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James — Knuckle Too Far
Album: Laid
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2362









Released: 1993
Length: 4:33
Plays (last 30 days): 7
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Slow down, my brother, your life is passing fast
Will you remember all these scenes that you've passed
So long, so long

Speeding past sunset, blurring from town to town
Faces I forget, hotels all look the same
Worn down the knuckle too far
So long, so long

Lost are your colors, now life's in black and white
Steals from a movie, this life's a trick of the light
Worn down the knuckle too far
Worn down

City of strangers, you seem so tired to me
Don't think I'll stay here, you don't seem friendly
I'll keep on moving, searching for peace of mind
Rivers unwinding maybe I'll find it this time
So long, so long
So long

Live from my suitcase, my life's within my hands
Sleep in a strange bed, hometown's a foreign land
Down, the knuckle too far
Comments (139)add comment
These guys are great. I recently saw them open up for Johnny Marr and they completely blew me away. They have a great big sound and then are able to shift gears and swing low in a beautiful way like on this one. RP really opened my ears to them and they knocked it out of the park live. Highly recommend seeing then if you can.
Posted 2 weeks ago by amcostigan88    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

You mean, like the Masquerade, Atlanta?  New building now, with a very different vibe.



That's too bad.  It was a grungy, wonderful experience.
Posted 1 month ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
This American mistakenly thought James was a one-hit wonder ("Laid") until about a decade ago until Radio Paradise set me straight.  What a catalog of fantastic songs!
Posted 8 months ago by brianbouton    [ Reply ]
Sounds a little bit like "Walking in Your Footsteps" by the Police.
Posted 9 months ago by zptduda    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:


here it plays again...

RP does seem to play it in a heavy rotation direction. Hopefully not too far. 

Posted 10 months ago by DrMacDaddy    [ Reply ]
some trippy stuff

good for them
Posted 11 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
One of the best cuts, from probably their very best album. Curious who can reference a better album by James (maybe I missed it)?
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 ddbz wrote:

O.K....I somehow completely missed this band all together growing up or in the past.
After more recently noticing them on here (thxRP) I was gonna make a (try too) joke about the "lack of creativity in the band name was a bit of a turn off" but actually the joke was on me. After looking into them more, and especially this album (I'm still catching up on the others)..... I have found this album to be simply, unbelievably, fantastically, wonderfully great, and pretty darn good as well!  A definite press play and walkaway and real gem for me if even 28 years late.



Not too late - they are still writing new songs and evolving - and touring too! We try to see them whenever they do.
Posted 1 year ago by RodneyAjax    [ Reply ]
drivel.   Nice eno production tho.  
james irritated me firdt time out. Not much  has changed for me.  
Sounds like a very third rate Cohen song with Brian going thr noodlly bits.  
Posted 1 year ago by garycha    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:


and played way too often.


here it plays again...
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:

One of their worst songs.



and played way too often.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I love the phrase, 'hometown's a foreign land.'
That's plain beautiful.
Posted 1 year ago by bufallo    [ Reply ]
 waterwench21 wrote:

Saw them at the Masquerade nearly 20 years ago.  Went right out and bought this album and have been playing it every since.  Nice choice, Bill.


You mean, like the Masquerade, Atlanta?  New building now, with a very different vibe.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:

One of their worst songs.



This is probably my highest rated song for them. But I like this style. 
Posted 1 year ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
One of their worst songs.
Posted 1 year ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
Listened to Laid for the first time last week based on RP comments. What a treat. Gorgeous production and some stunning tracks
Posted 1 year ago by naturalman    [ Reply ]
Saw them at the Masquerade nearly 20 years ago.  Went right out and bought this album and have been playing it every since.  Nice choice, Bill.


 

Posted 2 years ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
bicyclesonmain wrote:

why do people seam to have to compare artis just enjoy!!!!!


Sew what?

Don't make fun of second language learners, you twat. "
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
This song gives me goosebumps
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
This song came along in my life when a very good friend of mine who was bipolar and a phenominal jazz drummer decided to meet his maker.  This song came at a time when I needed to make sense of his decision.  Still tears me up to hear it but if I hadn't heard this on RP I wouldn't have come to peace with it.  I am forever grateful for hearing this on RP.  Cheers and RIP Johnny Pain.
Posted 2 years ago by terryweir    [ Reply ]
Very cool vibe with this one. For a moment I thought you were playing some "Spaceman 3", but delighted to find that it was James. Somehow I missed this cut so thanks for getting me up to speed. 
Posted 2 years ago by Kingsized    [ Reply ]
Imagine being in a club, 19 yrs old and James comes on 'Sit down next to me' ...and everyone sits down.  Happy times.
Posted 3 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
 NEOvManhattan wrote:

Just a great song!




I agree! Another band that I had never heard of before. ...Thanx RP! 
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
just upped to an 8, am loving the music this morning as I take care of unfortunate business...one of those days that each tune carries some lovely, sad or comforting weight. music does save us.
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]


bicyclesonmain wrote:
why do people seam to have to compare artis just enjoy!!!!!

 Akazungu wrote:

Sew what?

Because they see a thread of similarity.
Posted 3 years ago by gammapi    [ Reply ]
I can't believe it took me almost 30 years to realize that they are wearing dresses on the album cover!  AND eating bananas!?!
Posted 3 years ago by CowboyJJ    [ Reply ]
Just a great song!
Posted 3 years ago by NEOvManhattan    [ Reply ]
More James please!!!
Posted 3 years ago by yofitofu    [ Reply ]
O.K....I somehow completely missed this band all together growing up or in the past.
After more recently noticing them on here (thxRP) I was gonna make a (try too) joke about the "lack of creativity in the band name was a bit of a turn off" but actually the joke was on me. After looking into them more, and especially this album (I'm still catching up on the others)..... I have found this album to be simply, unbelievably, fantastically, wonderfully great, and pretty darn good as well!  A definite press play and walkaway and real gem for me if even 28 years late.
Posted 3 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
Can't play enough James, Bill. 
Posted 3 years ago by yofitofu    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Hoyem....
Posted 4 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
Saw them live before the pandemic hit - fabulous show. The extensiveness and variety of their catalogue is very impressive. Forgot how many songs of theirs I loved. 
Posted 4 years ago by rglenny42716    [ Reply ]
 brookap wrote:
This album is one of those albums you just need to put on and experience it 'cover to cover', like a book you can't put down. I'm still moved by these songs - they hold up so well over the span of years. I just walked into the room with the bass turned up and was stopped in my tracks by the bassline and the elegant understatement of this track. Damn, this takes me back...
 I feel ya....!...Not only do many of us miss some of the greats of "ago" but, not to deny one iota of talent.... today's music, no matter how excellent, awesome, pick an adjective!.... today's artists just don't seem to want(?) to make those kind of lasting quality songs....IMO.

Posted 4 years ago by Signwrtr61    [ Reply ]
 Akazungu wrote:


This comment reminds me a lot of a comment by that one other guy....
 Makes ME wonder, if every waking moment of this individual's life is like an airplane joke....bicycle in title...hmmm.....
Posted 4 years ago by Signwrtr61    [ Reply ]
 bicyclesonmain wrote:
why do people seam to have to compare artis just enjoy!!!!!
 
Because Americans like to measure things. The only available metric is the work of other artists.

Posted 4 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
This is such a beautiful album. I've been listening to it every Sunday for more than a decade.

Caught them live last year when they opened for Psychedelic Furs. Definitely my favorite part of the evening -- a different kind of energy, but most excellent.
Posted 4 years ago by jasonv    [ Reply ]
 bicyclesonmain wrote:
why do people seam to have to compare artis just enjoy!!!!!
 
Sew what?
Posted 4 years ago by Akazungu    [ Reply ]
This is good.  Could hear James more often. 
Posted 4 years ago by Eric_Denison    [ Reply ]
more James please.
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
        
Posted 5 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Nice feel. It has echoes of Willie Mason's - "Restless Fugitive". No complaints!
Posted 5 years ago by parodyhas    [ Reply ]
James; way underplayed.
Posted 5 years ago by Akazungu    [ Reply ]
 noe.architecte169 wrote:
It seems like And also the trees  {#Meditate}
 
I get a bit of that too...RP needs more AATT.
Posted 5 years ago by Chipshop    [ Reply ]
It seems like And also the trees  {#Meditate}
Posted 6 years ago by noe.architecte169    [ Reply ]
Wow, never heard this before. Shows that James is timeless.
Posted 6 years ago by pfreet    [ Reply ]
why do people seam to have to compare artis just enjoy!!!!!
Posted 7 years ago by bicyclesonmain    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:
Maybe I do hear some Eno.

 
As mentioned somewhere below, Brian Eno produced this album.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]

aspicer wrote:
Excellent tune - Excellent album! Their best IMHO....


Yep, and their show for this album tour at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago was right around the time of my birthday, and my best friend at the time bought us tickets and thankfully dragged me away from studying for grad school finals to go to the show—was great.

Posted 8 years ago by TravelRat    [ Reply ]
Excellent tune - Excellent album! Their best IMHO....
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Maybe I do hear some Eno.
Posted 8 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 Starlit sky come nigh !
      I am tiptoeing.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
This album is one of those albums you just need to put on and experience it 'cover to cover', like a book you can't put down. I'm still moved by these songs - they hold up so well over the span of years. I just walked into the room with the bass turned up and was stopped in my tracks by the bassline and the elegant understatement of this track. Damn, this takes me back...
Posted 9 years ago by brookap    [ Reply ]
 subgyro wrote:

Have you heard the other half of those sessions? The ones that happened later at night, in a candle-lit studio with nothing to drink but red wine and no second chances on the recordings?

It's called Wah Wah, and is a must hear for anyone who likes either James or Eno!! (I have had to purchase it thrice. It keeps wandering from my collection.)

https://www.allmusic.com/album/wah-wah-mw0000626609

 
listening to it now!
Posted 9 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
 df1489 wrote:
It's their collaboration with Eno that makes this whole album an absolute gem.
Well done guys!

 
Have you heard the other half of those sessions? The ones that happened later at night, in a candle-lit studio with nothing to drink but red wine and no second chances on the recordings?

It's called Wah Wah, and is a must hear for anyone who likes either James or Eno!! (I have had to purchase it thrice. It keeps wandering from my collection.)

https://www.allmusic.com/album/wah-wah-mw0000626609
Posted 10 years ago by subgyro    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

Or How Long by Ace.

 

 
Akin to Boz Scaggs, one paragon of blue-eyed soul.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Please, please, please play something upbeat! I am falling into the after lunch stupor {#Sleep}
Posted 10 years ago by Krakus    [ Reply ]
Clearly most under-rated band in the world (at least in the US) IMO; they've reassembled, saw them live on their 2011 tour-best concert I've ever attended.
Posted 11 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
 Canlistener wrote:
Was privileged to see these guys live a couple times before they broke up.  Tim Booth could sing a nursery rhyme and it would sound amazing.  

 

Great way to put it!!


Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]

marvelous...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Can't tell Eno helped out but love it.
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
ACE!? One Hit Wonders.  Saw them open for Elton John @ the Hollywood Bowl ... so long so long ago ...
jagdriver wrote:

Or How Long by Ace.

 
 


Posted 11 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
Sounds like Happy Jack by The Who.
 
Or How Long by Ace.

 
Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Love this song and album.  Such fantastic lyrics James have.
Posted 12 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
Sounds like Happy Jack by The Who.
  Sounds more like The Police "Walking In Your Footsteps". Still good relaxing melody. I like It!!


Posted 12 years ago by gallardo    [ Reply ]
Woohoo!  They are coming to Seattle — April 8th — hoping I can catch the show!!  I've heard them live on KEXP and they still sound great!
Posted 12 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Happy Jack by The Who.
Posted 12 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
I listen to this album every Sunday while I cook brunch.
Posted 13 years ago by jasonv    [ Reply ]
 df1489 wrote:
It's their collaboration with Eno that makes this whole album an absolute gem.
Well done guys!
 

Huh.  Did not know that.  Great album, tho.  Takes me back....... : )
Posted 13 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Never heared this before! Very nice!
 
'swat I was thinkin'. Cool tune.
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of  "Walking In Your Footsteps" by The Police. Still pretty good.
Posted 13 years ago by gallardo    [ Reply ]
James...good stuff  :)

Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
It's their collaboration with Eno that makes this whole album an absolute gem.
Well done guys!


Posted 13 years ago by df1489    [ Reply ]
This is a great song, but you need to explore James even more on RP. There is so much good material by Tim Booth and James out there and not played often in the US. Just saw James in concert in LA and it was by far one of the best concerts I have ever seen. He is incredibly energized  and energizing live! More James PLEASE!

Posted 14 years ago by yofitofu    [ Reply ]
Never heared this before! Very nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
This is one of my favourite albums of all time, unfortunately none of its best tracks are on RP (One of the Three, Say Something, Five-O, Lullaby). Guess I'll have to dig it out again myself...

Posted 14 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
Was privileged to see these guys live a couple times before they broke up.  Tim Booth could sing a nursery rhyme and it would sound amazing.  
Posted 14 years ago by Canlistener    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 15 years ago by glassbuteo    [ Reply ]
creativebones wrote:
Interesting song...but I really really don't
like the cover art weird dresses and shit
eatin bannanas
 
jagdriver wrote:
I know....they'd look FAR better in sequined evening gowns while eating tangerines!

inindian wrote:
Nice one jag! LOL{#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]

As a whole, my favorite album ever.


Posted 15 years ago by viciousfishes    [ Reply ]
 creativebones wrote:
Interesting song...but I really really don't
like the cover art weird dresses and shit
eatin bannanas
 
I know....they'd look FAR better in sequined evening gowns while eating tangerines!

Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
After hearing "Laid" and feeling like I had to disinfect my ears, I'm amazed to say I really like the sound of this piece.  Clearly James are not afraid to experiment and have a really broad scope musically.
Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
This entire album is a beautiful, transcendent masterpiece. It should be listened to "cover to cover" to use the expression.
 
djengs wrote:
Pretty good. Never heard of them-is this unusual or typical for them?
 


Posted 16 years ago by brookap    [ Reply ]
think this a Brian Eno production... am I correct?
Posted 16 years ago by 67nj    [ Reply ]
djengs wrote:
Pretty good. Never heard of them-is this unusual or typical for them?
it's typical, but not for the last 3 albums. James is not the same. I miss the 80's....
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
Am I hearing New Order here - very haunting>
Posted 16 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
Sweet.
Posted 16 years ago by Zapmedia    [ Reply ]
Pretty good. Never heard of them-is this unusual or typical for them?
Posted 16 years ago by djengs    [ Reply ]
...shades of michael brook...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Wait a minute - James? Capable of subtlety? I had no clue!
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
similar sound to some of Daniel Lanois' stuff
Posted 16 years ago by pret-a-porter    [ Reply ]
Love this band. Love this record.
Posted 16 years ago by allisonscola    [ Reply ]
Love the sound on this and like the voice too - I find it a bit irritating on some of their more commercial stuff
Posted 17 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
Seems like they are trying too hard to simply be odd, both visually and musically... meh!
Posted 17 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
WHAT A SET! incredible selection, brilliant segues... RP you are getting better and better. Thank you! PS: This Eno-produced record is one of my favorites - ever. Nice to hear this in proximity to Bowie's S+V
Posted 17 years ago by Marc_Farre    [ Reply ]
what a crazy cover. these guys better bring it IMO. Have not heard them
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Thea wrote:
fabulous album. I have tried twice to see them, and failed both times. now it's too late and I, too, am sad.
Never too late. They are back together, and touring Britain again in April, with a warm-up in Dublin ahead of the British tour: all dates sold out, but I guess more will follow. https://www.wearejames.com/tour-dates/
Posted 17 years ago by Pazzat    [ Reply ]
coooooooool!
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
stinkycheese wrote:
isn't there a silverstein poem about that?
Inside everybody's nose There lives a sharp-toothed snail. So if you stick your finger in, He may bite off your nail. Stick it farther up inside, And he may bite your ring off. Stick it all the way, and he May bite the whole darn thing off.
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
... i adore this song and the album cover art is the best! i love bananas!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Interesting song...but I really really don't like the cover art weird dresses and shit eatin bannanas
Posted 17 years ago by creativebones    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Dianyla wrote:
Is this song about visiting the proctologist?
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
I think these guys were sitting around one night,came up with a good lick and a good line and filled things out real quick from there.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
I clocked out and back in to rate this. Heart pou8nding beat. I like it. 9, Lord knows I need my heart to beat.
Posted 18 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]
This is actually pretty cool for James..
Posted 18 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
JohnErle wrote:
I always thought it was about an overly aggressive nose picker.
isn't there a silverstein poem about that?
Posted 18 years ago by stinkycheese    [ Reply ]
Dianyla wrote:
Is this song about visiting the proctologist?
I always thought it was about an overly aggressive nose picker.
Posted 18 years ago by JohnErle    [ Reply ]
thousandrobots wrote:
james, u2?
My thoughts exactly....during the Eno-influenced years.
Posted 18 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Dianyla wrote:
Is this song about visiting the proctologist?
Struck me somewhere along that same line?
Posted 18 years ago by Faithful_Fool    [ Reply ]
Dianyla wrote:
Is this song about visiting the proctologist?
I always thought it was about a date gone really bad. Or really good, depending on your perspective.
Posted 18 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
Thea wrote:
fabulous album. I have tried twice to see them, and failed both times. now it's too late and I, too, am sad.
Why? Were they all killed in bizzare gardening accident or something?
Posted 18 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
Is this song about visiting the proctologist?
Posted 18 years ago by Dianyla    [ Reply ]
I have endlessly loved "Laid" ever since the first time I heard it many years ago. It is really hard to pick favourites out of the very solid collection of fine songs featured on this album, but this song is definitely one of them. Slow down, my brother, your life is passing fast Will you remember all these scenes that you've passed Soothing and meditative, the bass is like a heartbeat.
Posted 18 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
RoyStudios wrote:
Hear the rest then make up your mind.
Kind of thinking of Jeff Tweedy & Wilco some years ago...
Posted 18 years ago by strick    [ Reply ]
I like one-chord songs like this
Posted 19 years ago by petr_czech    [ Reply ]
fabulous album. I have tried twice to see them, and failed both times. now it's too late and I, too, am sad.
Posted 19 years ago by Thea    [ Reply ]
Very nice groove.
Posted 19 years ago by Papa_John    [ Reply ]
pedro wrote:
James is the one band I regret never seeing.
Me too, and now it's too late.
Posted 19 years ago by serendipity_blue    [ Reply ]
diane wrote:
This album has gotten into my ALL-TIME TOP 10 just recently. Every number on it rates at least a seven with me, and most are 9's or 10's. OUTSTANDING
Agreed; it's been in my top ten ever since I first heard it, too.
Posted 19 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
James is the one band I regret never seeing.
Posted 19 years ago by pedro    [ Reply ]