Sound... in its epic sonic glory

posted by Jeff | Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 12:15 AM | comments: 2

Going way back to my college days, I found this band called James, and they had an album called Seven. On that album was a song called "Sound," and it easily became one of my favorite songs of all time.

Do everything you fear
In this there's power
Fear is not to be afraid of

It really came down to those lyrics. They helped me out in a time where I was unsure of myself, my future, my life. I've always, always been able to go back to that song and feel better about anything that was bothering me.

The band broke up in 2001, apparently, but they put out a live album of their last show. Getting Away with It: Live is that album. This live version of "Sound" is more than eleven minutes of pure sonic glory. The connection with the fans is obvious, and it's just a beautiful thing to hear. It even has additional lyrics that weren't in the studio version.

I actually got to see James live in 1993, playing on Peter Gabriel's WOMAD tour, and while I don't remember much of that show, I do remember that song.

It's 99 cents for the song. You might like it.


Comments

Eric

April 30, 2008, 3:45 AM #

James is one of those bands that has one song that many people know, but have no idea that it is James.

The song is called "Laid". It was/is played almost anytime there is a reference to the American Pie movies. It also shows up in various movie trailers and even some commercials (I think).

Completely different from effect the power of music that James brought to Jeff, I remember how that song (long before American Pie) made me smile with the lines ...

"she only comes when she's on top
"dressed me up in women's clothes/messed around with gender roles."
"Caught your hand inside the till/slammed your fingers in the door/fought with kitchen knives and skewers"

Jeff

April 30, 2008, 3:51 AM #

"Laid" was very popular on alternative radio, at least in Cleveland. I was glad to see them get the attention, but they had so much more to offer. The live album is really pretty great.


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