The Best Of James (1998)
James


01. Come Home – 03:55 (1990)
02. Sit Down – 04:04 (1990)
03. She’s A Star – 03:40 (1997)
04. Laid – 02:36 (1993)
05. Waltzing Along (single version) – 03:36 (1997)
06. Say Something – 03:25 (1993)
07. Born of Frustration – 04:36 (1992)
08. Tomorrow – 03:41 (1997)
09. Destiny Calling – 03:50 (1998)
10. Out to Get You – 04:26 (1993)
11. Runaground – 04:09 (1998)
12. Lose Control – 03:55 (1990)
13. Sometimes – 04:37 (1993)
14. How was it for You – 02:57 (1990)
15. Seven – 03:19 (1992)
16. Sound – 04:58 (1991)
17. Ring the Bells – 04:43 (1992)
18. Hymn from a Village – 02:52 (1985)

As the name suggests, this album is a collection of some of Manchester band James’ best singles. Though there are comprehensive nodes about the band itself here, it’s worth pointing out that the group emerged in the general Madchester mayhem of the mid to late 80s, but have proved pleasantly long-lived. The first five tracks in particular are all classics; the version of “Laid” on here isn’t necessarily the best – it’s quite heavy and rocky, so it’s probably worth downloading a pure acoustic version of it if you want to hear it at its most mellow.

The album cover shows a 4x4 grid of slightly psychedelic flowers, and given that this is the Best of James, that’s exactly what you’d expect. It’s got a great foreword by Brian Eno, and a commentary of the band by David Cavanagh.

Best of all though, is lead vocalist Tim Booth’s foreword. I won’t quote the whole thing here, but his final words on the subject are brill.

And so now, we proudly present, a “singles” record of our survival, mutations and sucksesses. It’s not the best of... but it’s fucking good.
If I hadn’t seen such riches, I could have lived with being poor