James Album: “Stutter”

I first encountered the music of JAMES and their first full lenght release STUTTER almost 14 years ago and even thought I've moved on with the future, I am still touched by this fierce pop for it's profound lyrics and unique vocal arrangements, it's folky guitars, it's faster than lightning drummer it's raw and punk energy. the acoustic ferver on WHY SO CLOSE questions men's fixation with guns, violence and power with the use of a western movie like sound.On the deliciously funny BLACKHOLE the band mocks the self inposed depression of black clad youth.My personnal fave, SO MANY WAYS, is a touching meditation on life, chance and all its marvellous possibilities. With well over half a dozen full length albums since this recording, not one captures the rock hard essence and the flower scented fragility of James better than Stutter. alkalain@dsuper.net

James was a wonderful and extraordinary band-they almost hit it big in the U.S. with 'Laid', but didn't quite crossover ala Blur, Oasis, or heck, even Elastica. However, as is discernable from this, their wonderful full-length debut, they were a band with a unique vision, that I think didn't quite fit in with the trends/styles of the time (Imagine if they appeared now, in the wake of The Shins, Iron & Wine, or even Death Cab for CUtie!).

Nonetheless, STUTTER was an astounding debut for a young band. With an upbeat, punky feel (Gil Norton even engineered it: pre-Pixies, Catherine Wheel, Foo Fighters) combined with an aching folk sensibility, they were trying their hands at combing the waters of the Violent Femmes and The Smiths-yet in some ways they were more successful than either of those seminal bands. As you can hear on an album highlight, 'So Many Ways', their songs sometime achieve a sensitive, soaring beauty that might not be expected from this type of music. And the vocal arrangements are unique, intricate, and spectacular here-easily the most creative of all their albums.

In fact, discounting LAID (their unquestionable masterwork), this is easily their most creative, entertaining, and emotional release. From the stipped-bare version of 'Why So Close' (an edgier, rocking out version appears on their earlier e.p. HYMN FROM A VILLAGE-absolutely seek it out if you can find it-spectular stuff!) to the fade-out speeded-up closer of 'Black Hole', this album is a delight.

James veered more into arena anthems and electronica experimentations with some of their later albums, but STUTTER captured them at their essence: raw, punky, folky, witty, and beautiful. And yes, live, they were a marvel.

I can't recommend this to anyone expecting the quality of later James releases. I have their greatest hits album, Laid and Hey Ma, and like all three a lot. I suppose if you want a sense of the evolution of their style, this is interesting, but for me, I found it virtually unlistenable on first play. I don't plan on listening to it again...

it's not as good as i remember it , i like 7, laid, and wah wah much better, but that's just me , this is a little rough around the edges .