Oh, hang on, I thought about saying it.

Either way, if anyone genuinely believes Stutter is a superior work to Laid; fair enough, let’s hear your argument.

If, on the other hand, you simply happen to like it better, then that’s a matter of personal taste, but make sure that’s what you say.

(*Pressure’s On and Tomorrow had been written and rehearsed before recording.)

However, you don’t get the same emotional reward from Wah Wah that Laid offers.

It’s also interesting how such a complex record generates different responses in people. I wouldn’t dream of referring to it as ‘pop’. I think the ambition, maturity, ingenuity, accomplishment and undeniable beauty of Laid elevates beyond mere pop.

Rich, I spent two days composing that article, and fifteen years before that being blown away on a regular basis by Laid.

If you’ve got a coherent argument to explain why Stutter‘s better, let’s hear it. If not, fuck off. Don’t drift through here with half a sentence and expect not to get shot down. Are you pissed? Stutter‘s certainly an intriguing album and a fine debut. It has a couple of my favourite James songs aboard, but it’s not better than Laid by any measurement. And even if we’re talking personal preferences and not sensible arguments, I prefer Strip-Mine to Stutter anyway.

Wah Wah highlights the true brilliance of the James/Brian Eno pairing. Listening to these sessions and knowing that these songs are totally improvised humbles you.

Rich