James: Seven

I ignored this when it came out. I was in a strop with James after the Gold Mother album, which I didn't like. The Seven tour was the only time they played Sheffield and I didn't go. I thought they were 'doing a Simple Minds' and turning from one of the bravest, most individual rock bands into a singalong caricature of themselves. What's the word? Anthemic, yes.

It was only in 1998 when I gave the Best of compilation to M that I realised that I really liked Born of Frustration and Sound, and I went and bought it. It turns out to be a pretty good album, with four songs that I love with a passion. The two I've just mentioned, plus Seven and Next Lover.

I'm a sucker for those psychobabble lyrics that mix up your mother's mood swings with slipping out of your skin. "Don't need shrink, but an exorcist" and "I'm so full of desire, I can't help to control / This desire that's closer to pain / River runs where all rivers go / This desire will not be contained".

All of those words took on extra meaning when I was having my troubles in late 1999, and I used to program the four tracks to play on repeat in my CD player and jump around the room to try and achieve some of that promised exorcism. If I listen to them know, it takes me right back there.

MusicBrainz entry for this album