One of my favorite bands James (yeah I have a lot of favorites, I can't help it) put out their last studio CD in 2001 and went out on top. Very few bands can say their last CD was their best but James is one of them. From day one you have been able to watch their progression and growth as a band.

On track 1, "Space" it starts out soft and slow but continues to build into a wall of sound masterpiece. Track 3 "English Beefcake" is subdued and ends at 3:29 but then picks up again with an acapella chorus which grows with new instruments under it for another 2 minutes. Track 4 "Junkie" showcases what James does best, dark and atmospheric songs using acoustics and a subtle blend of electronics. Track 6 "The Shinning" mixes piano and electronic feedback into a song The Beatles would have written if they were still together. Track 7 "Senorita" Tim wears his heart on his sleeve with lines like "I'm addicted to you, you're my love my senorita" over a bit of Spanish guitar. Track 8 "Give It Away" instantly grabs you with the mug swaying, happy drunk chorus. Track 10 "Getting Away With It All (Messed Up) is the best song on the CD. Tim Booth does what he loves, famous people name dropping. You have Eva Gardner, John Travolta and Richard Burton in this song. If you follow the discography of James you will notice a pattern of names and it reminds me a lot of Michael Stipe's writing. This is a song to be enjoyed with the volume turned up so you can hear all the different arrangments. The CD finishes off with "Alaskan Pipeline" a lush and softspoken song capturing the soul of James.

This CD is very tight in its production and doesn't get too preachy a problem Tim Booth has at times. The mix of instruments and electronics shows how much thought went into producing this. Depending on my mood I find myself gravitating towards different albums. I think one of my favorites is Whiplash, a heavier guitar and live sounding record. If you havn't listened to James in a while, pull a few songs out to get yourself back in the mood. I guarentee once you do, it will be very hard to put them back.....