Customer Reviews

James: The Best Of

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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...

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.

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.

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.

James are the most earnest survivors of the early '90's Madchester scene. Often considered second-rate to such long-gone Manc contemporaries as the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, the band has in fact produced some of the most affecting and brilliantly written Britpop songs of the decade. This "Best Of" package shows James in their brightest pop mode, culling the best tracks, predominently from their three strongest albums "Seven", "Laid", and "Whiplash," as well as two new songs. Impeccable production, tight melodies, and superb musicianship are the band's hallmark. And singer Tim Booth undoubtedly posseses the greatest voice in the history of rock music, second to none. Although James has never had a hit in the U.S., such memorable U.K. hits as "Sit Down," She's a Star," and "Hymn From a Village" create a coherent and enjoyable package. James is the only hitmaking English band of this decade who can yet create such an array of hits. I highly recommend this album to fans of R.E.M., Blur, and XTC.

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.

If you're even slightly wary of albums with "Best of.." in the title, abandon any such reticence with this. It really is the best of this British Indie band and they're on top form with both the classic singles (Lay Down/Born of Confusion/How Was It For You? etc)and the lesser known material. And eighteen, thumpingly good tracks for the princely sum of under thirteen dollars is darned fine value. If it's a choice between this and a square meal, go for the CD. (Most of us could do with losing a bit of weight anyway!) This more than warrants its four out of five stars.

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"?

Imagine every great English band from yesterday and today- the Beatles, Bowie, Roxy Music, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure, New Order, etc, and roll them into one and add in something extra..... perhaps a little more passion and humor- and you have James- an underappreciated, multi-talented group of musicians!
Though the departure last year of lead singer, Tim Booth leaves their future up in the air, this Manchester England band have left quite a mark on music. It is safe to say that they have been one of the most talented, impressive, and underrated bands in the last decade or so.
In the early 90's, when they were first gaining international recognition, we American's were too obsessed with the over-hyped grunge movement. By the mid to late 90's, the boring "roots-rock" of Dave Matthews and Blues Traveler was all the rage, as were British bands like Oasis and Blur who never came close to being as versatile and original as James. In short, with the exception of the quirky 1993 hit, "Laid," America missed out on James.
What a pity!
Well, this greatest hits package, from 1998, is a chance to hear what we missed! ( I say we cause it took me some time to get around to them too!) While there are so many amazing James albums to buy, the hits are a good place to start. Sure, "Laid" is here, but there is much much more!
Anybody with good taste in cutting-edge, well-done rock music will instantly take to much of these songs. Tracks like "Say Something," "Sometimes," "She's a Star," "Tomorrow," and "Out to Get You" are some of the most powerful, satisfying and infectious songs to come out of the 1990's.
Though America was too busy playing out "Smells Like Teen Spirit, and "Under the Table and Dreaming" to even come close to appreciating James, here is a chance to hear a band that gave us some of the finest music the 1990's had to offer.

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 .