James - 'Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of' Album Review

Sean Friswell
2 hours ago
3 min read

James have long been one of the best bands the UK have produced, their live performances are a joy to behold and they’ve had something of a renaissance over the last few years in term of the quality of their new output so it’s interesting timing that they have decided to release their definitive best of now, I hope this doesn’t mean no more new music!

The problem with definitive best of records is that it always gives the die hard fans something to argue about, why isn’t their favourite song there, how could they have not included that obscure B-side that means something special to them?

James have done their best to deal with this issue by having two releases, one more compact featuring the obvious contenders and one much bigger, effectively a full career anthology.

There will inevitably be some fan complaints, but the more compact, best of, record is a brilliant introduction to what James are all about while the bigger collection allows people to explore their career in detail.

There are several distinct phases to James career and a lot of different soundscapes. Having started in 1982 they continued until 2001 when lead singer Tim Booth departed. When he returned in 2007, they started releasing new music and have kept going since then.

Obviously there was a period they were very much a part of the Madchester scene but they have always been much more than that, their mix of indie, folk, ambient, dance and rock and their willingness to explore interesting new soundscapes has meant that they have always pushed their limits, tried new things and, for some time now, sounded uniquely like James.

Their earlier work is very much in the indie vein but with signs even then of some interesting sounds but they really started having commercial success with 'Sit Down', a student anthem at the time which led to me sitting on the floors of various nightclubs to dance from a sitting position, only realising when I woke up the next morning that the floors of nightclubs tend not to be very clean, I probably should send them a bill for all the laundrette visits required after nights out.

It was 'Sit Down' that led me to discover James and I’m certain I’m not alone in that, but I quite quickly discovered that, in my opinion, 'Sit Down' is not anywhere near being their best song (much as I still love it). 'How Was It For You', 'Getting Away With It', 'Come Home', 'Sound', 'Laid', 'Sometimes', 'Out To Get You', 'Just Like Fred Astaire', 'Born of Frustration', 'She’s A Star' etc etc. This is a band with so many great songs, all of which are present on their best off, that it’s hard to pick a favourite!

If you don’t know James, and I have to accept there are new generations which haven’t experienced their genius you really need to buy or listen to this best of, but what you need to do as well is get tickets for the tour next year. If you haven’t heard the trumpet, seen Tim’s dancing, felt the sheer joy of singing and dancing along you absolutely need it in your life.

I think this Definitive collection is a brilliant introduction to a band cited by a number of other bands as being an influence. It is just wonderful collection.

What is so brilliant about James is the fact that all of their songs deal with real themes, if you listen to the lyrics of 'Sit Down' you realise it’s about supporting other peoples mental health, being there for them and helping them out, a sense of community which led to the sit downs on the nightclub floors and communal dancing.

The other thing to note is that the newer material really holds up well against the classics. The quality of their work has been high throughout their career but the last couple of albums have really raised the bar again. It is unusual for a band who have been going as long as James to keep realising excellent, relevant new music.

James are akin to a national treasure, the Stephen Fry or Jennifer Saunders of bands. They are worthy of your attention and continued devotion, they continue to be my playlists and my turntable, be kind to yourself and add them to yours as well.