James
Seven (Mercury) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2
Since the early 1980s, James has weaved a folkish rock, steering clear of the fashionable musical movements of the band`s native Manchester, England. Since the seven-man troupe (hence the LP title) has managed to eschew the neopsychedelic `60s revival and the more pervasive electronic pop of New Order, it`s somewhat disappointing that it should pull off a soulless imitation of U2 in its current outing. Fans of U2 will find comfort in James singer Tim Booth`s rendering of Bono`s wailing in the songs ”Sound” and
”Seven.” But James is far more successful on its own ground, stretching with a full, textured sound on its anthemic ”Ring the Bells” and ”Born of Frustration.”
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Poor (STAR)