James Album: “Whiplash [UK Remastered]”

Unlike some other listeners I did not accidently purchase this album, nor was I disappointed. Creative bands continually explore their sound, unlike some bands (ie. Bush). "Whiplash" is different than their CD's "Laid" (which was mellow) or "Millionares" (which is heavy on the synth side), this release boasts powerful guitars, classic James lyrics and a different direction. Overall this reminds me of their Gold Mother disc, which was fun and unpredictable. Their sound is unique to other releases and more resembles the extra songs from their "Best of" CD like Runaground & Destiny Calling. There is more James than Brian Eno on this disc unlike "Laid" or "Pleased to meet you" which were heavily influenced by Eno. If you like the more upbeat James you've heard check this release out. A great selection for the car by the way, especially when driving at high speeds...

While U2 were fooling around with disco, facial hair, and over-produced feedback, James was crafting a record so cutting edge and modern that the finished product sounds nothing shy of amazing. It is not "Laid" but is most certainly James. Frontman Tim Booth (in men's clothing) and the rest of the ever-changing lineup have experimented with electronica, ambient, and dance, successfully incorperating all three into this collection of distinctively smart Brit-pop. Cheers to the "frequent interference" of Brian Eno and all the forward thinking, innovative forces within the band for keeping a sharp edge in a rather unforgiving market. Everything fits here, down to the album artwork. Listen to the stark urgency of "Tomorrow," the trippy daze of "Play Dead," and the anthemic "Avalanche" for a perfect sampling. It's a shame the band's exposure in the states is so minimal, save the "Laid" single, a dorm room classic. Most simply, this is the U2 album that "Pop" should have been. No inflated egos here, just a pure, unadulterated sonic barrage, both mesmerizing, lush, and beautiful ... without any handlebar moustaches.

As mentioned on many of these reviews Laid and Seven were indeed fantastic CD's full of a wide range of moving music and deep lyrics. However this CD is probably their best and most unrecognized of them all. Every song is its own masterpiece of great rhythms and insightful lyrics. The track Tomorrow is about saving a friend from suicide is a driving track that as strange as it sounds is a uplifting tune. Lost a friend the next track is deep and very meaningful touching the boundaries of what we perceive on TV and just how we accept the unacceptable because of its propaganda. Waltzing along probably their best song on the cd if you had to choose one is so true in all its observations on life. A meaningful flowing tune that just makes you feel good to be alive, very spiritual. Shes a star the 4th track is their hit from the CD very catchy tune sure to please on first listen.Driving message don't live in the shadows of others we are all stars. I could go through whole CD but will spare everyone. Finish with a few quickies, Avalanche awesome!!! about revolution, Go to the bank this tune is fun about consumerism and the shallowness of it.Blue pastures forget it all in the blue pastures a floating tune one of my fav's, great for relaxation. A must James CD to have in your collection I have bought it 3 times over the years.

While "Whiplash" is an amazing album and 1000 times better than the tripe they play on the radio, it's not James' best. It's too poppy and dancey for my taste, but the lyrics are still divine. 'Blue Pastures' is one of my favorite songs. However, if you're only going to buy one James album, well, they've just released a "Best of", already available in the UK and Canada, and to be releasd in the States June 30. Or, if you can't wait that long, "Laid" is one of their best albums , and just as readliy available as "Whiplash".

James delivers with their CD "Whiplash"---this band has impressed me with their ability to write good music with fantastic lyrics! I don't have much to say except this CD is wonderful, and you must get your hands on it!