James - "Girl at the End of the World" (2016)

James delivers, as usual, on their 14th studio album. Three weeks together in Scotland, with Max Dingel as producer, results in a record with a more electronic sound than usual, something found on a couple of early 2000's albums with the group.

A source of irritation, however, was the label's idea to put a sticker directly on the cover, a sticker that tells which singles are found on the album. When the album is wrapped in plastic. And the sticker has a glue that makes it virtually impossible to peel off without leaving ugly marks on the cover. Why not put it on the plastic surrounding the LP? I was so upset that I wanted to contact the label and ask questions, but on the website no phone number or email address were given. Writing a handwritten letter felt like going to extrems. So they wont have to fear my anger. This time.

The record's nearly 45 minutes are generously distributed on two discs. It's said to be good for the sound quality with a greater distance between the tracks. There is a tendency of getting somewhat spoiled when buying new vinyl with various add-ons, like cool booklets, gatefold covers, etc., so I noted a bit disappointed that this album contains no more than both the discs and a mp3 download. But that's OK, and probably the reason the album has got a relatively affordable price to be a newly released vinyl. The downloading of the mp3 just gave me just over two minutes of each song, I blame it on technical issues during the download. It's nothing I usually listen to, anyway.

It's a good album. Not James's best, but neither one of the less good. If you like the band, I definitely think it should be acquired. Personally, I like the band better when it's a slightly less electronic focus, and Tim Booth's voice doesn't go through various effects, as it does on some songs here. But this doesn't go to exaggeration, and it feels without doubt like a solid James album. As a balance to the electronic sound, you get, amongst others, the Edward Sharp smelling Nothing But Love, which finishes side A. James have been around for a long time, and I am pleased that they continue to create great records. It can be mentioned that it was almost James's first # 1 album in England, but in the last moment they were put down to the second place by Adele.


Tracklist

Side A
1. Bitch - 4:52
2. To My Surprise - 4:21
3. Nothing But Love - 3:29

Side B
1. Attention - 4:08
2. Dear John - 4:04
3. Feet of Clay "- 2:37

Side C
1. Surfer's Song - 3:51
2. Catapult - 4:02
3. Move Down South - 5:19

Side D
1. Alvin - 2:13
2. Waking - 2:44
3. Girl at the End of the World - 3:00