James

One of Britain's beloved pop bands, James, officially called it quits in December 2001 after founder Tim Booth announced his departure weeks earlier. You could say it marked an end of an era -- a bittersweet end of the heyday of Madchester. The double-disc Getting Away with It: Live captures James' last evening together, the final show on their farewell tour hosted in their working-class hometown of Manchester, England, and a remarkable look back at some of the band's shining moments from their 20-year career. Getting Away with It: Live is celebratory throughout the entire album. Booth is typically sweet, talking to the audience between songs while adding a dash of English wit. Selections from their global smash Laid go over well; the harmonies of "Sometimes" are heartwrenchingly beautiful. "Out to Get You" breathes similar life, and Booth heaves a sigh in the process. Andy Diagram's surprise appearance on the rumbling good time of "God Only Knows" picks up the pace, while the classic "Johnny Yen" is an extra bonus. Former guitarist Larry Gott is eventually added to the musical fray, alongside newer members like guitarists Adrian Oxaal and Michael Kulas, leaving the dynamic of the show to exude a powerful warmth. James' musical prowess on the anthemic "Born of Frustration" and the 11-minute sonic storm of "Sound" are great representations of what made them a brilliant pop band in the first place. Their energy is infectious, particularly on the swan song "Sit Down." No one else has given a punch to the gut with a smile quite like James, and Getting Away with It: Live commemorates that. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide