Album Notes

History: While today it is fairly common for everybody to be a home recording enthusiast, Jim Gerdeman (a/k/a Mercy James) has been doing it since 1986 on his first Fostex X-15 four-track recorder. When he was 17 he recorded over 80 originals overdubbing himself on drums, bass, guitar and vocals. By the time he was in college, he began recording in professional studios with his band the Youngies while at the same time continuing his love of home recording.

After moving to Massachusetts in the late 90s, Gerdeman often performed at open mic nights in Cambridge and Boston. The "Pay You Back" ep received heavy airplay on WERS especially and other area stations. One of his songs was featured on a 2000 Boston Music Award winning folk compilation. In 2004 his new band Mercy James Gang released their "Pet Sounds/Sgt. Pepper" of home recording called "Sunsetting." Hundreds of copies were given away for free and the song "Whisper Whenever" was downloaded more than 15,000 times for free. Gerdeman continues to perform with Mercy James Gang as well as with several other projects. He has also supported other Boston-area musicians as a bassist, guitarist and sometimes even a drummer (though that's only when somebody is desperate).

The Concept:
Who doesn't love a good 'Best Of' collection? C'mon! Even the most obscure 'Best Of' has some interesting qualities, right?

And over time, the 'Best Of' concept has given us some of our most beloved cliches... and this album has them all.

* The new song! - CHECK!

* The re-records! - CHECK!

* The re-mix! - CHECK!

* The ill-advised later period foray into rap - CHECK!?!?

* The big hit songs! - Ok... maybe this album doesn't have it all.

Nevertheless, it has to be at least interesting right? Think of it as maybe 2 steps down from the Very Best of Kajagoogoo or The Best of Billy Swan or something. Ya know?