For those who were paying attention a few years back, James sort of surprised us all by reuniting as a working band and by creating an exemplary album in the process called Hey Ma. To prove to us that they weren’t just blowing smoke that time around, James plans on releasing two EPs for 2010. The Night Before comes first and will soon be followed by The Morning After. And being the good U2 disciples they are, James can still write big songs, even if they are for a small album. The choruses are miles wide and Tim Booth’s vocals work those cadences remarkably well for a man who hit 50 earlier this year. It may not be universally considered James’ finest hour, but The Night Before is strong enough to keep their spark alive long enough until they deliver us another masterpiece.