The Best Of James

Though they've only charted one U.S. hit, 1994's Laid , James have been huge in England for 15 years, earning fans like Brian Eno. Here's 18 of their best, including Laid; Born of Frustration; Come Home; How Was It for You; Sit Down , and more, including rare single versions and two new songs. Talk about your oblique strategies. With a stealth that would make the most cunning panther proud, in its serpentine career the English collective James has accumulated one of the most impressive song catalogs around. It hardly matters that few of these singles have been stateside hits. James's specialty is the chapel-chiming alterna- track, borne on majestic guitar hooks and the breathy, breathtaking vocals of sensitive-guy frontman Tim Booth. Thus, this gorgeous anthology may come as a shock to Yanks familiar with the group only via its quasi-novelty number "Laid," or maybe the whooping "Born of Frustration." Material-wise, the old ("Sit Down") shimmers as brightly as the new ("Tomorrow," "She's a Star"). Booth is such a likable, commanding presence, and his combo such an exhilarating, optimistic force, that you only want to hear more from James once this album ends. Hit the repeat button or explore their catalog--it's your call. --Tom Lanham

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