Brian James was born in the UK on 18 February 1961. He has had a
rather illustrious musical career having been affiliated with two of the biggest bands in the punk/new wave
canon: The Damned and Lords Of The New Church. Between his stints
with The Damned and Lords he was a founder of the band Tanz Der Youth. Mr James has been a
member of The Damned off and on for the past twenty years and has even appeared on solo recordings by
various Damned alumni...
"Ain't That A Shame"/"Living In Sin" & "I Can Make You Cry"
Musicians:
Brian James Guitar and Vocals
Stewart Copeland Drums
Kim & Erica Backing Vocals
This three-song single (first in the series) was previously released in the UK as a 12" on BJ Records, which was probably Brian's own label and probably (though not indicated) distibuted by Miles Copeland's Faulty/Illegal Records conglomerate...
The first thing one might be fooled into thinking is that the A-side is a new wave or punk cover of the Lynyrd Skynyrd tune. Not quite. All three tunes were penned by Mr James and all three tunes are endearing despite the rough edges. Drummer Stewart Copeland's signature drumming certainly enhances the listening experience. But, without a doubt, the A-side is the best tune on this record. Brian James released another single in the UK containing one more catchy James' tune ("Why, Why Why?") and a largely forgettable B-side.
Greater things were in store for Brian James as a "Lord Of The New Church..."
I.R.S. GREATEST HITS VOLS 2 & 3 (SP 70800): features
"Ain't That A Shame" on Side one, cut two.
KILL YOUR RADIO (29696): features
"Why Why Why" cut nine.
Unfortunately at the present time there are no links to websites pertaining to BRIAN JAMES, nor is
there any fan club info. By going to either the THE DAMNED
or LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH IRS Corner Pages you will find links
that contain info on Mr James.