Gold Mother- James

This album is remarkable in many ways; not only did it unintentionally propel James into the baggy scene but it also stopped me from preparing for my exams. Well almost. It's not quite the rock 'n roll story that I would like to have been able to tell.....but it was close.

You see in 1990 James were touring on the back of this album and I'd heard from Rid what a great live band they were. So, when tickets were announced for the gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall, we jumped at the chance. Well Rid jumped and I sort of hopped. It was only after they were bought that I realised that the gig was the night before my Structural Mechanics exam, which was due to start at 9:00am the following day. Yikes!

In the weeks following the purchase of the tickets I deliberated, cogitated and assessed the angles. The day of the gig arrived and I still hadn't decided. Surely I could go to the gig and still be confident of doing well in the exam? I'd prepared well, had followed my carefully planned revision timetable (the one that took weeks to prepare, was carefully colour coded and took into account every eventuality. I always liked preparing these - not only did they appeal to my inner geek but they were also a handy diversion from actually doing any revision!). I was sure that I could go to the gig and do well in the exam.....But what if I didn't? I'd only have myself to blame. But weren't James worth the risk? It was going to be a great gig. When would they ever play 'Boro Town Hall again? Oh the agony of choice.

So in true rock and roll fashion I backed out and left Rid to enjoy the gig on his own. Never let it be said that I am not a committed Engineer! Do I regret it? You bet! Have I seen them since? Loads. Does that make my regret any less painful? No.

One of my other favourite stories from this time was when we had pulled up in Rid's car to get petrol. It was the coolest car on the block; a white Ford Escort estate with bonnet catches and a 'Come Home * James' car sticker on the boot window. Rid had gone into pay for the fuel when a woman approached him;

"I hope you find him", she said adding, "It must be terrible when someone goes missing like that".

Clearly she was not a fan of indie-pop but it was a lovely sentiment. 'Gold Mother' is perhaps James' greatest album. It certainly was their breakthrough album and has some classic James tracks on it; 'Come Home', 'Government Walls', 'How Was It For You' and the peerless "You Can't Tell How Much Suffering (On A Face That's Always Smiling)". Avoid the tacky re-released version, with it's track listing altered to include the mega-hit 'Sit Down', and go for the original and arguably best indie-pop album of the early 90s.

And if James are ever playing in a local venue near you, drop what you're doing, forget tomorrow and go and check them out.