JAMES : GETTING AWAY WITH IT LIVE DVD REVIEWS - AMAZON.CO.UK

by Jonathan Collin from Essex, UK 

I must say that whilst watching this DVD I experienced a mixture of feelings and emotions, not all of them pleasant ones. I felt regret and sadness that I had missed the opportunity to see my favourite group, and in my opinion one of the best british acts in the last 20 years, live in concert. I may have most of their albums and now this DVD but it is no real alternative to having seen them live.

Actually I tell a lie! I did once see them live in concert in Nottingham but only as a warmup act before Bryan Adams, and they only performed for half an hour. Watching the DVD helped give me some idea of the incredible atmosphere that was present at the MEN Arena that night - as if it wasn't enough that this was their last ever concert, they would be performing it at their home venue.

The crowd were fantastic and it seemed that every single individual knew all the lyrics to every song. When Tim Booth and Saul Davies were performing in the crowd towards the end of the concert during 'Top of the World', the reaction of the crowd was amazing. Despite the fact that there were many bottles of beer being demolished that night, there was never any mishaps or need for security to get involved, such was the good feeling.

And the music! My god, it's unbelievable enough hearing the studio albums but James' songs represent some of the best suited music to live performances ever. I was impressed by the fact that they chose to include only two, and in my opinion the best two, songs from 'Pleased to Meet You', as I felt that this was their weakest album. The improv and simulated sounds gave some incredible edges to the performances and the comradre between the band members was fantastic. Things really kicked off when Larry Gott arrived on stage, and with the help of his guitaring and amazing versions of 'Protect Me' and 'Out To Get You', the concert reached a peak and remained there until the very end.

I'm grateful that I was given the chance to experience the 'Ultimate James Live Experience', albeit even if not first hand. I think this really is the definitve collection that sums up a band who have had a fantastic 20 years on the edges of the britpop scene and made their many fans very happy indeed. I am sure that if they wanted to be remembered in any way, it would be like the way they were when performing during this concert.

by James Boff from Southampton, England  

Were you there? Anybody who was lucky enough to be at one of the 2001 gigs will testify to the fact that these were James's finest live performances. Over twenty years they've had plenty of opportunity, but I've never seen them in such superb form, musically perfect, interlacing the emotion of Tim Booth's farewell performance with the sheer passion that their music demands.

Of course all the classics are here, from the eternal anthem Sit Down through their entire back catalogue of instantly recognisable songs. The return of old band members is a highlight, and the touching version of Out To Get You is a memory that no one will ever forget. For the more established fan, standouts include the ever-raucous God Only Knows.

The additional material should be a great bonus, perhaps shedding a light on Tim's decision to leave and the future plans of the rest of the band.

This will be an absolute must have for any self respecting James fan. For those who are curious about why James have such a devoted fan base, and have been so important for the last twenty years, this will be a fantastic insight. I hope it's not too late to sign up new recruits; after seeing this you'll be desperate for the real thing.