Stutter [Import]

James, ????? | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 20, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Warner Bros UK
• ASIN: B000007161
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,044 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Skullduggery

2. Scarecrow

3. So Many Ways

4. Just Hip

5. Johnny Yen

6. Summer Songs

7. Really Hard

8. Billys Shirts

9. Why So Close

10. Withdrawn

11. Black Hole

Editorial Reviews

1991 reissue on Sire of the English alternative group's 1986debut for the label. 11 tracks, including 'Skullduggery', 'Scarecrow' and 'Black Hole'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The passion and the brains, February 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Stutter (Audio CD)

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. [e-mail]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An original vision, March 8, 2006

By 

RockerDad (Renton, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stutter (Audio CD)

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.