JAMES James: The Best Of (1998 UK 18-track compilation CD picture sleeve)  Riding on the powerful wave of Manchester's early 1990's musical renaissance, James' intellectual and improvised approach complemented a dance heavy scene and catapulted the seven-piece in to the limelight. "Come Home" and "Sit Down"--James' most lucrative singles--commence this 18 song Best Of collection. Elsewhere, the equally commercial "She's A Star" from 1997 and 1998's satirical "Destiny Calling" prove that James have consistently carved out new territory for themselves and their listeners. Gradually drawing away from the brittle bones of their 1980s incarnation as a provocative but marginalised indie four-piece--as evinced on 1995's "Hymn From A Village"--1991 saw a strengthened James refining their musical designs to the point of subtle perfection on the epic "Sound". Writers of pop songs, devotees of producer 's spirit of adventure--and occasionally unwitting victims of singer and lyricist's Tim Booth's sanctimonious and heavy-handed manner--James are a true enigma. Their Best Of is an island of musical intrigue and possibility. --James Littlewood