Remember James? No? Well, do you remember that song “Laid?” It was kind of a big hit in the mid-90s. Still no? It’s that one that goes, “This bed is on fire with passionate love…But she only comes when she’s on top…” It was in the American Pie commercials. Bingo — now you’ve got it.

I had that conversation several times over the past few weeks when I told friends I was going to see James. Though the band was actually quite successful in the UK, their visibility in the US post-Laid was perhaps not so high. Those that do remember turned out in force on Friday, however, as the James reunion tour played to a sold-out crowd at DC’s 9:30 Club.

James proved themselves worthy of the high turn out, providing those that were there with a little over two hours from a band that clearly wanted to be nowhere else but on that stage doing that show. Band enthusiasm has been known to make or break a concert, and James had it in spades. Singer Tim Booth flailed about wildly throughout a passionate performance that couldn’t help but draw you in — and make you wonder why they only managed one hit in the States.

The setlist leaned a bit heavily on the new album and tracks from “Laid” — though that’s to be expected, considering one’s the album they’re currently trying to promote, and the other’s the one Americans actually bought. I was pleased to hear a few from the earlier days, however, including “Sit Down,” “Come Home,” and personal favorite “Born of Frustration.” They even deviated from their setlist at one point, playing “Don’t Wait That Long” for a guy holding up a piece of notebook paper with the song’s title scrawled on it.

Me and fellow concert troublemaker Joe,
stalking Tim Booth (center) after the show

While I can’t say the crowd’s enthusiasm matched up to the energy displayed by the band, people at least seemed appreciative. At the end of the night, it was clear the members of James did not want to leave the stage, and can you blame them? After so many years away, it had to feel good to bask in the adoration of a sold-out crowd. It seemed obvious that James is welcome back in these parts anytime — hopefully, we won’t have to wait another 11 years for their next visit.