Some of you might be confused by the fact that Ya Ho has a catalogue # of NEG 26 and yet is being featured as a later single than What For with its catalogue # of NEG 31.
The simple fact is that Ya Ho was intended for release in September 1987 as a precursor to the release of the Strip-Mine LP. But as I mentioned in the last posting there were serious issues between band and label that led to the delay of the album and as part of the compromise solution the single What For was written, recorded and released in March 1988.
Strip-Mine was eventually released in September 1988 and as part of the promotional push (although that’s not an entirely accurate phrase given the label were not the least interested in the band) Ya Ho was dusted down from the shelf and shoved out on 7″ and 12″.
It’s a really decent song with a hugely catchy chorus that is an indication of what wasn’t too far away….
It’s also a different version than appears on the LP (the 7″ is about a minute shorter in length as well) but it’s the b-sides that many long-standing fans were taken by – there’s a touch of country/americana that was very unfashionable at the time and something that James hadn’t really given a hint of previously (or since)
I’ve only got the 7″ in the collection:-
mp3 : James – Ya Ho
mp3 : James – Mosquito
This was released in a sleeve that had Ya HO +1 on the cover. The sleeve illustrating this piece is from the 12″ which says Ya Ho +3 and here’s the b-sides from that bit of vinyl (courtesy of The Robster):-
mp3 : James – Left Out Of Her Will
mp3 : James – New Nature
Enjoy!!
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
I always felt this and what for were a tad to close to each other. Two great songs although I like What For a bit better (so maybe in amongst the mismanagement the record label had a bit of a point although not sure what was left off to accommodate what for). Also the start of the take a phrase and repeat 3 or more times approach to the chorus which keeps them going still!
The guitar and percussion in these early singles have a kind of African feel to them I feel. Certainly energetic and quirky.
Your blog is awesome but I really love this James series!