Jamesy music

I just got my new James CD (Like a Waterfall). I'm pretty late to the party here, since most people seem to have gotten their CDs at the LA launch, or from people who went to the launch and brought home extra copies. I think this is the kind of CD that needs to grow on me. I liked it better the second time I listened to it. Musically, it's better than Civilized Man, but since I'm not at all familiar with any of these songs, they don't yet inspire the "aww, bless, it's James" fuzzy feelings that his earlier stuff does. Also, I have virtually no experience hearing these live (I've only been to one concert, and sadly, the four-hour traffic jam left more of an impression than the actual concert), so unlike most people, I'm not comparing these versions to live performances that may have been better or different. More detailed thoughts under the cut.

( Like a Waterfall )

Also, I bought Christian Kane's CD (Kane - which is the name of both the band and the album) a couple weeks ago, and I can't help comparing the two a little bit. I LOVE Kane - it's very country, and I don't usually do country, but it's just so infectious, I can't help singing along (and I've noticed myself adopting a slight southern drawl when I do... this could also have to do with my recent love affair with Friday Night Lights). I'm impressed with CK's lyrics (especially when I compare them to James), and I think his band has a more cohesive sound than James and his random collection of musicians (seriously, either get yourself a band again or do the whole thing alone). I don't really see anyone who's not already a James fan enjoying his music, but Kane make me go, "Lindsey who?"