Search - James :: The Collection

Great Band, but seems thrown together

Brandon J. Smith | Philadelphia, PA | 12/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge James fan. They are one of the only bands that I am actively upset broke up. If you're reading this, then it's safe to say you know why... As with their "Best Of" collection, this collection is again in a random order. A chronological order would better serve a James collection, in order to best show their development. The excellent "B-sides Ultra" cd is a better example of where a hodge-podge approach can work. ... So here's what I don't like: This is a mix of some of their "hits" and some random b-sides and rarities that do not appear on the "Ultra" cd. Why didn't they just come out with a comprehensive b-sides and rarities collection? I would have absolutely loved a double cd collection of all (and only) b-sides and soundtrack songs, and leave the hits collection to itself. As a devoted fan, I've got the regular albums anyway. If I want a hits collection, I can burn myself one. ... So here's what I like: I got this collection for the rarities, and, as usual, they are excellent. James's "throwaway" songs are always fun and/or interesting, and as long as they are being made available in some fashion, I'm satisfied. ... To introduce someone to James, I'd recommend the "Best Of" cd, "Seven," or "Laid," but for those of us who want the songs that were left off of "Ultra," I'm glad they're here. It's the next best thing to a new James album."

James "The Collection" is very good

Joe the Mason | Philadelphia, PA | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James is a band in which you should just go ahead and own all of their albums. But, if you need to be introduced to this great band, this cd is a great way to do it.



Containing a collection of songs ('hits') from their 12+ year career, this cd will show just what a great and overlooked band they were.



You'll know the first song "Sit Down" as it garnered a lot of airplay in the early 90s. You'll probably also recognize "Laid", another song of theirs that was a hit for them in the mid-90s. But the surpises you'll find are "English Beefcake", "Getting Away With It" and "Confusion".



All of the songs on here are great. It's a shame that bands like Matchbox 20 got popular while the far superior band James was overlooked. Pick up this CD if you're a first-time listener, but also grab it if you're a fan.



Also, Tim Booth (lead singer) who left the band in 2004 to pursue a solo career has rejoined the band, and they're touring England this spring, and are said to be writing new material which they'll apparently begin recording in the fall. Let's hope so!!!"