Best of Genres:Alternative Rock, Pop Includes a Bonus Live CD with Seven Tracks - Laid, She's a Star, Sound, Runaround, Out to Get You, Johnny Yen, Lose Control.
"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..."
Engaging, light, surprisingly powerful.
spiral_mind | 12/12/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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."
My first James album - who is now my favorite group
Jason Brobeck | Coraopolis, PA United States | 04/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Not killed by Radio
spiral_mind | 07/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
The best "hits" package in Britpop history, bar none.
spiral_mind | 03/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
