James. Strip-Mine

'Strip-mine' was the second studio album by the Manchester quartet James, recorded early 1987 and after it was delayed several times released in September 1988. They were at the crossroads between the more experimental 'Stutter' and the more commercial 'Gold Mother' period. Tim Booth's lyrics are a mix between the enigmatic and very up front statements about the state of the world. The album opens with "What For", a total anthem that rang around many Mancunian venues at that time. This track should have made them stars. Apart from "What For", other stand out tracks are "Medieval" and "Are You Ready". This album deserves to be pampered and given another listen.