James were at the heart of some of the most pivotal scenes in British music during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Tim Booth was originally asked to join as the band's dancer in 1982—could anything be more Madchester? Instead, he became the singer, leading James through a phase of post-punk experimentalism that won them support slots with The Smiths and eventually a major label deal. Anchored by the Britpop staple “Sit Down” and the cheerfully ribald “Laid,” which broke the band to stateside audiences, their catalogue is heavy with hook-laden jangle pop, but also takes the occasional ambient detour.