Yes, Hoffs (and her allure) wasn't the worst choice of front persons to lead the vanguard of the MTV video generation.

Probably not many James fans here - a Manchester band around since the 80's - but they are doing a rare North American tour performing their album Laid in entirety.  I feel blessed as I can say without hyperbole this album is at the top of my desert island list.  It was the only one that made it big stateside but left an impression on me like no other. Tim Booth's affective tenor evoking the feminine aspect of the soul, textured and meditative rhythms that build to emotional crescendos, and a slide guitar guiding the acoustical theme to provide a subtle haunting and yearning throughout.  All these elements combined to create an album apart from anything else in their oeuvre.

Five-O is a good representation; capturing all the above along with introspection that finds just the right balance of moody and melancholy.