Product Description

JAMES: THE BEST OF is an excellent sampling of the late output of the band that was almost too happy for Manchester. Culled mostly from James's albums from the 1990s, the 18 songshere include the smash hit "Laid", and several other UK hits that were US sleepers, including "Come Home", "Sit Down", "She's a Star", and others.
Sadly, JAMES: THE BEST OF provides only one example of the band's earlier work on FactoryRecords. Nevertheless, the compilation attests to the wonderful pop sensibility that characterised the James sound, as well as to the lyrical depth that helped the band develop the dedicated following that enabled its survival long after the Madchester scene had floundered. James's phenomenal staying power is well documented on JAMES: THE BEST OF.

Track Listing

1. Come Home
2. Sit Down
3. She's A Star
4. Laid
5. Waltzing Along
6. Say Something
7. Born Of Frustration
8. Tomorrow
9. Destiny Calling
10. Out To Get You
11. Runaground
12. Lose Control
13. Sometimes
14. How Was It For You?
15. Seven
16. Sound
17. Ring The Bells
18. Hymn From A Village

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2000 in Music
• Released on: 1999-06-18
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 71 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Riding on the powerful wave of Manchester's early 1990's musical renaissance, James' intellectual and improvised approach complemented a dance heavy scene and catapulted the seven-piece in to the limelight. "Come Home" and "Sit Down"--James' most lucrative singles--commence this 18 song Best Of collection. Elsewhere, the equally commercial "She's A Star" from 1997 and 1998's satirical "Destiny Calling" prove that James have consistently carved out new territory for themselves and their listeners. Gradually drawing away from the brittle bones of their 1980s incarnation as a provocative but marginalised indie four-piece--as evinced on 1995's "Hymn From A Village"--1991 saw a strengthened James refining their musical designs to the point of subtle perfection on the epic "Sound". Writers of pop songs, devotees of producer Brian Eno's spirit of adventure--and occasionally unwitting victims of singer and lyricist's Tim Booth's sanctimonious and heavy-handed manner--James are a true enigma. Their Best Of is an island of musical intrigue and possibility. --James Littlewood

Customer Reviews

The Best "Best of" Ever
Best of albums are normally thought of as a cop out by bands to fill in time, and make some money.

But every so often they are just a wonderful display of talent that is there to be enjoyed by everyone.

This album should be in everyones collection. Whenever you hear a james song on the radio you prick your ears up, and tap your feet.

Nobody thinks they know any James songs (Apart from Sit Down), but listen to this, and you will remember so many amazing hits from the 90's.

James sat quietly in the background while Stone Roses and Happy Mondays were the headline grabbers.

But just becaue they are not as "famous" don't let that put you off.

This is without doubt the very best, "best of" album ever.

Beyond comparison
This collection is proof that James were the most under appreciated band in UK history. Not a bad track, every one a gem, fabulous lyrics, tunes, hooks and associated memories. This album shames the humdrum indie amateur dramatics of today. Even better, they are back on tour! Anyone else at Frankfurt in 92?

What an album!!
Wow what an album, there are many many hits here of which most of you willhave heard most of the songs. Thats a good sign for an album, how manyalbums have we heard that states "best of" only to be disappointed witheither the choice of songs or that laughably that they release the albumat all. Well this really is a best of. This album is a really goodchoice for a pre night out belter. There are some fine belters here likeSit Down, She's A Star and Born Of Frustration, but the best of all is theFlood Mix of Come Home. There are also a few mellow songs the best beingOut To Get You. If you are a massive James fan you will already havethese songs, however if you are a casual fan buy this then buy the rest oftheir back catalogue, well what are you waiting for, you too can besinging How Was It For You.