James are one of those bands with a following that have been with them for countless years and when the band and fans come together it's like a semi-religious experience. Tonight was to be no different and turned a rainy Tuesday in Bournemouth into a balmy evening filled with music and love.

The gig started with a very low-key acoustic version of Star before going on to play a set that did included some older stuff along with ten (if I counted right) out of the twelve tracks off their new album The Girl at the End of the World that all went down really well.

I go to so many festivals and gigs that it is rare a band goes beyond mere enjoyment and stirs something deeper and touches an emotional nerve. I probably wouldn't put James in my top ten bands but tonight they produced a live set and gig that did just that. Songs like 'Sometimes' when the band provide the backing to a crowd that was so vocal and so involved Tim Booth can just stand and watch. Even when the band thought they were finished the crowd had other ideas and just carried on alone. Tim eventually just went with the flow and joined in with a solo dance, with the band waiting a few more minutes before coming back in and building the atmosphere to a crescendo that nearly took the roof off.

The band were tight, the lights and sound were excellent and for someone born in 1960 Tim Booth has more energy than most people I know and dances like a yoga teacher on acid which is a joy to watch.

No Sit Down tonight but that was not the big deal you might expect it to be with the strength and depth of the songs that did make it onto the set list.

If you think this review is a bit over the top I can only say that you obviously weren't there as it was everything above and more. Go along next time, it will be worth every penny.