But of course, Sit Down was a re-recorded version of a previous flop, one that had come out on Rough Trade in 1989 and stalled at #77. And I don't think I'm alone in believing the original version is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay superior to the one that brought them long-overdue fame and fortune.
Here is the full eight plus minutes worth of the 12" version:-
mp3 : James - Sit Down
It's also the version known by some as the original Lester Piggott song - as opposed to later single Sometimes (Lester Piggott) - for reasons that can only become clear if you listen carefully to the song in its entirety - i.e. after you think it has ended, hang on in there.
And here's you very hard to find three very fine tracks that can be found on the b-side:-
mp3 : James - Goin Away
mp3 : James - Sound Investment
mp3 : James - Sky Is Falling
And here's the promo from 1989......which gives you the 7" version of the song:-
Happy Listening
8 comments:
The very best thing about "Sit Down" is that it introduced me, via a rather complex route, to the wonders of The Man From Delmonte. Enough said, really.
When I bought this way back when, it became the favourite record of everyone who was around whenever I played it - my mates, my cousin, even my mum! You're right about it being so much better than the 'hit' version, but even the original 7" was pants as half the words are missing. A true gem.
Had no idea there was another version before the one I'm more familiar with. Thank you!
Colin.....that surely is a tale worthy of a posting!!!
Thanks Robster for agreeing with me...and I'm delighted to be of service to you Mr Someone Said!
Absolutely brilliant to hear this 'proper' version of the classic - so good to hear the lester piggot ending, even better for the fact that I'd forgotten about it! Cue many good memories!Thanks
Well I quite liked the 7'; that's the one I have somewhere. I remember seeing them at the Bierkeller in Bristol to at most a hundred persons, buying the first Ja-m-es t shirt, and then seeing them play in Manchester the next week at the Ritz to what, a thousand people, and me and my mate being the only ones with the ja-m-es ts (well, outside the concert anyway).
Oh and yes the Man From Delmonte are quality. Check out the fan page on facebook.
I love this early version of sit down, which shows off their musicianship well. Pre chart success, James had been staying at the same wee hotel in Blackpool in 1990 just before me and my friends stayed there. The hotel owners were really won over by the guys and laid out a display with photos and bit and pieces to publicise the fledgling band. They were over the moon when the song became this big hit.
I read somewhere that James are featuring on the summer festival circuit. Not sure about the sheep though.
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