Be Opened By The Wonderful

Product Information

Love Make A Fool’ is one of the new tracks, and conceptualises their orchestral overtones with a completely different approach, kicking in with an electronic bareness on the surface, but as you listen, the layers keep rising to the surface, eventually dropping into some hypnotic beats, punctuating Booth’s vocals to tremendous effect. Tim Booth says of the album which celebrates forty years since the release of James’ first single Jimone on Factory Records –“Life begins at 40. I read thatthe new song on the album, `Love Make A Fool` is a simple prayer to be possessed by the ecstatic universal aspect of love, which is what it is, a dreamy but fairly captivating listen. BE OPENED BY THE WONDERFUL was recorded at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, orchestrated and conducted by Joe Duddell with the ORCA22 Orchestra, led by Andra Vornicu, featuring the Manchester Inspirational Voices choir directed by Wayne Ellington.

It eschews the easy path of an orchestral Best Of, giving Joe the freedom to select the songs that he feels work best with the addition of orchestration and a choir and allowing his ear and love of the band to combine to create magic. Joe Duddell says “Having attended the first 6 years of Latitude Festival, I’m excited to be involved in James’ special Main Stage Show this year in a UK Festival exclusive. Sometimes’ made me cry, not really sure why, but when the choir started singing, it was like the floodgates opened.Top Of The World` is a fascinating listen as this adaptation has the addition of woodwind and strings which offers a unique angle. Take “ Hey Ma,” for example, a hard-hitting anti-war song that encapsulated the frustration and anger felt by many in the aftermath of the World Trade Centre attacks. Released on 9th June via Virgin Music and available on DSPs, CD and Vinyl the double-album also includes one brand new track, Love Make A Fool, to be released in April. The message of the song is as firm and as needed today as it was back when it was released; “Now your grip’s too strong/ You can’t catch love with a net or a gun/ Gotta keep faith that your path will change/ Gotta keep faith that your love will change”.

It comes from a place of not understanding what’s gone wrong, struggling to comprehend why this huge void has appeared in your life, and not knowing how to fix it. With James’ experimentation, Joe Duddell’s expert touch, and the addition of the orchestra and choir, this album is an experience you won’t want to miss. Joe Duddell’s version of the song is a testament to his talent for transforming music into something new and exciting.It is just, in my somewhat biased opinion as a life long James fan, outstandingly beautiful, and Tim’s vocals “we can touch your soul” feel very fitting. Sometimes is the first track on the album, the racing repetitive guitar hook of the original version replaced by slow and emotive strings. Manchester favorites James are celebrating their 40th anniversary with an album of 20 re-recorded classics and deeper cuts “re-imagined” with a 22-piece orchestra and an 8-piece choir — and they’re taking the orchestral show on the road this month in the U. We are excited to announce our 2024 arena tour with special guests Razorlight AND a new album release! With seven Top 10 singles, three Top 10 albums and a rich catalogue of timeless songs, including ‘Walkway’, ‘Alright’, ‘Fine Time’ and ‘Flying’, Cast were one of the big success stories of the Britpop era.

We’re Gonna Miss You’ which featured on the ’99 album Millionaires, is broodingly delicious and still as catchy as hell all these years later. BE OPENED BY THE WONDERFUL is a 20 track – 19 vinyl – double album of some of their most loved and rare tracks, reimagined with a 22 piece orchestra and eight piece choir.

There are so many layers and details to these songs and I am still discovering more after numerous listens. This double disc set consists of their most acclaimed tracks and rarities which have been redefined alongside a 22-piece orchestra and an 8-piece choir, the result of which will audibly haunt you to the very last note, urging you to play it again with immediate effect. The album also features the ORCA 22 Orchestra led by Andra Vornici and the Manchester Inspirational Voices Choir, directed by Wayne Ellington. Pressing is dead flat, very little surface noise on either vinyl, maybe a tad more noticed on Side B but a couple of cleans and it's barely evident. By removing the electronic elements of the album version Joe has created space for the keys and the orchestra and allows Tim’s distinctive and textured voice to take centre stage.