- Audio CD (5 July 1993)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Fontana
- ASIN: B000001DZ8
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Audio Cassette | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 33,469 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. Out To Get You |
| 2. Sometimes (Lester Piggott) |
| 3. Dream Thrum |
| 4. One Of The Three |
| 5. Say Something |
| 6. Five-O |
| 7. P.S. |
| 8. Everybody Knows |
| 9. Knuckle Too Far |
| 10. Low Low Low |
| 11. Laid |
| 12. Lullaby |
| 13. Skindiving |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Given that no-one, in the wider world, really cared about James until 10 years into their career, when they released "Sit Down", it's amazing they managed to repay this sudden attention with a creative burst that still sounds magical. Seven was their journey out into Waterboys-esque Big Music, whilst Laid, following a year after, was a semi-retreat back indoors again. Producer Brian Eno--ever the restraining reins when bands get on their big horse of rock--made sure that James' urges to go all Simple Minds are firmly curtailed, whilst the simply gorgeous "Sometimes (Lester Piggot)", the result of an all-night jam-session, could probably be used in religious devotionals. One chord, sixty acoustic guitars, Tim Booth ranting about a boy being struck down by lightening and a choir that appears for the last 30 seconds. If only all bands could touch God this late into their careers, Tin Machine would never have existed. --Caitlan Moran
Review
It may be hard to believe, but once upon a time, back in the pre-Britpop era of the early 90s, James were one of the biggest groups in the UK. Sure they dated further back than that, being the mildly unfashionable band mentioned in passing while fellow Manchester types The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays came, and went, and ultimately imploded. But after a couple of albums, they grabbed the baggy bandwagon by its number plate with 1990's Come Home and eventually broke through big-time with indie disco perennial Sit Down when it was re-released in 1991. The result: their records finally sold more than their t-shirts (25 million worldwide is a figure many of today's bands would lop off a limb for) and a decent career beckoned. A number of hit singles graced the charts, so it was no real surprise when their comeback tour in 2007 was such a success. James were, and very much remain, a band that a lot of people are very fond of.
By the time of this fifth album, released in 1993, Radio 1 was holding James Days and the band had graduated to football ground-sized shows, while stateside they were supporting the likes of Neil Young. Another sign of their status the arrival of Brian Eno as producer - Laid is the first of several collaborations between man and band. His presence was made perfectly clear when James' sixth album, Wah Wah, collected textural and ambient pieces and improvisational jams from the Laid sessions. But this set was one of solid songwriting, showcasing James at their finest, relaxing into their own skins.
A warm, subtle album in tone, songs like Out to Get You, One of the Three and Lullaby might be seen as forerunners of Snow Patrol's more-measured, less-grating fare. The title-track is indie-doing-sex a bit too self-consciously - Pulp would soon rise to public prominence and make this shtick their own. The freeform feel of Skindiving and the careering runaway of Sometimes feel like fleeting glimpses of lengthier streams of consciousness - both are far from the bombast of James' previous album, 1992's Seven. And such was the group's position in pop at the time that they hoped Low, Low, Low would be used by the England football team at 1994's World Cup (which, of course, they failed to qualify for).
The cover may make your eyes bleed - the band in dresses, eating bananas - but the contents of Laid comprise what is probably James' real masterpiece.
--Ian Wade
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
James, Laid, is one of the seminal albums of the 90's. As mentioned elsewhere, this is completely different from everything else they've done, which, in my opinion, is something of a bonus.
Laid and Low... are two very witty songs with cracking, catchy, tunes. Lullaby & Skindiving are entrancing while Out to Get You submerges you in their vibe instantaneously. Songs are attempted from a whole range of angles and speeds but the slightly dreamy tone is never lost. It is the perfect album stoned yet a drunkard will always manage to sing along. One can just sit and listen but, equally, I found it useful writing my dissertation.
Say Something and Laid are probably the most well known tunes on the album but please don't think they characterise it. The whole (ignore the bonus tracks, as interesting as the are) is much greater than the sum of it parts.
A true masterpiece this really didn't sell enough records. If you like catchy tunes, good singing (some nice harmonies), interesting drumming, wicked lyrics, spot on production, and grown men dressed in skirts eating bananas: buy it and help James get the recognition they deserve.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is one of the most gorgeous albums I own. From the barely perceptible bass opening of 'out to get you' to the overly boisterous (by comparison!) 'low low low' and 'laid' there is not a weak song on the record. Most of the tracks are mellow and haunting, with occasional breaks for more up-tempo numbers. Amazingly they do not clash but work together to create an album far greater than the sum of its individual tracks. I have always felt that 'electioneering' let Radiohead down on 'OK Computer' because it sat so uneasily with the rest of the album. How James have managed to weave such different songs together to such good effect on 'Laid' still baffles me.
PS is one of my favourite songs of all time. The slide guitar is simple yet utterly beautiful and ushers in a wonderful melancholic song.
This album has seen in many a sunrise with me and soothed away almost as many hangovers. It is perfect in both situations. Everybody should have this record in their collections, without exception.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Produced by Brian Eno, this album is imaginative as it is professional, playful and laid-back, and his skills serve as an enormous boost to the band's incredible songwriting. Eno also supplied additional vocals on Five-O and Dream Thrum, and played bass and keyboards on certain tracks. On the title track, James deals with the disparities of love in a delirious fashion, howling strategically over a surging stream of sound. Sometimes is a quirky piece of power-pop, while other gripping numbers include Knuckle Too Far, Skindiving and Low Low Low. The cast responsible for putting together this classic album deserve applause for their meticulous attention to detail and the beautiful arrangements. It's lively, melodic, full of unexpected hooks and engaging melody lines. Without a doubt some of the best melodic rock of the 90's.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Haunting, in places
Not to disagree with the rest of the reviewers on here - this is a fantastic record and in my top ten. Maybe top five. I bought it on (far too quiet) tape when I was (nearly) 14. Read more
Published 5 months ago by M. A. Lidis
my fav James album, a true classic
One of the classic albums of the 90's, still sounds as fresh today as when it was released there's not a weak song on this album.
Published 7 months ago by Lloyd Bower
total perfection
My favourite James album, total perfection. Really wish I'd gone and seen them live more. Personal favourites are Laid and PS (like a previous review I love the slide guitar),... Read more
Published 11 months ago by hoovergroover
A lovely state of time.
Late afternoon in the morning of youth and in love. You may be miles away from each other or sitting close in a post argu-mental moment. Read more
Published 18 months ago by J. Harrison
One of the 90's classics
Awesome . Up there with 'The Stone Roses' eponymous debut , 'Screamdelica' by Primal Scream , 'Against Perfection' by Adorable , 'Pills , Thrills' by the Mondays . Read more
Published on 3 July 2009 by the judas piglet
The Greatest Chill Out Album Ever
This for me is James at their peak, its an almost perfect album (they should have left Low,Low,Low off not the best tune and doesnt sit right with the other songs)
The... Read more
The... Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2009 by J. J. Greenhorn
Excuse the mistakes in the first review.
'Laid' is an absolutely classic album full of great songs but none more so than the title track 'Laid' the greatest hit that James ever did. Read more
Published on 9 May 2004 by H A Chapman
'This bed is on fire with passionate love'
'Laid' is absolutely classic album full of great songs but none more sothan the title track 'Laid' the greatest hit that James ever did. Read more
Published on 21 April 2004 by H A Chapman
Must have
The best and most overlooked album from the Madchester phase.
Published on 10 Nov 2003 by Toby le Rhone
the most soothing album in the world
You need an album to make you feel better? This is it - mellow, eerie and utterly comforting. Not nostalgic or over-sweet, if you feel strange it reassures you, if you feel good it... Read more
Published on 17 Jun 2003
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