Spine tingling.

The choir and audience combining to sing this on Monday night will move many to tears. My absolute favourite James song.

Live at Glastonbury 2016

Live in Athens 2019

Sound

Photo by Laura Toomer

This is an invitation to leave yourself ... behind

Tim Booth declares his intent from the off and doesn't let up throughout the song, urging listeners to strip away all your protection, laugh at the wonder of it all and to do everything you fear, in this there's power.

James really stretch out on this song, both on the recorded version (there is a 12-inch mix) and live. Check the incredible 10-minute version from 2001 below.

What a glorious noise James conjure up, guitars, brass, beats, bass and keys collide together to create something magical. To witness them in full flight is a delight.

Sound live Manchester Arena 2001

Tomorrow

Speaking of James in full flight, they don't need to stretch too much to get going, sometimes they just go straight into it. Yet again acoustic guitar is driving the song and eventually James take flight and soar. Sublime.

Tomorrow live at Glastonbury 2016

Many Faces

There's only one human race

Many faces

Everybody belongs here

The last time I saw James playing live Many Faces really moved me. And when writing this blog I found this video from the 4th time James played the song live. It hadn't been released, the band are lost in the chorus/mantra, gradually fading out and the audience take over. Absolutely beautiful.

Live at Victoria Theatre Halifax

Out To Get You

Out To Get You is one of James most beautiful songs in my opinion. The lyrics are deeply personal, Booth singing of feeling so alone, lost in memories ...

Insecure, what you gonna do?

Feel so small, they could step on you

Called you up, answer machine

When the human touch is what I need

What I need, what I need, what I need, what I need

Is you

I need you

This is a f**king beautiful song, building from next to nothing to become exceptionally powerful and emotive. James at their very best.

Live at Rockpalast 2013

Photos with lyrics video

Laid

It was a little risky & frisky to hear Tim Booth singing so joyfully and openly about sex back in 1993 when I was 17. Now, 30-years later I find it liberating.

This bed is on fire with passion and love

The neighbours complain about the noises above

But she only comes when she's on top

Laid absolutely flies by, a pure rush of joyful pop music about sex and infatuation. Brilliant.

Official video (version 3)

Isle of Wight 2015

45 45's - Part 1 (1-10)

With a little more time on my hands I decided to try my first vlog.

I had the idea of writing a blog called 45 45's, about memories of 45 7-inch records I own, ahead of turning 45 next year. Something to work away at over the months ahead.

I then decided to go for a vlog. I really enjoy 10-15 minute vlogs on YouTube, so here is my first. There will be 3 more parts to the 45 45's series and then I'll consider others.

Part 1 focuses on 10 7-inch records including; the first 7-inch records I had bought for me, two of the first 7-inches I bought with my own money, records bought on the strength of the sleeves, entrepreneurial record buying and exchanging to get an original copy of Everything Flows, a record I bonded over with my sister and one that I remember buying the day it came out.

Let me know if you enjoy the vlog which you can watch by clicking on the section at the start. The records featured are;

Letter From America - The Proclaimers
Got My Mind Set On You - George Harrison
Born of Frustration - James
Movin' On Up - Primal Scream
Babe Come Down - Sammy
Superhero - Smudge
Puss/Oh The Guilt - Jesus Lizard/Nirvana
Everything Flows - Teenage Fanclub
Mrs Robinson - The Lemonheads
Kylie's Got A Crush On Us - BMX Bandits

Sometimes

Trust me #10 - Sometimes by James

When Sometimes by James came out I bought it on 12-inch vinyl and on CD. My Mum then heard me playing it and then asked if I could buy her the cassette single for the car. So our household had it on 3 formats.

James were riding high on the back of the Goldmother (1990) and Seven (1992) album, resulting in them being invited to tour with Neil Young. On return they went into the studio with Brian Eno, a producer they had wanted to work with as far back as their debut LP Stutter (1986).

The partnership worked, resulting in not only the Laid (1993) album, but also the double album Wah Wah (1994) that came from free form jams with Tim Booth adding vocals later on.

 Sometimes is such a beautiful song. For me it captures the band and Booth jamming; free flowing lyrics over a driving and somewhat ferocious acoustic guitar lead to a head over heels romantic chorus.

The song allows a 7-piece band like James to open up and go with the flow, and oh how they go with the flow. Check these incredible live videos, firstly BBC footage from Glastonbury and secondly fan footage from a concert in Athen where the crowd just keep singing the chorus, Tim Booth join in, then he starts dancing and the band come in with some synth and it turns into a little rave for one glorious minute. Spine tingling.

Read on for the full lyrics and links to other songs in the Trust Me series.

There's a storm outside

And the gap between crack and thunder

Crack and thunder

Is closing in

Is closing in

The rain floods gutters

And makes a great sound on concrete

On a flat roof, there's a boy

Leaning against a wall of rain

Aerial held high

Calling come on thunder

Come on thunder

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes I swear I can see you soul

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes I swear I can see your soul

It's a monsoon

And the rain lifts lids off cars

Spinning buses like toys

Stripping them to chrome

Across the bay, the waves are turning into something else

Picking up fishing boats and spewing them on the shore

The boy's hit

Lit up against the sky

Like a sign

Like a neon sign

Then he crumples

Drops into the gutter

Cut strings

Legs twitching

The flood swells his clothes

Delivers him on

Delivers him on

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes I swear I can see you soul

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes I swear I can see your soul

There's four new colours in the rainbow

An old man's taking polaroids

But all he catches

Is endless rain, endless rain

He says "Listen"

Takes my head

Puts my ear to his

And I swear I can hear the sea

Sometimes (sometimes) I look in your eyes, I can see your soul (I can reach your soul)

Sometimes (sometimes) I look in your eyes, I can see your soul (I can touch your soul)

Sometimes (sometimes) I look in your eyes, I can see your soul (I can hear your soul)

Sometimes (sometimes) I look in your eyes, I can see your soul 

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton
1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells
2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond
3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell
4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot
5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon
6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras
7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans
8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland
9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave

James and The Charlatans, Glasgow Hydro

It’s been a long time since I left work and immediately headed out to a gig. Too long. Last night I skipped through the streets of Glasgow towards hip and happening Finnieston after leaving work at 6pm, headphones on, feeling like a teenager, giddy with the excitement and the anticipation of two of my favourite bands playing together.

The roads shimmered in the lights from cars and street lights and the buildings looked incredible in the night sky. Always remember to look up in Glasgow.

My teenage-esque giddiness was quite apt, as it was a 15-year old that I discovered both these bands through school common room mixtape. I remember only having enough money in Missing Records on Oswald Street to either by Goldmother by James or Out of Time by R.E.M. I chose James and never regretted it. I thought back to that moment on the walk to the Hydro and again when they played 3-tracks off that album during their sensational set.

And it was as a 15-year old that I fell for The Charlatans and their frontman Tim Burgess in particular. He seemed effortlessly cool, brilliant hair, great style and in his own little creative world. Between 10^th and 11^th was out and songs from that album would mix with songs from their debut as mixtapes were swapped. Along with Teenage Fanclub, The Charlatans are the band I have seen the most – well over 30-times, possibly approaching 40. In fact, maybe I have seen them more than Teenage Fanclub!

The Charlatans kicked off the night. The Hydro looked a little quiet when they came on stage, but I think that was largely due to the weather, traffic and train cancellations. They bravely opened with Totally Eclipsing from their recent EP before really getting into the groove with Let The Good Times Be Never Ending. Burgess patrolled the stage, urging the crowd on, hands in the air, conducting crowd and band. The place had filled and band and audience quickly became one.

Then we had what could easily be described as the holy trinity; One To Another, North Country Boy and Tellin’ Stories from the LP with the same name as the latter. One To Another soared, the energy from that song is incredible. North Country Boy swaggered and sparkled as cheekily as it did upon release and the crowd lapped it up. Tellin’ Stories was beautiful, melancholic and then in your face.

Different Days and Plastic Machinery fitted effortlessly into the set, the latter was the best I have heard it – classic Charlatans with Burgess singing of how at times it is good to be rejected.

And then the Hydro erupted as the band fired up and into The Only One I Know and several thousand middle aged men endulged in a spot of Bez/Dad dancing and reached for the sky singing everyone’s been burned before, everybody knows the pain.

I wasn’t expecting Impossible and it sounded all the better for being a surprise. Nor was I expecting the falsetto funk of You’re So Pretty which grooved superbly before Weirdo took things higher. I wasn’t sure if the band would end with traditional set closer Sproston Green but I was glad they did. The moment the lights turned green set my heart on fire and they slowly but surely built the groove before leading the crowd on a song and dance for a good 10-minutes. The band and Burgess were in brilliant form.

After a quick trip to the bar we were back down the front for James. The 8-piece band entered to a huge ovation and they wasted no time in highlighting they are not and never will be a heritage act by tearing into 2-songs from their 15th album Living In Extraordinary Times that was released this year.

They then took things up a notch with a glorious Waltzing Along and a rip roaring Tomorrow. The band were on fire, they tore into it and the energy they radiated was exceptional.

James don't play Sit Down that often these days, so it was a real treat toes and hear them playing it. It is HUGE and the crowd sang along with all their heart and soul.

Stutter was another song where the band were really on fire, Tim Booth vibed off his band and they responded in return. Out To Get You was tender, beautiful and soulful before the band delivered a stunning version of Just Like Fred Astaire. I'd forgotten about this particular song but I have listened to it a couple of times today after last night.

Leviathan is a particular highlight on the new album for me and the band played it superbly with Booth advising and lecturing f**king love, before they drop the bomb make sure you get enough.

Booth was absolutely sensational last night, dancing his heart out, patrolling the stage, in the audience, standing up on the barriers and generally inspiring every single person in the venue, on stage and off.

As a young teenager I loved How Was It For You for the huge chorus and the way it flows and I felt like a teenager again as I danced and sang my heart out.

The band always seem to find something extra in Sound, its a special song that allows the band to play and explore, Booth again was utterly mesmerising. The opening synth riff from Come Home was embraced warmly and it sounded huge.

I imagine that James could have played for hours, but there was a curfew and we had time for 3-songs in the encore. Many Faces from their new album was beautiful and the crowd sang along with Booth and after he had finished causing him to smile widely and wildly.

Then he was down at the crowd right where we were standing to sing on of my favourite James songs, the brilliant Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) before finishing with yet another of my favourites, the truly soulfully beautiful Sometimes.

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul

I haven't felt so good after a gig in a long, long time. Both bands were in incredible form, I would say that is the best that I have seen James and i have been going to see them for over 20-years.

James have announced a new tour with a Scottish date in Edinburgh. I suspect many of those at the Hydro last night will be trying to get tickets. Better be quick tomorrow.

Never Ending Mixtape Part 15

My Never Ending Mixtape - my Spotify playlist that I add to regularly and blog about once or twice a month - has now broken 300 songs. As the number of tunes increases I actually find that I am enjoying and playing the playlist a lot more - playing it on shuffle while walking around Glasgow, or in the car or on a train.

The latest edition sees songs from 2 recently released albums by Glaswegian artists Gerry Cinnamon and Sister John sit with possibly my 2 favourite Neil Young songs, a psychedelic gem from Marmalade, a belter from Dinosaur Jr, the first (I think) songs from The Stones on the mixtape, we have a beautiful gem from The Pastels, 80's Bowie, a pop belter from Blondie, a new single from St Vincent, 2 chiming guitar pop perfection tunes from the Stone Roses, 2 of my favourite songs from James with over 20-years between them, one from the Magnetic Fields 69 Love Songs opus, The Cure, The Beatles, Jenny Lewis, Ben Kweller and it finishes with a Bee Gees classic.....well check the full list of latest additions below.

You can find the full playlist by searching for Everything Flows Never Ending Mixtape on Spotify or click HERE Play from the start, scroll down to the current additions or simply press shuffle.

Keysies - Gerry Cinnamon
Thinner Air - Sister John
Don't Cry, No Tears - Neil Young
Like A Hurricane - Neil Young
Going Down - Dinosaur Jr
I See The Rain - Marmalade
Rain - The Beatles
Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
Sympathy For The Devil - The Rolling Stones
Out Of Time - The Rolling Stones

Melancholy Man - The Wake
Boys Don't Cry - The Cure
Inbetween Days - The Cure
Mersey Paradise - Stone Roses
Sally Cinnamon - Stone Roses
Sometimes - James
When My Boy Walks Down The Street - Magnetic Fields
Getting Away With It - James
Vivid Youth - The Pastels
Hang On In There Girl (instrumental) - Jesse

Davis Band
Atomic - Blondie

You're All In Need To Get By - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Modern Love - David Bowie
Bruises - Chairlift
Just One Of The Guys - Jenny Lewis
Sundress - Ben Kweller
More Than A Woman - Bee Gees

Record Store Day

Record Store Day started back in 2007 when 700 independent American record stores decided to come together to celebrate their unique culture. The UK quickly followed and 2015 is the 8th year of Record Store Day in the UK.

I've visited some fantastic record stores around the world on my travels; UK favourites would be Glasgow's own Monorail and Manchester's Piccadilly Records. My sister also took me to an incredible shop in Edinburgh called Backbeat Records that is proper old school, perfect for crate digging - packed to the rafters with all kinds of incredible stuff. You might not be able to find what you are looking for - but ask the owner and he'll know what nook, cranny or box to look in. You'll definitely find something!

Internationally I have been in some sensational stores in New York City, Lucky Records in Rejkjavik,  some crackers in Australia - especially one in Freemantle and some beauties in Argentina where you literally had to dust the records down.

Backbeat Records in Edinburgh

Of course many independent record stores have closed down - I spent many happy hours as a teenager trawling round Browser's in Lanark and Impulse Records in Motherwell and Hamilton. All now sadly closed. Unknown Pleasures in St Andrews was also an old favourite.

The main aim of Record Store Day is to shine a spotlight on independent record stores and on vinyl. In some ways it seems to be working; vinyl sales continue to increase year on year. Stores were closing at a worryingly fast rate, however that seems to have slowed and almost stalled.

Missing Records in Glasgow is still around. Back in the 1990's, when it was around the corner from its current location and then in Wellington Street, it was a store largely responsible for a huge amount of my record collection. I must have visited Missing 2 or 3 times a week for a number of years; buying new releases, discovering old music and raiding the second hand section with every spare few pounds I had.

I remember, as a teenager still at school, pondering over whether to buy Goldmine by James or Out Of Time by REM as I could only afford one (I chose James).

I remember running from work at 5pm down to Missing to spend 15 or 20-minutes browsing before catching the train back to Carluke.

I remember raiding Tower Records closing down sale and getting 4 copies of the Nirvana/Jesus Lizard split 7-inch and trading 2 of them for Teenage Fanclub's debut 7-inch Everything Flows from Missing Records - the song that this blog is named after.

I remember the smell of the vinyl, the protective sleeves, the classic Missing bag and I remember buying some fantastic records - sometimes because I was searching for them, sometimes cause I liked the look of the sleeve, or maybe I had read something about that album/single, or maybe the staff were playing something I liked the sound of - like Stereolab.

Segundo by Juana Molina - an album I bought because of the sleeve (music good too!)

Bit less risky than Juana Molina - but another album I bought due to the sleeve

Missing was important. It was (and is) incredibly near Central Station, yet it was just out of the way enough to be different, to be the kind of place you had to know about. No-one really stumbled across anything down that part of the city. It's kind of like the bit in High Fidelity when Rob is describing his store - just right!

The classic 'I will now sell 5 copies of the Three EP's by the Beta Band' scene

Mixed Up Records in Otago Lane was a favourite of mine for a number of years when I had my flat in Dennistoun. The kind of record shop I could never walk into and come away empty handed.

Oxfam Music in Byres Road is another fantastic store in Glasgow that I still visit when I am up the West End. I got to know the manager Andrew when I volunteered for Oxfam and I remember being amazed when he took me down to the basement to show me all the stuff they were sifting through to decide what to sell, what was worth a bit and what was worthless. They had some incredible stuff and  I made a mental note that it would be a great setting for a band photo/sleeve and later took Sonny Marvello there when I started managing them. One of my all-time great second hand buys was the white 12-inch of Rez by Underworld for £6.99 in Oxfam Music. I think I was so pleased that I gave them a tenner - obviously pre kids when I had some spare money!

Sonny Marvello photo shoot in the Oxfam Music basement

FOPP has also played a vital role in my musical education and in stocking my record and CD collection. The original store in Byres Road is still magical; a cool location, rammed with all kinds of brilliant music and many of it at fantastic prices.

Love Music (formerly Avalanche Records) around the corner from Queen Street Station was a favourite of mine when I stayed in Dennistoun. Very handy on a walk home if the sun was shining or if I was in the mood. It is still going strong and is very active in promoting Scottish independent and DIY music.

Monorail is my favourite these days. There is something soothing about walking in and seeing Dep who worked in Missing Records all those years ago when I was first buying records in Glasgow. And the fact that Stephen from The Pastels might be working behind the counter is still a bit of a thrill to the indie kid in me (and I'm sure I am not the only one!).

The conversation in Monorail is great. I love wandering in (usually on a Monday before 5-a-sides if I have time and money) and checking out the music being played and listening to what the staff are talking about - International Airport, Vic Goddard, Edwyn Collins, how well the new Mogwai release is doing...

The staff in Monorail are always happy to help. I remember going in after reading an article in Uncut about a brilliant rereleased album of guitar pop. I couldn't remember the band name or album though! With a bit of questioning Stephen managed to decipher that it was East Village and their Drop Out album!

Monorail, like the old Missing, is just perfectly placed. Central, but just out the way of everything else. It also has the café bar for beers, food and the odd gig.

Monorail Records - right place, right vibe, right staff - just so right

 

I started this blog without a real purpose, I really just wanted to reminisce about my enjoyment of record stores. I've had hundreds (if not thousands) of Record Store Days through my life; I've gone on my own, with my wife, with my eldest daughter, with friends....I've gone in knowing what I wanted, I've gone out after spending a lot more than I intended!

 

Any day could be a record store day for me and for you. This Saturday I'll be heading into Monorail with my friend Dave for a few beers, some music and some records. You can't get a much better day than that really....