Tumble in the Rough

So after my top 3, there is a drop off in albums that I LOVE... but that being said,
there are some really great albums that I am putting in somewhat of an order...

NUMBER FOUR


Purple / Stone Temple Pilots
1994 / 12 Gracious Melodies


I like STP's first album CORE a lot, but the band really opened things up
and became what we know as Stone Temple Pilots from this album. Even today
the influences of this album rest within their entire catalog after PURPLE.

"Meatplow" opens the album on a sneer and a bristling beat, and a muddy
sound that takes you into familiar STP territory. Scott's growly voice pushes
you through the song, opening up with some nice harmonizing by the band.

The low hum and bending of guitar chords of "Vasoline", kicks into the drums
and storms through at a fast pace. I can picture Scott dancing on stage -
swaying back and forth to the beginning of the song. One of the best STP
songs ever!!

"Lounge Fly" tracks with a weird opening and a distinctive guitar line.

"Interstate Love Song" starts with a bit of a twangy country feel, that
peels off into agreat rock song, with a simple guitar riff, a killer beat
and Scott's vocals. It takes you through one of the bands best-known songs
with infectious hooks and a catchy chorus. It really is a great driving
song too!

The melodies on "Still Remains" winds you through to "Pretty Penny",
a dreamy acoustic number, with great backing vocals and a wide arrangement
of mandolin and percussion (including what sounds like bongos?)

"Silvergun Superman" big rock song that has deep vocals and heavy,
low guitar. This takes you into "Big Empty". A song that was added to
the original Crow soundtrack. The song has almost a country sound to it -
showing the softer side of STP. The hauntingly quiet verse and memorable
sound makes it another staple in their catalog.

"Unglued" is a BIG rock song that starts with Dean's humming guitar and
is cranked through with Eric Kretz's banging drums.

As the album winds down "Army Ants" takes it back up a notch before...
"Kitchenware & Candybars" closes on a quiet note and a hypnotic song.
with SW singing "Sell me down the River" over and over.

After a couple of minutes of quiet, you end up in a cool, low-lit bar
with a drink in your hand, listening to the lounge song "12 Gracious Melodies".

Scott Weildnd's voice IS the trademark of the band, along with the "cruchy guitars"
of Dean DeLeo, brings a mix of alternative & hard rock, arena rock, glam rock,
psychedelic rock, and even some bossa-nova. This is what sets this album above
many in the same genre.

9 / 10