I’ll be completely honest and admit that I don’t listen to this one too regularly, it’s certainly very much a piece of its time. I’m instantly taken back to being a very young GM listening to it on a cassette (remember them?) walkman. Even more tellingly of my age when I first bought this, it wasn’t in stock at Selectadisc so I ordered it from a mail order company in the back of the NME and paid for it with a postal order becauseI was too young to have a chequebook. Having previously assassinated Millionaires it seemed to make sense to listen to a James album as diametrically opposed as possible next. As it turns out it’s been a wonderfully enjoyable way to spend a wet afternoon. Note to self – listen to Stutter more, it’s a fantastic slice of eccentric oddness and really rather lovely.
Skullduggery –My adolescent self was quite obsessed with this song. My Mum thought it was bonkers. I gave it even more kudos because my Mum thought it was odd. As the sound gets frantic I’m reminded of a small child running so fast you worry that their legs might just give way. I love the tension in this early James material, balanced so dangerously between collapse and mania.
Scarecrow – There’s a lovely detail in the last few lines of this song “When your song strikes me, my walls fall down, and I can sit down, in your perfect light and sound” Of course the song is about Patti Smith, who Sit Down is also dedicated too. But it also explains perfectly the way I feel about James. I’ve never thought of that before, and it makes rather a wonderful circle.
So Many Ways – My least favourite definitely, I do tend to skip this one on Fresh As A Daisy. But the video is seriously creepy. Hilariously so. Whatever happened to those pastel suits!
Just Hip – How I love the opening bassline to this, then that guitar kicks in. I close my eyes and I’m taken back to another age, another me. It all feels rather fabulous.
Johnny Yen – A classic and despite the fragility of James’ dynamic at the time, this track shows in an English understated way just how large their sound would come. I have to admit it does stand out here quite clearly with the words epic and classic writ large across it.
Summer Song – Beginning a long tradition of songs about birth and reincarnation. I remember the lines “You taught us how to be the same as you, If only you really knew, we wouldn't do what you do…this isn't living, but another disguise, go looking for truth, as all of this is built on lies” had a huge impact on me. Listening to it now I can see the progression through to Discover on Tim’s solo Bone album. The yi yi yi screeching vocal and slightly preposterous guitar do grate on me slightly though.
Really Hard – Probably my favourite tracks from this album. I love this song and was absolutely made up when it was played on the 2007 tour. It’s gorgeous and lilting, just enough sugar without ever becoming cloying. “It’s so hard to remain open, If it's true, it can't be spoken” is such a beautiful line. Sublime.
Billy’s Shirts – I think Tony Wilson once described this as a sea shanty, which sums up it’s sheer oddness perfectly. It’s a wonderful slice of James eccentricity.
Why So Close – From sea shanties to what my husband describes as sounding like The Incredible String Band (he’s much more folky diddly-dee than me) The acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies are an absolute delight.
Withdrawn – Glorious drumming. I love the African sound of Larry’s early guitar playing, something that age and exposure to a broader range of music has helped me to appreciate more fully. The intense drumming, Jim’s laid back basslines, this guitar that sounds like it’s come from somewhere far away from Manchester and Tim’s distinctive vocal and quirky lyrics add up to something so unique.
Black Hole – And to close another total oddity. The drumming on this is immense, and sounds so much better on my grown up speakers than a tinny walkman. Listening to the ending of this song I really wish I’d been able to see James play in the 80’s. I think I would’ve enjoyed the experience.
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