Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
19 of 19 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
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...
|
|
|
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Engaging, light, surprisingly powerful., December 12, 1998
By A Customer
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.
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not killed by Radio, July 11, 1999
By A Customer
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.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by James 
