Damage and Joy

I often fear the worst when a favourite band comes back from a layoff but I'm happy to say the JAMC haven't let this particular fan down here. I don't mind at all that a fair number of these tracks are re-recordings of bits and pieces released sporadically elsewhere. It's good to hear them produced properly and have them all in one place. The songs with female guest vocalists all work well and sound better here, most of which seem to have been written by Jim.In general I've usually slightly preferred the William written songs over the years so it's just a little disappointing there aren't more of his efforts on this album but of the few we are getting here most are very good, with Presidici being a particular favourite.If there is one criticism it's that the album is too bloated and begins to sag late on before picking up again at the end. As has been said it's easy to just skip the tracks you don't want to hear but I think this would have had more of a feel of a complete classic album if it had been trimmed down to 10 or 11 tracks. Get On Home and Facing Up To The Facts just sound like JAMC by numbers and along with Simian Split would have been the three obvious tracks to get the chop for me.No major complaints though, the album is an overall success.

With the Umbilical cord reaching back to the bloated placenta of 1985 the surrogate love child of Phil Spector and Lou Reed has arrived.Bitter sweet luscious melodies delivered over a distorted all of sound. An ice Sunday covered in maple syrup served on a bed of nettles.This is good stuff and puts a smile on my face.The songs may be recycled (and old Ian McCulloch Trick) but they work beautifully enhanced by the rather superb female duets. The album has that an all American Californian vibe which to be honest can get a bit sickly, but that’s my own fault, I have this thing on continuous replay for about two weeks.Not drifting to far from their signature sound this is a really pleasant listen and for an old git like me hearkens back to my youth. The sonic sound is quite refreshing making some beautiful noise-pop-gaze sounds, and delivering some breezy Honey laden vocalsIt’s the only “New” album made by the heroes of my youth that I actually like. If I only had one niggling compliant it’s that Jim and Will now in their fifty’s continue to sing about teenage angst of lost love and heartache, found love and rebellion. They have created the perfect sound track to life and times of James Dean

Great album.....but you know that....The seller ?Fast delivery....good price...well packaged....what else d'ya want.

This is a wonderful return to form.Think Darklands and you will know the vibe that comes from this album. The songs are all strong and having played it a few times it is a real grower. They have returned seamlessly to the vibe that was present before. Its a good vibe.There are 2 duets on here with Isobell Campbell and rather than sounding out of place she sounds like she has always been part of the band. I wanted to hear her more on all the songs because she added a real lightness of touch. She added a much needed layer to their sound, I hope she is on the next album.I'm glad the band are back. I hope they do more as this is a cracking album. Highly recommended.

After a lengthy absence a return which pushes few boundaries. If you want trademark riffs, lots of drawn out oohs and aahs, Velvetesque lyrics, monotone delivery, occasional feedback. So I love it. Suspect it won't win much of a new audience although, by JMC standards, this is accessible stuff.

One never knows what to expect from a come-back album but this excels itself on every level. From the first cracking track onwards the album just gets better and better .All the usual driving guitars and punchy lyrics . The more I listen to it the more I like it and was lucky enough to see them playing some of the tracks live this week. There is not a dud track on this album .

The tracks with the female backing vocal are, for me, the strongest. My 19 yr old went to see the recent live tour and thought they were class.

I am a big fan of JAMC since the " Psychocandy" days. About this cd: it has great songs on it but 5 songs with female vocals are 4 too many. It take edge off from the album. Without them it would be such a great album as most of them are weak and absolutely not what would you expect from JAMC. Anyway nice to see them back.