James - Justhipper: The Complete Sire & Blanco Y Negro Recordings 1986-1988 (2020)

Justhipper is the first compilation encompassing all of James’ recordings for the Warners group across the mid-to-late 80s. Both albums have been remastered and are joined by all of the band’s non-album singles A’s and B’s and different mixes. Issued in July 1986, and fuelled by enthusiastic reviews, Stutter reached No. 68 in the UK charts. The album was recorded at Liverpool’s Amazon Studios and produced by Lenny Kaye, guitarist with the Patti Smith Group. In 2007, The Guardian included Stutter in their 1000 Albums To Hear Before You Die. After protracted recording sessions in 1987 at Rockfield Studios with Hugh Jones at the helm, followed by a remix, James’ second album Strip-mine was finally issued in September 1988. Promoted by the single What For, the LP peaked at No. 90 in the UK charts. The package ends with a rare, promotional-only interview with the band. Housed in a deluxe foldout Digipak, this is the ultimate tribute to the early years of James.