James Album: “James: The Best Of”

This is my first "James" album. I bought it because I was looking for something new, and I was already familiar with the alt-pop hits "Sit Down", "Laid" and "Say Something". But -- you know how when you buy a "best of" album with this many tracks (18), you usually end up disappointed because of all the filler? I'm pleased to say that this is not the case with this album. Every tune is a pop marvel... I can't stop humming them all! This collection is thick with great pop-rock songs, almost too many great songs to digest in one sitting. I'm tempted to rate it 5-stars, but I suspect that other James albums are more cohesive (this album spans over 10 years' work, and reflects the touch of several different producers), so I'm reserving the higher rating for their other albums, and looking forward to diving into the rest of James' catalog. If it helps you decide for youself (and I suspect that only James' biggest fans will ever read this review), I find James similar to the work of power popsters like The Charlatans, Stone Roses, The Housemartins/The Beautiful South, Joe Jackson, The Ocean Blue, and of course the Smiths (although much less self-indulgent). If you're a fan of any of these bands, then James is right up your alley; they're smart, fun, a little irreverent, and will definitely put a smile on your face. Or -- if you're a fan of James, try some of these others! Enjoy.

Pure power pop. Simple arrangements, guitars, soaring harmonies. Get drunk and sing your heart out with the rest of us. Turn it up so your attempts at the high notes don't empty the neighbourhood. Tell a few special friends but not too many. Gems like this shouldn't be soiled by mass appeal. Apologies to the Artists who deserve world-wide recognition, and the dollaroos that go with it. If you have the pleasure to visit England's green and pleasant lands look out for the pub jukeboxes that feature England's finest. You will be surprised by the number of people in the crowd that sing along.

Not much else to say that the others haven't said already... brilliant songs from a brilliant group. I knew very little about the band before purchasing this album, only remember hearing the song Laid before. Since then I have collected every James album and can now say they are my favorite group. I honestly believe as a whole this is the single best CD I have ever heard, there are no fillers or stinkers and none of the tracks grow thin with repeat listenings.

After this album, you'll be hungry for more James. Get their latest release, Millionaires after this. I think its their best quality regular album and you won't get any duplicate songs since it came out after the Best of. Unfortunately I'm not sure if its available in the US, I ordered it as an import, but its worth every penny. I usually rotate between the Best of and Millionaires.

After that you pretty much can't go wrong with any of their albums... Stripmining is probably their weakest (still good though), so save that for last (no songs from that album made it onto the best of album). One of my favorite songs that didn't make it on the Best of is 'Lost a Friend' from Whiplash, although the latter half of that album has a few weak songs.

Anyways, I think James is absolutely brilliant. They have a style all their own which isn't really duplicated by any other artist. Also check out Booth and the Bad Angel, Tim Booths solo album, very good as well.

This is such an easy band to like. You know, some bands you've got to listen to forever before it clicks. Not James. This is a great, and lengthy 18 track collection. If you only recognize a few songs, don't worry, they're all good. Of course this has the amazing songs "Born of Frustration" and "She's a Star", but also has "Say Something", "Tomorrow", and many others. James seems to have a passion and sincerity in their music that makes it a joy to listen to. Oh, and it's all very catchy. This collection comes with a big bonus too. I mean, what other Best-of out there will get you "Laid"?

Or , more appropriately , love at first listening . This was my first contact with James and for the first time in many years , I was struck by lightning when listening to something totally new and impossible to anticipate and predict .

Years ago I read some positive reviews of "Seven" , but for one reason or another , never bought anything from them . Until now , and after listening to this wonderful collection of wisely-crafted songs , I plan to keep exploring their unique , mind and sense-appealing world .

I also remember hearing someone , back in the early 90's , who considered James as a kind of U2 follow-up act , or at least , a brit version of U2 . Well , aside from a Bono-ish tone at the beginning of "Out to get you" , there's no U2 influence whatsoever .

As a matter of fact , James is one of the most original bands I've ever heard . Not to mention that is very difficult to cathegorize them in any way .

Again , this is an extraordinary catalogue of beautiful songs , one after another . A marvelous journey that starts with the smart "Come home" and ends with the new-wavish pop of "Hymn from a village" . In the meantime they never go low , instead reaching extraordinary heights in "Laid" , "Waltzing along"

( a melodic and lyric jewel )and "Destiny calling" .

Plus ( a big plus ) , the sense of humor that is displayed in the songs is absolutely delicious .

Tim Booth and friends deserve a standing ovation .