Artist page · 07/07/2026

James

BremenBorn in 1929Brit Pop5 vinyl albums
James, formed in Manchester in 1982, shapes alternative rock with notable britpop influences. Early lineups featured Tim Booth, Jim Glennie, and others, with a catalog spanning over 6 studio albums on vinyl.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
5Albums on Vinyles.com
76014Discogs releases
1.0MLast.fm listeners

About

6 vinyl albums including 'Gold Mother' and 'Laid', with enduring appeal among collectors.

The English band James started playing in local clubs in 1983, with early EPs like 'Jimone' and 'James II'. The 1990 album 'Gold Mother' gained recognition thanks to the single 'Sit Down', boosting their profile in the alternative rock and britpop scenes. Variations in membership refined their sound, including contributions from producer Brian Eno on the albums 'Laid' (1993) and the experimental 'Wah Wah' (1994). They enjoyed a resurgence with the 2008 album 'Hey Ma', blending melodic and acoustic elements. Their catalog on vinyl spans multiple eras, offering a range for collectors and audiophiles alike.

James' work showcases a progression from early indie roots to refined studio projects, with notable collaborations influencing their artistic direction and critical reception, es…

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up James's career.

01
Laid
·
02
Sit Down
·
03
Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)
·
04
Say Something
·
05
Sometimes
·
06
She's a Star
·
07
Born Of Frustration
·
08
Tomorrow
·

The essentials

The 3 James albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1990
Vinyl LP
Gold Mother

This album marked a breakthrough with the hit single 'Sit Down', blending britpop and alternative rock.

Label: Universal MusicIncludes 'Sit Down'Recorded: 1990
Discover the album
#2 · 1993
Vinyl LP
Laid

Produced with Brian Eno, this album found more acclaim in the US, offering a rich alternative rock sound.

Label: Universal MusicProducer: Brian EnoRecorded: 1993
Discover the album
#3 · 1992
Vinyl LP
Seven

Among their key records featuring the mix of pop and alternative rock that defined their early 90s sound.

Label: Universal MusicReleased: 1992
Discover the album

Go further

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Artists who share part of James's musical DNA.

The Lightning Seeds
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Inspiral Carpets
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The Charlatans
Ocean Colour Scene
Shed Seven
The Wonder Stuff
Cast
The Bluetones

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of James

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

“Melodies, harmonies, and rich instrumentation characterize the 2008 album 'Hey Ma'.”
— Music critic
01Live Recording

One Man Clapping tops indie charts

The live album 'One Man Clapping', recorded after their second studio album, reached number one on indie charts, capturing the early energy of the band.

1989Manchester
02Production

'Laid' produced by Brian Eno

In 1993, James worked with producer Brian Eno on 'Laid', which earned strong recognition in the US market despite limited attention in the UK.

1993Manchester
03Experimental Album

'Wah Wah' collaboration with Brian Eno

The 1994 experimental album 'Wah Wah' was recorded concurrently with 'Laid', presenting a different artistic side of James.

1994Manchester
04Band Member Changes

Line-up evolution in 1985

Larry Gott replaced guitarist Paul Gilbertson in 1985, helping shape the band's evolving sound.

1985Manchester

Records by James

See all
Seven - Front Cover

Seven

James
International Rock Rock
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $41.19 2 offers
Laid - Front Cover

Laid

James
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / Psychobilly Rock
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $46.34 2 offers
Yummy - Front Cover

Yummy

James
International Retro Pop Pop
Nothing But Love Music
From $27.75 1 offer
Be Opened By The Wonderful - Front Cover

Be Opened By The Wonderful

James
International Pop Pop
Nothing But Love Music
From $41.46 1 offer
Laid - Front Cover

Laid

James
Indie Rock Alternative
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $47.00 2 offers
Exiles - Front Cover

Exiles

Slim Gaillard
Classical Sonata Classical Music
Aside
From $47.75 1 offer

CDs by James

Search all James CDs
Yummy - Front Cover

Yummy

James
International Rock Rock
CD Nothing But Love Music
From $12.95 1 offer
Be Opened By The Wonderful - Front Cover

Be Opened By The Wonderful

James
Rock Compilations Compilations
CD Nothing But Love Music
From $17.99 1 offer

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

What genre does James belong to?

James is primarily an alternative rock band with strong britpop and pop influences.

When was the band James formed?

James formed in Manchester, England in 1982.

Which James album features the hit single 'Sit Down'?

The album 'Gold Mother' released in 1990 features the song 'Sit Down'.

Are there any vinyl reissues of James albums?

Several James albums have been reissued on vinyl including 'Gold Mother' and 'Laid', available in different editions and remasters.

What are popular James tracks to look for on vinyl?

Popular James tracks include 'Laid', 'Sit Down', and 'She's a Star', often sought by collectors.

Where can I find James vinyl records in France?

Vinyl records by James are available from various music retailers and online platforms serving the French market.

How does recording location affect James vinyl sound?

James recorded primarily in Manchester studios, with production quality varying by album and producer, affecting sound texture on vinyl.

Which album marked James' collaboration with Brian Eno?

The album 'Laid' (1993) was produced with Brian Eno and is notable for its distinctive atmosphere.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 07/07/2026