Search - James :: Getting Away With It: Live

Pop doesn't get much better than this.

spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 11/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Think of them as U2 without the ego. Instead of the popular kid at school who was always visible and outspoken, James was more like the unassuming quiet guy you'd see every day and barely notice. But down-to-earth as they were, this group could write a mean hook and a joyful soaring chorus with the best of them. Combine that with some intelligent lyrics and a staying power underneath the catchiness, and you've got one of the most modest but fascinating pop catalogues out there. (Even with several hits, they'll always seem like an under-the-radar treasure to me. I'm sure I'm not the only one.) This set can't help seeming like a memento - farewell shows tend to do that - but as a live album it's also top-notch. The band puts everything they've got into a heartfelt performance, and a few small warts only make it that much more honest & personal.



Getting Away also makes a splendid introduction to the group - it covers their entire career in two hours, it's got some material you'd otherwise have to hunt down some import CDs for, and it shows their variety much better than the single-disc best-of. The ambience is almost palpable. The energy is infectious from start to finish. It's easy to imagine how well some of the tunes must have worked as bouncy arena singalongs, but there's also a sincerity that can't be faked, from the modest jokes about technical glitches to Tim Booth's parting farewell ("I'd love to invite you all home for milk and cookies"). Like all James, this stuff is always fresh and never fails to give me a lift. At the heart of it all it's a group and an audience having a great time enjoying some excellent songs.. no flash or showiness required. Simple and fairly common, yes, but it's something that never gets old."

Holy Cow!

Dr. W. Martin James | Arkadelphia, AR USA | 10/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered James only a few years ago after hearing "Laid" on the radio. Very witty lyrics for that one. How did these guys never make it to superstardom? This double cd is AWESOME. I'm not one to explain the chord changes, etc. I just know what I like. If you like rock n roll then definitely check out this cd. I am stupefied that James never soared into the stratosphere of rock superstardom. The last concert, which is what this is, makes their retirement even sadder. BUY THIS CD."

Great Last Show

Pixies Fan | Purcellville VA, USA | 05/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this band just to start with. I bought their best of CD and was instantly hooked on songs like Laid, Hymn From A Village, Sometimes, and How Was It For You. Even though I love all of there songs.

I have a huge weakness for this band and especially for this CD. I automatically love everything I hear from them. And even though I knew that they were broken up when I got into them I almost cry when I hear this CD. Maybe because I want to see them live. Maybe because I love the band. I don't know.

But about the CD. It's great. It's a great set list with a loud vocal participant crowd. What else do you want in a live album. All I can tell you is buy this CD if you are a fan of James or you are new. Just get it.

"