The Fanonite

I thought this James song was relevant considering the 4,000 dead soldiers toll circulating in the press. I can’t say I like the video given that it suggests soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are somehow ‘heroes’ rather than criminals. I should point out that this isn’t the official video but another good example of remix culture.

Indie veterans James have unveiled the controversial artwork to their new album ‘Hey Ma’ which features an image of a baby about to pick up a handgun.

The hard-hitting image has apparently seen advertising execs give the album a wide berth, meaning that it is very unlikely to feature on major PR campaigns.

The record itself, released through Fontana/Mercury Records on April 17, also deals with very poignant subject matter and the current hostile world climate.

There’s imagery about 9/11 through lyrics about “falling towers” and “dust in the air”, while the Afghan and Iraqi conflicts are brushed upon in the lines “1-2-3. What are we fighting for?” and “Hey Ma, the boys in body bags.”

‘Hey Ma’ is James’ tenth album and the follow-up to 2001’s ‘Pleased To Meet You.’ It was recorded at Warsy Chateau in northern France with producer Lee ‘Muddy’ Baker.