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Seven (James album)

Seven is the fourth studio album by English rock band James. It was released on 17 February 1992, through Fontana Records. After writing new material in their practice space, the band began recording at The Manor Studios. The sessions lasted for several months, with the band producing the proceedings themselves. After a lack of progress, Fontana halted the sessions, and sent them to work at Olympic Studios with Martin "Youth" Glover. Half of the songs were produced by Youth, while the remainder was produced between James and Steve Chase. Described as a stadium rock album, Seven drew comparison to the likes of Simple Minds and U2.

Seven
Studio album by
Released17 February 1992
RecordedJanuary – September 1991
Studio
GenreStadium rock
Length48:55
LabelFontana
Producer
James chronology
Gold Mother
(1990)
Seven
(1992)
Laid
(1993)
Singles from Seven
  1. "Sound"
    Released: 18 November 1991
  2. "Born of Frustration"
    Released: 20 January 1992
  3. "Ring the Bells"
    Released: 23 March 1992
  4. "Seven"
    Released: 6 July 1992

Preceded by a three-month tour of the United Kingdom, "Sound" was released as the lead single in November 1991, which was then followed the second single "Born of Frustration" in January 1992. To promote the album, the band embarked on a tour of the United States, which coincided with the release of the third single "Ring the Bells" in March 1992. James played their sole UK headlining show at the Alton Towers leisure park in July 1992 to a crowd of 30,000. Two days after the show, "Seven" was released as the fourth and final single. Following this, the band toured Europe and supported Neil Young on his west coast US tour, which was succeeded by a support slot for the Soup Dragons.

Seven received mixed reviews from music critics, some of whom noted the album's bigger sound. It peaked at number two in the UK and number 45 in Sweden. "Sound", "Born of Frustration", "Ring the Bells", and "Seven" all charted in the UK, the first three reaching the top 40. Outside the UK, "Sound" reached the top 40 in Australia, Ireland, and Portugal, while "Born of Frustration" appeared on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, and in the Netherlands. Seven was later certified gold in the UK.

Background and production edit

James released their third studio album Gold Mother in June 1990, through Fontana Records.[1] The album saw the band's line-up expanded to include three new members: drummer David Baynton-Power, violinist/guitarist Saul Davies, keyboardist Mark Hunter, and trumpeter Andy Diagram.[2] Following touring in support of the album, the band began accumulating new material at their practice space in Denton.[3] At the suggestion of Fontana, the band decamped to The Manor Studios in Oxfordshire to start recording their next album in January 1991.[4][5] They wanted to work with Gil Norton, however, he was busy working with the Pixies; they then attempted to draft in Flood, who instead worked with U2.[6] As the band were unable to work with Chris Sheldon, who was fired after the second day, they started producing the sessions themselves.[7][8] In hindsight, guitarist Larry Gott said the band lacked the confidence that a producer had, causing them to over-fill the songs with instruments.[7]

Though they had planned to stay in the studio for six weeks, the sessions stretched out to multiple months.[9] They had to pause recording to promote "Sit Down", which had been released as a single in March 1991.[9][10] The success of the song hampered the progress of their new album, and put a strain on the band, as they had to deal with reporters and press interviews.[11] The band's first video album Come Home Live was released in April 1991, and featured live recordings of new tracks "Ring the Bells", "Bring a Gun", and "Next Lover".[10][12] That same month, the band reportedly had 40 new songs to choose for their next album.[13] As the label was anxious at how the band's album was proceeded, and wanted new product to sell, they decided to reissue Gold Mother.[8] Powered by a few minor hit singles, Gold Mother was a commercial success upon its re-release in May 1991, when it reached number two in the UK Albums Chart.[1][2]

In August 1991, the band appeared at Reading Festival, where they live a set of mainly new sngs, and was met with negative reviews from the music press.[14] Fontana halted any further sessions, and re-located the band to London where they recorded with former Killing Joke member Martin "Youth" Glover at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London.[15] According to Booth, Youth pushed the band to record the album as live as possible with minimal overdubs; Spike Stent handling recording.[16][17] The final songs that ended up on Seven split producer credit between two camps: Youth for "Born of Frustration", "Sound", "Bring a Gun", "Don't Wait That Long", "Next Lover", and "Seven"; and James and Steve Chase for "Ring the Bells", "Mother", "Live a Love of Life", "Heavens", and "Protect Me".[17] Sessions wrapped up in September 1991, as Tim Palmer mixed all of the recordings at Townhouse Studios except "Don't Wait That Long", which was mixed by Stent at Olympic.[15][17]

Composition edit

Musically, the sound of Seven has been described as stadium rock,[18][19] drawing comparison to U2.[20][21] While two reviewers compared the whole album to Simple Minds,[21][22] others limited it to "Born of Frustration" or "Seven" only.[19][23] Booth said Seven referred to several things: the seven band members; "Sit Down" entering the charts at number seven; being given the number seven dressing room while appearing on Top of the Pops.[24] The album features more of emphasis on Diagram's trumpet playing; he had told the band he wanted to have more input into the writing process or he wasn't going to be involved at all.[16] "Born of Frustration" discusses having multiple possiblities in front of one's self and not being able to have any of them.[25] Booth said "Ring the Bells" referred to "breaking free from [p]atriarchal Jehovah," while "finger pointing [the] God of shame."[26] "Sound" features an electronic section that was reminiscent to the music heard in John Carpenter films.[23] "Bring a Gun" was written after a shooting at a club in Manchester, and, according to Booth, detailed the repressive attitude that authority figures have towards younger generations.[16][27] Some of the lyrics deal with people having a lack of compassion for others, and the need for political violence.[28]

The anti-war track "Mother" earned a comparison to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds due to its reverb-enhanced guitars and atmospheric violin.[16][29][28] Its title referred to Gold Mother, Saddam Hussein's speech about the "Mother of all battles", and childless mothers as a result of war.[28] "Don't Wait Too Long" displays the folk elements of the band's earlier albums.[30] It initially had a faster tempo, before it was eventually slowed down and utilized elements of soul music.[16] "Next Lover", which also shares the folk elements, talks about desire.[30][31] Booth saw "Live a Love of Life" as a partial continuation of the Gold Mother track "God Only Knows", in that he talked about rejected his Christian upbringing; it includes references to the Gulf War. The verses of "Heavens" talk about a person with their head in their hands thinking about self-pity and despondency.[32] "Protect Me" is about praying for protection, and dates back to when Booth broke up with his girlfriend and the band's manager Martine McDonagh.[16] Booth said "Seven" was one of the few love songs he had written; it includes references to "various ecstatic experiences of union - in meditation and sex."[33][34]

Release edit

Between September and November 1991, the band embarked on a large-scale UK tour, with support from Thousand Yard Stare.[35][36][37] "Sound" was released as the album's lead single on 18 November 1991, with "All My Songs", and a remix of "Come Home" as extra tracks; the music video for "Sound" was directed by Peter Scammell.[38][39] In December 1991, the band flew to Los Angeles, California to shoot a music video for "Born of Frustration", however, three hours after arriving, Gott was mugged at gunpoint and flew back to the UK.[40] As a result, the band's tour manager stood in for Gott at the video shoot, which was also directed by Scammell.[38][40] That same month, Seven was announced for release early next year.[41] The final video featured footage of windstorms in deserts, angel sculptures, and skyscrapers.[42] "Born of Frustration" was released as a single on 20 January 1992, with "Be My Prayer", and a remix of "Sound" as extra tracks.[43] Seven was released on 17 February 1992; its vinyl release omitted "Next Lover".[1][44] Following this, the band embarked on a 13-date US tour.[45]

"Ring the Bells" was released as a single on 23 March 1992, with "Fight", "Once a Friend", and remixes of "Come Home"; the music video for "Ring the Bells" was directed by Scammell.[38][46] In June 1992, the band performed at the Glastonbury Festival.[47] James played their only UK headlining show of the year at an open-air concert at the Alton Towers leisure park on 4 July 1992, where they performed to a crowd of 30,000, with support from Public Image Ltd.[29][48] Galliano was also due to support but had to pull out after weather conditions threatened to destroy the stage's roof.[49] Two days later, "Seven" was released as a single, with "Goalies Ball", "William Burroughs", and "Still Alive" as extra tracks. Following this, the band played various festivals across Europe.[47] Diagram left the band, citing that he wanted to explore other opportunities, and missed his girlfriend.[50][51] In September 1992, they returned to the US where they supported Neil Young on nine of his west coast show.[52][53] During these dates, James played acoustically.[52] After this, they toured the territory supporting the Soup Dragons for six weeks, before going on a tour of Japan in December 1991.[54] Later in December, the band went on a stint of the UK, which was promoted as an acoustic tour.[55]

A show in December 1991 was filmed and released in 1992 as the band's second video album Seven – The Live Video, where the band played every song from the album. Its 2005 DVD re-release saw the inclusion of videos for "Born of Frustration", "Sound", "Seven", "Come Home" and "Sit Down".[12] A show in November 1992 was released as the live album The Greenpeace Palace Concert as part of the 2016 Record Store Day.[56] "Born of Frustration", "Ring the Bells", "Sound", and "Seven" were included on the band's first and fourth compilation albums The Best Of (1998) and Fresh as a Daisy – The Singles (2007).[57][58] "Heavens" and "Seven" were included on the band's third compilation album The Collection (2004).[59] The music videos for "Born of Frustration", "Ring the Bells", "Sound", and "Seven" were included on the career-spanning box set The Gathering Sound (2012), alongside a demo of "Ring the Bells".[60] Seven was reissued on CD in 2001, with the addition of live versions of "Protect Me", "Sound", "Heavens", and "Don't Wait That Long". Seven was re-pressed on vinyl in 2017, with "Next Lover" reinstated.[1] To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Alton Towers show, the band played Castlefield Bowl in Castlefield in 2022, where they repeated the same setlist.[49]

Reception edit

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [30]
Calgary HeraldC+[21]
Chicago Tribune(mixed)[20]
Martin C. Strong8/10[61]
NME5/10[23]
Q     [62]
Select     [22]
Vox8/10[63]

Seven was met with mixed reviews from music critics.[64] Vox's Mike Pattenden referred to Seven as "a substantial document that marks James out as one of the few bands around who are capable of framing the anxiety and apprehension of eternal adolescence."[63] AllMusic reviewer Tom Demalon noted that the album "married the ambitious scope of the lyrics with a grand, anthemic feel."[30] He said the album "might not be completely embraced by older fans, but it's a confident, artistic step and a fine entry in their catalog."[30] Phil Sutcliffe of Q wrote that "James were part of something, but now they've become one-offs. ... In part, they have overarched their ability to put sounds and tunes to their teeming ideas, but at leas if you want a band with balls, they got 'em."[62] The staff at Melody Maker called the album "big, brash, unafraid, unashamed but also miserable, paranoid, eccentric and epically confused," showcasing the band at musically their "most ambitious and diverse." They went on further to say that Seven was "an indisputable triumph from a band who spent the best part of a decade being shit."[19]

The staff at Chicago Tribune said the despite the band managing to evade the "neopsychedelic '60s revival and the more pervasive electronic pop of New Order," it was "somewhat disappointing that it should pull off a soulless imitation of U2" on Seven. They added that fans of U2 "will find comfort in ... Booth's rendering of Bono's wailing" in certain songs.[20] Neil Dunlop of Calgary Herald considered the band to be "chronically under the influence [of Simple Minds and U2]. What's the point if you can buy the original?"[21] In a review for Select, David Cavanagh wrote that the band created "a solid, undemanding stadium album," adding that it had "a classic hermetically-sealed sound, big, wide and virtually soulless."[22] NME reviewer Andrew Collins wrote that all of the songs were "fit for widescreen promo treatment," with melodies that come across as "incidental to broad, sweeping effect." He noted that while the "individual interesting-noise-count is consistently high, tunes are tragically thin on the ground."[23]

According to Fontana Records' owner Phonogram, Seven sold 100,000 copies in advance orders prior to release.[48] It peaked at number two in the UK,[65] and number 45 in Sweden.[66] Seven was later certified gold in the UK.[67] "Sound" charted at number 4 in Portugal,[68] number 9 in the UK,[65] number 15 in Ireland,[69] and number 28 in Australia.[70] "Born of Frustration" charted at number 5 on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart,[71] number 13 in the UK,[65] number 69 in the Netherlands.[72] "Rings the Bells" and "Seven" charted in the UK at number 37 and 46, respectively.[65]

Track listing edit

All songs written by James.[17]

Seven track listing
No.TitleProducerLength
1."Born of Frustration"Martin "Youth" Glover4:21
2."Ring the Bells"
  • James
  • Steve Chase
4:45
3."Sound"Youth6:40
4."Bring a Gun"Youth3:42
5."Mother"
  • James
  • Chase
2:40
6."Don't Wait That Long"Youth6:39
7."Live a Love of Life"
  • James
  • Chase
4:18
8."Next Lover" (not on original vinyl version)Youth5:27
9."Heavens"
  • James
  • Chase
3:56
10."Protect Me"
  • James
  • Chase
3:05
11."Seven"Youth3:22

Personnel edit

Personnel per booklet.[17]

Charts and certifications edit

References edit

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d "Music: Studio Albums". James. from the original on 13 May 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "James | Biography & History". AllMusic. from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  3. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 171
  4. ^ Maconie 2000, pp. 171–2
  5. ^ "Dead Cert". Manchester Evening News. December 1990.
  6. ^ Gill, Andy (March 1992). "The Band Who Wanted First-Name Terms". The Independent.
  7. ^ a b Leonard, Michael (October 1993). "The James Gang". Guitarist.
  8. ^ a b Maconie 2000, p. 174
  9. ^ a b Maconie 2000, p. 172
  10. ^ a b "Sit Down Press Biography" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. February 1991.
  11. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 173
  12. ^ a b "Music: Videos & DVDs". James. from the original on 31 December 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  13. ^ McCann, Ian (6 April 1991). "This Band Is Where It's Sat". NME.
  14. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 175
  15. ^ a b Maconie 2000, p. 176
  16. ^ a b c d e f Lamacq, Steve (25 January 1992). "The Magnificent Seven". NME.
  17. ^ a b c d e James (1992). Seven (booklet). Fontana Records. 510 932-2.
  18. ^ Wright, Jonathan (1997). "James – Times of Change". Sessions. 1 (3): 16.
  19. ^ a b c "007: Licence to Thrill". Melody Maker. February 1992.
  20. ^ a b c "Reviews". Chicago Tribune. March 1992.
  21. ^ a b c d Dunlop 1992, p. 24
  22. ^ a b c Cavanagh, David (February 1992). "Booth's New Gold Dream". Select.
  23. ^ a b c d Collins, Andrew (15 February 1992). "Kick Out the James". NME.
  24. ^ Cavanagh, David (February 1992). "Holier Than Thou?". Select.
  25. ^ "James" (Interview). San Francisco, California, United States: MTV. February 1992.
  26. ^ Booth, Tim (6 July 2020). "Tim Booth on Twitter: 'Different Gods. "Bells" is breaking free from Patriarchal...'". Twitter. from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  27. ^ Booth, Tim (3 February 2020). "Tim Booth on Twitter: 'Written after a rare shooting at a Manchester club. The city...'". Twitter. from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  28. ^ a b c Maconie 2000, p. 182
  29. ^ a b "Seven Press Release and Biography" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. February 1992.
  30. ^ a b c d e Demalon, Tom. "Seven - James | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  31. ^ Booth, Tim (24 May 2020). "Tim Booth on Twitter: 'Desire. About no one in particular. Just a snapshot. A...'". Twitter. from the original on 25 May 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  32. ^ Mitchell, Pete (February 1992). "James" (Interview). Manchester, UK: KEY 103.
  33. ^ Booth, Tim (31 May 2019). "Tim Booth on Twitter: 'One of my first love songs. The other guys are...'". Twitter. from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  34. ^ Booth, Tim (23 December 2018). "Tim Booth on Twitter: 'I was in a steamy relationship where the L word...'". Twitter. from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  35. ^ "James Go 'Whoops'". Sounds. April 1991.
  36. ^ "James". NME. April 1991.
  37. ^ "News". NME. November 1991.
  38. ^ a b c James (2007). Fresh as a Daisy – The Videos (booklet). Fontana Records. JIMDVD1/984 836-2 (6).
  39. ^ "Sound" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. November 1991.
  40. ^ a b "Gang Get Gott". NME. 12 December 1991.
  41. ^ "Sound & Glory". Melody Maker. December 1991.
  42. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 181
  43. ^ "Born of Frustration" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. January 1992.
  44. ^ "James: Feels Like 'Seven'". NME. February 1992.
  45. ^ "Opening Shot: James in NYC". Vox. March 1992.
  46. ^ "Ring the Bells" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. March 1992.
  47. ^ a b "Seven" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. June 1992.
  48. ^ a b Spinoza, Andy (February 1992). "James on a rock and Roller Ride". Manchester Evening News.
  49. ^ a b Hiles, Hannah (2 July 2022). "James pay tribute to 'legendary' Alton Towers show with huge Manchester gig tonight". The Sentinel. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  50. ^ "Laid Press Release Biography" (Press release). United Kingdom: Fontana Records. September 1993.
  51. ^ Maconie, Stuart (August 1993). "What's Eating You?". Select.
  52. ^ a b "Neil Young Support Slot" (Press release). United States: Mercury Records. August 1992.
  53. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 192
  54. ^ Maconie 2000, pp. 194–5
  55. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 197
  56. ^ James (2016). The Greenpeace Palace Concert (sleeve). Fontana/Mercury Records. 4760131.
  57. ^ James (1998). The Best Of (booklet). Fontana Records. 536 898-2.
  58. ^ James (2007). Fresh as a Daisy – The Singles (booklet). Mercury Records. 1731846.
  59. ^ James (2004). The Collection (booklet). Spectrum Music. 9824088.
  60. ^ James (2012). The Gathering Sound (booklet). Universal/Mercury Records. 2753129.
  61. ^ Strong 2006, p. 550
  62. ^ a b Sutcliffe, Phil (March 1992). "Unbridled". Q.
  63. ^ a b Pattenden, Mike (February 1992). "Reviews". Vox.
  64. ^ Maconie 2000, p. 183
  65. ^ a b c d e "James | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  66. ^ a b "Swedishcharts.com – James – Seven". Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  67. ^ a b "British album certifications – James – Seven". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 3 January 2021. Select albums in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type Seven in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  68. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 7. 15 February 1992. p. 26. (PDF) from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  69. ^ "Displaying 21 for 'Sound'". Irish Recorded Music Association. from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  70. ^ "australian-charts.com - James - Sound". Australian-charts. Hung Medien. from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  71. ^ "James Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  72. ^ "Discografie James". Dutchcharts.nl. from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.

Sources

External links edit

  • Seven at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

seven, james, album, seven, fourth, studio, album, english, rock, band, james, released, february, 1992, through, fontana, records, after, writing, material, their, practice, space, band, began, recording, manor, studios, sessions, lasted, several, months, wit. Seven is the fourth studio album by English rock band James It was released on 17 February 1992 through Fontana Records After writing new material in their practice space the band began recording at The Manor Studios The sessions lasted for several months with the band producing the proceedings themselves After a lack of progress Fontana halted the sessions and sent them to work at Olympic Studios with Martin Youth Glover Half of the songs were produced by Youth while the remainder was produced between James and Steve Chase Described as a stadium rock album Seven drew comparison to the likes of Simple Minds and U2 SevenStudio album by JamesReleased17 February 1992RecordedJanuary September 1991StudioThe Manor Oxfordshire Olympic Barnes LondonGenreStadium rockLength48 55LabelFontanaProducerMartin Youth GloverJamesSteve ChaseJames chronologyGold Mother 1990 Seven 1992 Laid 1993 Singles from Seven Sound Released 18 November 1991 Born of Frustration Released 20 January 1992 Ring the Bells Released 23 March 1992 Seven Released 6 July 1992 Preceded by a three month tour of the United Kingdom Sound was released as the lead single in November 1991 which was then followed the second single Born of Frustration in January 1992 To promote the album the band embarked on a tour of the United States which coincided with the release of the third single Ring the Bells in March 1992 James played their sole UK headlining show at the Alton Towers leisure park in July 1992 to a crowd of 30 000 Two days after the show Seven was released as the fourth and final single Following this the band toured Europe and supported Neil Young on his west coast US tour which was succeeded by a support slot for the Soup Dragons Seven received mixed reviews from music critics some of whom noted the album s bigger sound It peaked at number two in the UK and number 45 in Sweden Sound Born of Frustration Ring the Bells and Seven all charted in the UK the first three reaching the top 40 Outside the UK Sound reached the top 40 in Australia Ireland and Portugal while Born of Frustration appeared on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and in the Netherlands Seven was later certified gold in the UK Contents 1 Background and production 2 Composition 3 Release 4 Reception 5 Track listing 6 Personnel 7 Charts and certifications 7 1 Weekly charts 7 2 Certifications 8 References 9 External linksBackground and production editJames released their third studio album Gold Mother in June 1990 through Fontana Records 1 The album saw the band s line up expanded to include three new members drummer David Baynton Power violinist guitarist Saul Davies keyboardist Mark Hunter and trumpeter Andy Diagram 2 Following touring in support of the album the band began accumulating new material at their practice space in Denton 3 At the suggestion of Fontana the band decamped to The Manor Studios in Oxfordshire to start recording their next album in January 1991 4 5 They wanted to work with Gil Norton however he was busy working with the Pixies they then attempted to draft in Flood who instead worked with U2 6 As the band were unable to work with Chris Sheldon who was fired after the second day they started producing the sessions themselves 7 8 In hindsight guitarist Larry Gott said the band lacked the confidence that a producer had causing them to over fill the songs with instruments 7 Though they had planned to stay in the studio for six weeks the sessions stretched out to multiple months 9 They had to pause recording to promote Sit Down which had been released as a single in March 1991 9 10 The success of the song hampered the progress of their new album and put a strain on the band as they had to deal with reporters and press interviews 11 The band s first video album Come Home Live was released in April 1991 and featured live recordings of new tracks Ring the Bells Bring a Gun and Next Lover 10 12 That same month the band reportedly had 40 new songs to choose for their next album 13 As the label was anxious at how the band s album was proceeded and wanted new product to sell they decided to reissue Gold Mother 8 Powered by a few minor hit singles Gold Mother was a commercial success upon its re release in May 1991 when it reached number two in the UK Albums Chart 1 2 In August 1991 the band appeared at Reading Festival where they live a set of mainly new sngs and was met with negative reviews from the music press 14 Fontana halted any further sessions and re located the band to London where they recorded with former Killing Joke member Martin Youth Glover at Olympic Studios in Barnes London 15 According to Booth Youth pushed the band to record the album as live as possible with minimal overdubs Spike Stent handling recording 16 17 The final songs that ended up on Seven split producer credit between two camps Youth for Born of Frustration Sound Bring a Gun Don t Wait That Long Next Lover and Seven and James and Steve Chase for Ring the Bells Mother Live a Love of Life Heavens and Protect Me 17 Sessions wrapped up in September 1991 as Tim Palmer mixed all of the recordings at Townhouse Studios except Don t Wait That Long which was mixed by Stent at Olympic 15 17 Composition editMusically the sound of Seven has been described as stadium rock 18 19 drawing comparison to U2 20 21 While two reviewers compared the whole album to Simple Minds 21 22 others limited it to Born of Frustration or Seven only 19 23 Booth said Seven referred to several things the seven band members Sit Down entering the charts at number seven being given the number seven dressing room while appearing on Top of the Pops 24 The album features more of emphasis on Diagram s trumpet playing he had told the band he wanted to have more input into the writing process or he wasn t going to be involved at all 16 Born of Frustration discusses having multiple possiblities in front of one s self and not being able to have any of them 25 Booth said Ring the Bells referred to breaking free from p atriarchal Jehovah while finger pointing the God of shame 26 Sound features an electronic section that was reminiscent to the music heard in John Carpenter films 23 Bring a Gun was written after a shooting at a club in Manchester and according to Booth detailed the repressive attitude that authority figures have towards younger generations 16 27 Some of the lyrics deal with people having a lack of compassion for others and the need for political violence 28 The anti war track Mother earned a comparison to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds due to its reverb enhanced guitars and atmospheric violin 16 29 28 Its title referred to Gold Mother Saddam Hussein s speech about the Mother of all battles and childless mothers as a result of war 28 Don t Wait Too Long displays the folk elements of the band s earlier albums 30 It initially had a faster tempo before it was eventually slowed down and utilized elements of soul music 16 Next Lover which also shares the folk elements talks about desire 30 31 Booth saw Live a Love of Life as a partial continuation of the Gold Mother track God Only Knows in that he talked about rejected his Christian upbringing it includes references to the Gulf War The verses of Heavens talk about a person with their head in their hands thinking about self pity and despondency 32 Protect Me is about praying for protection and dates back to when Booth broke up with his girlfriend and the band s manager Martine McDonagh 16 Booth said Seven was one of the few love songs he had written it includes references to various ecstatic experiences of union in meditation and sex 33 34 Release editBetween September and November 1991 the band embarked on a large scale UK tour with support from Thousand Yard Stare 35 36 37 Sound was released as the album s lead single on 18 November 1991 with All My Songs and a remix of Come Home as extra tracks the music video for Sound was directed by Peter Scammell 38 39 In December 1991 the band flew to Los Angeles California to shoot a music video for Born of Frustration however three hours after arriving Gott was mugged at gunpoint and flew back to the UK 40 As a result the band s tour manager stood in for Gott at the video shoot which was also directed by Scammell 38 40 That same month Seven was announced for release early next year 41 The final video featured footage of windstorms in deserts angel sculptures and skyscrapers 42 Born of Frustration was released as a single on 20 January 1992 with Be My Prayer and a remix of Sound as extra tracks 43 Seven was released on 17 February 1992 its vinyl release omitted Next Lover 1 44 Following this the band embarked on a 13 date US tour 45 Ring the Bells was released as a single on 23 March 1992 with Fight Once a Friend and remixes of Come Home the music video for Ring the Bells was directed by Scammell 38 46 In June 1992 the band performed at the Glastonbury Festival 47 James played their only UK headlining show of the year at an open air concert at the Alton Towers leisure park on 4 July 1992 where they performed to a crowd of 30 000 with support from Public Image Ltd 29 48 Galliano was also due to support but had to pull out after weather conditions threatened to destroy the stage s roof 49 Two days later Seven was released as a single with Goalies Ball William Burroughs and Still Alive as extra tracks Following this the band played various festivals across Europe 47 Diagram left the band citing that he wanted to explore other opportunities and missed his girlfriend 50 51 In September 1992 they returned to the US where they supported Neil Young on nine of his west coast show 52 53 During these dates James played acoustically 52 After this they toured the territory supporting the Soup Dragons for six weeks before going on a tour of Japan in December 1991 54 Later in December the band went on a stint of the UK which was promoted as an acoustic tour 55 A show in December 1991 was filmed and released in 1992 as the band s second video album Seven The Live Video where the band played every song from the album Its 2005 DVD re release saw the inclusion of videos for Born of Frustration Sound Seven Come Home and Sit Down 12 A show in November 1992 was released as the live album The Greenpeace Palace Concert as part of the 2016 Record Store Day 56 Born of Frustration Ring the Bells Sound and Seven were included on the band s first and fourth compilation albums The Best Of 1998 and Fresh as a Daisy The Singles 2007 57 58 Heavens and Seven were included on the band s third compilation album The Collection 2004 59 The music videos for Born of Frustration Ring the Bells Sound and Seven were included on the career spanning box set The Gathering Sound 2012 alongside a demo of Ring the Bells 60 Seven was reissued on CD in 2001 with the addition of live versions of Protect Me Sound Heavens and Don t Wait That Long Seven was re pressed on vinyl in 2017 with Next Lover reinstated 1 To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Alton Towers show the band played Castlefield Bowl in Castlefield in 2022 where they repeated the same setlist 49 Reception editProfessional ratingsReview scoresSourceRatingAllMusic nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 30 Calgary HeraldC 21 Chicago Tribune mixed 20 Martin C Strong8 10 61 NME5 10 23 Q nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 62 Select nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 22 Vox8 10 63 Seven was met with mixed reviews from music critics 64 Vox s Mike Pattenden referred to Seven as a substantial document that marks James out as one of the few bands around who are capable of framing the anxiety and apprehension of eternal adolescence 63 AllMusic reviewer Tom Demalon noted that the album married the ambitious scope of the lyrics with a grand anthemic feel 30 He said the album might not be completely embraced by older fans but it s a confident artistic step and a fine entry in their catalog 30 Phil Sutcliffe of Q wrote that James were part of something but now they ve become one offs In part they have overarched their ability to put sounds and tunes to their teeming ideas but at leas if you want a band with balls they got em 62 The staff at Melody Maker called the album big brash unafraid unashamed but also miserable paranoid eccentric and epically confused showcasing the band at musically their most ambitious and diverse They went on further to say that Seven was an indisputable triumph from a band who spent the best part of a decade being shit 19 The staff at Chicago Tribune said the despite the band managing to evade the neopsychedelic 60s revival and the more pervasive electronic pop of New Order it was somewhat disappointing that it should pull off a soulless imitation of U2 on Seven They added that fans of U2 will find comfort in Booth s rendering of Bono s wailing in certain songs 20 Neil Dunlop of Calgary Herald considered the band to be chronically under the influence of Simple Minds and U2 What s the point if you can buy the original 21 In a review for Select David Cavanagh wrote that the band created a solid undemanding stadium album adding that it had a classic hermetically sealed sound big wide and virtually soulless 22 NME reviewer Andrew Collins wrote that all of the songs were fit for widescreen promo treatment with melodies that come across as incidental to broad sweeping effect He noted that while the individual interesting noise count is consistently high tunes are tragically thin on the ground 23 According to Fontana Records owner Phonogram Seven sold 100 000 copies in advance orders prior to release 48 It peaked at number two in the UK 65 and number 45 in Sweden 66 Seven was later certified gold in the UK 67 Sound charted at number 4 in Portugal 68 number 9 in the UK 65 number 15 in Ireland 69 and number 28 in Australia 70 Born of Frustration charted at number 5 on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart 71 number 13 in the UK 65 number 69 in the Netherlands 72 Rings the Bells and Seven charted in the UK at number 37 and 46 respectively 65 Track listing editAll songs written by James 17 Seven track listingNo TitleProducerLength1 Born of Frustration Martin Youth Glover4 212 Ring the Bells JamesSteve Chase4 453 Sound Youth6 404 Bring a Gun Youth3 425 Mother JamesChase2 406 Don t Wait That Long Youth6 397 Live a Love of Life JamesChase4 188 Next Lover not on original vinyl version Youth5 279 Heavens JamesChase3 5610 Protect Me JamesChase3 0511 Seven Youth3 22Personnel editPersonnel per booklet 17 James Tim Booth vocals Andy Diagram trumpet backing vocals Dave Baynton Power drums percussion Jim Glennie bass guitar Saul Davies guitars violin backing vocals percussion Mark Hunter keyboards Larry Gott guitar Additional musicians Durga McBroom backing vocals track 6 Production and design Martin Youth Glover producer tracks 1 3 4 6 8 and 11 Spike Stent recording tracks 1 3 4 6 8 and 11 mixing track 6 James producer tracks 2 5 7 9 and 10 Steve Chase producer tracks 2 5 7 9 and 10 Tim Palmer mixing all except track 6 Lennart Nilsson cover photography Simon Fowler band photography Andy Ekins passport portraits Stylorouge designCharts and certifications editWeekly charts edit Chart performance for Seven Chart 1992 Peak position Swedish Albums Sverigetopplistan 66 45 UK Albums OCC 65 2 Certifications edit Region Certification Certified units sales United Kingdom BPI 67 Gold 100 000 Shipments figures based on certification alone References editCitations a b c d Music Studio Albums James Archived from the original on 13 May 2020 Retrieved 19 December 2020 a b Erlewine Stephen Thomas James Biography amp History AllMusic Archived from the original on 5 May 2019 Retrieved 31 December 2020 Maconie 2000 p 171 Maconie 2000 pp 171 2 Dead Cert Manchester Evening News December 1990 Gill Andy March 1992 The Band Who Wanted First Name Terms The Independent a b Leonard Michael October 1993 The James Gang Guitarist a b Maconie 2000 p 174 a b Maconie 2000 p 172 a b Sit Down Press Biography Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records February 1991 Maconie 2000 p 173 a b Music Videos amp DVDs James Archived from the original on 31 December 2020 Retrieved 29 December 2020 McCann Ian 6 April 1991 This Band Is Where It s Sat NME Maconie 2000 p 175 a b Maconie 2000 p 176 a b c d e f Lamacq Steve 25 January 1992 The Magnificent Seven NME a b c d e James 1992 Seven booklet Fontana Records 510 932 2 Wright Jonathan 1997 James Times of Change Sessions 1 3 16 a b c 007 Licence to Thrill Melody Maker February 1992 a b c Reviews Chicago Tribune March 1992 a b c d Dunlop 1992 p 24 a b c Cavanagh David February 1992 Booth s New Gold Dream Select a b c d Collins Andrew 15 February 1992 Kick Out the James NME Cavanagh David February 1992 Holier Than Thou Select James Interview San Francisco California United States MTV February 1992 Booth Tim 6 July 2020 Tim Booth on Twitter Different Gods Bells is breaking free from Patriarchal Twitter Archived from the original on 2 January 2021 Retrieved 2 January 2021 Booth Tim 3 February 2020 Tim Booth on Twitter Written after a rare shooting at a Manchester club The city Twitter Archived from the original on 2 January 2021 Retrieved 2 January 2021 a b c Maconie 2000 p 182 a b Seven Press Release and Biography Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records February 1992 a b c d e Demalon Tom Seven James Songs Reviews Credits AllMusic Archived from the original on 3 January 2021 Retrieved 31 December 2020 Booth Tim 24 May 2020 Tim Booth on Twitter Desire About no one in particular Just a snapshot A Twitter Archived from the original on 25 May 2020 Retrieved 2 January 2021 Mitchell Pete February 1992 James Interview Manchester UK KEY 103 Booth Tim 31 May 2019 Tim Booth on Twitter One of my first love songs The other guys are Twitter Archived from the original on 2 January 2021 Retrieved 2 January 2021 Booth Tim 23 December 2018 Tim Booth on Twitter I was in a steamy relationship where the L word Twitter Archived from the original on 2 January 2021 Retrieved 2 January 2021 James Go Whoops Sounds April 1991 James NME April 1991 News NME November 1991 a b c James 2007 Fresh as a Daisy The Videos booklet Fontana Records JIMDVD1 984 836 2 6 Sound Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records November 1991 a b Gang Get Gott NME 12 December 1991 Sound amp Glory Melody Maker December 1991 Maconie 2000 p 181 Born of Frustration Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records January 1992 James Feels Like Seven NME February 1992 Opening Shot James in NYC Vox March 1992 Ring the Bells Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records March 1992 a b Seven Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records June 1992 a b Spinoza Andy February 1992 James on a rock and Roller Ride Manchester Evening News a b Hiles Hannah 2 July 2022 James pay tribute to legendary Alton Towers show with huge Manchester gig tonight The Sentinel Archived from the original on 2 July 2022 Retrieved 2 July 2022 Laid Press Release Biography Press release United Kingdom Fontana Records September 1993 Maconie Stuart August 1993 What s Eating You Select a b Neil Young Support Slot Press release United States Mercury Records August 1992 Maconie 2000 p 192 Maconie 2000 pp 194 5 Maconie 2000 p 197 James 2016 The Greenpeace Palace Concert sleeve Fontana Mercury Records 4760131 James 1998 The Best Of booklet Fontana Records 536 898 2 James 2007 Fresh as a Daisy The Singles booklet Mercury Records 1731846 James 2004 The Collection booklet Spectrum Music 9824088 James 2012 The Gathering Sound booklet Universal Mercury Records 2753129 Strong 2006 p 550 a b Sutcliffe Phil March 1992 Unbridled Q a b Pattenden Mike February 1992 Reviews Vox Maconie 2000 p 183 a b c d e James Artist Official Charts UK Albums Chart Retrieved 3 January 2021 a b Swedishcharts com James Seven Hung Medien Retrieved 3 January 2021 a b British album certifications James Seven British Phonographic Industry Retrieved 3 January 2021 Selectalbumsin the Format field SelectGoldin the Certification field TypeSeven in the Search BPI Awards field and then press Enter Top 10 Sales in Europe PDF Music amp Media Vol 9 no 7 15 February 1992 p 26 Archived PDF from the original on 3 January 2021 Retrieved 3 January 2021 Displaying 21 for Sound Irish Recorded Music Association Archived from the original on 3 January 2021 Retrieved 3 January 2021 australian charts com James Sound Australian charts Hung Medien Archived from the original on 3 January 2021 Retrieved 3 January 2021 James Chart History Alternative Airplay Billboard Archived from the original on 3 January 2021 Retrieved 3 January 2021 Discografie James Dutchcharts nl Archived from the original on 3 January 2021 Retrieved 3 January 2021 Sources Dunlop Neil 19 April 1992 Recent Releases Calgary Herald ISSN 1197 2823 Maconie Stuart 2000 James Folklore The Official History Virgin Books ISBN 0 7535 0494 4 Strong Martin C 2006 The Essential Rock Discography Volume 1 Canongate Books ISBN 9781841958279 External links editSeven at YouTube streamed copy where licensed Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Seven James album amp oldid 1174448310, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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