The Best Of James

James | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 30, 1998)
• Original Release Date: June 30, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fontana Island
• ASIN: B000007Q8H
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,362 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #72 in Music > Alternative Rock > British Alternative > Britpop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Talk about your oblique strategies. With a stealth that would make the most cunning panther proud, in its serpentine career the English collective James has accumulated one of the most impressive song catalogs around. It hardly matters that few of these singles have been stateside hits. James's specialty is the chapel-chiming alterna- track, borne on majestic guitar hooks and the breathy, breathtaking vocals of sensitive-guy frontman Tim Booth. Thus, this gorgeous anthology may come as a shock to Yanks familiar with the group only via its quasi-novelty number "Laid," or maybe the whooping "Born of Frustration." Material-wise, the old ("Sit Down") shimmers as brightly as the new ("Tomorrow," "She's a Star"). Booth is such a likable, commanding presence, and his combo such an exhilarating, optimistic force, that you only want to hear more from James once this album ends. Hit the repeat button or explore their catalog--it's your call. --Tom Lanham

Product Description

18 Track Best of Compilation. Tracks: Come Home, Sit Down, She's a Star, Laid, Waltzing Along, Out to Get You and More.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "And I don't believe you're all I'll ever need..", November 4, 2002

By 

spiral_mind (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best Of James (Audio CD)

I don't often review (or even listen to) greatest-hits or best-of compilations, but I'm making an exception in order to mention this little 66-minute slice of heaven. This is the CD that got me irresistibly hooked on James from the first time my girlfriend played it in the car, the one that's always given me a lift when I needed it most, the one that gives a more complete picture of their impressive song catalogue than any single album could (solid as they are in themselves). This should be a revelation to anyone who considers the group an alt-rock one-hit wonder because of "Laid" - their unfortunate loss - and of course a hugely enjoyable collection for those who already know better.

These guys have shown elsewhere that they can tackle the haunting ("Mother"), the calm and peaceful ("Skindiving"), and the just plain way-out-there (anything on Wah Wah), but whoever compiled this album obviously wanted to showcase their talent for sunny melodies and infectious hooks. Just about every song here is a sweet gem of sugary pop perfection that never seems to get tired. "She's a Star" is sweet without being sappy. "How Was It For You?" sounds jaded without being hostile. "Tomorrow" is full of hopefulness that somehow never descends into cheese. Singer Tim Booth makes the most plain situations sound convincing with such intelligent lyrics and such compelling singing - I for one can't really imagine "Say Something," for example, or "Sometimes" or "Come Home" sounding nearly this honest and personal from anyone else.

I give a less-than-perfect four stars because, while there isn't a dud to be found on this whole disc, it's still just a compilation. There's a lot more to discover on their regular albums.. the career highlight Millionaires, the timeless Seven, the live farewell Getting Away With It. As an introduction, The Best Of will be like both a warm ray of sunshine to brighten your day and that first addictive dose of something that makes you want more and more. But then, it's easy enough to pass off the compilation to an uncoverted friend and spread the word a little more...

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, light, surprisingly powerful., December 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Best Of James (Audio CD)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply a Gem. Buy 2!, January 17, 2000

By 

Ethan Shvartzman "Audio Anthropologist" (los angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best Of James (Audio CD)

While American Radio seems to be set on keeping James off the air the public must know the truth. Pop music can be smart and hearfelt and light without being obnoxious. After 16 years of perfection James treats the public with a brillian collection of songs. Of the whole disk not a single song is filler and no matter how many people i've play this recond too the response is always the same- WOW! Why dont i know them... Well here is you chance to introduce yourself and be seduced by James. IF you like u2,tori amos,folk music,light intelligent pop, bowie, simple minds, the smiths,brian eno than rejoice. your band has arrived. Pop this cd in the car, go for a ride and i garantee it will be better than any prozac.