Although i could probably think of better names for the stereophonics great comeback album, "language. sex. violence. Other? is just what the stereophonics needed to push them right back up with today's rock legends.
Firstly i will discuss the benefits of the special edition CD and DVD version of this album, and then I will go on to tell you a bit about the music itself.
Well… you get a nice little cardboard sleeve on your CD for one thing, always a bonus. And then when u actually get inside, you've got obviously the original 11 track CD, plus a DVD containing various bonus recordings of different album tracks. (Doorman, Superman, Brother, Devil and Pedalpusher) All great tunes, and to have these recording versions in the studio available also is a great extra, and I really recommend you pay the little bit extra to purchase this version with the added DVD.
As far as other features go, there is an attractive inlay, with images and also
full lyrics, and I think the album is generally a very attractive design.
Now I will give a brief overview of each of the songs…
The album opens with "superman" - an absolutely great song, and for me the tune which really made me a great fan of the stereophonics (as it was released as the second single) It has one of the catchiest chorus' I have ever heard and it just makes me want to listen over and over again, as I'm sure it will you. The opening song to an album is always the most important, and this sets the album up perfectly, as it is such a great tune, and to be honest the rest of the album follows suit. 10/10
"Doorman" is a great song also, not quite as catchy as the opener, but still just as much of a pleasure to listen to. It has a very fast opening, and gets the listener straight into the song. 8/10
"Brother" is one of my favourites on the album. The guitar riffs are just amazing, especially at the beginning, and during the chorus. Great song. 10/10
"Devil" is another one of my favourites as it just has such an amazing chorus, and the beginning is almost magical, in its "skit" like style. 9/10
"Dakota" was the first single which the band released and to be honest I always liked it but was never amazingly keen. I think it got over played, and now I tend to skip it as I play the album through. But nevertheless it's a very catchy song and I'm sure many of you will think so. 7/10
"Rewind" for me is much of a slower song, and much more lyrically adjusted. From this point in the album onwards I think it can be said that the songs do get generally slower, but no way do they get worse. 9/10
"Pedalpusher" is for me just classic stereophonics, like so many of us know and love. It starts off fairly simple drum beat and then incorporates slow, faded guitar riffs. Very original. 8/10
"Girl" is a good song and there are great lyrics and song making skills. However it fails to reach the 2 minute mark and i just think it could have done with a bit more development in order for it to be really in key with the quality of the rest of the album. Still a great song. 7/10
"Lolita" is a very slow song, and much more emotive than the faster, more rocky style of "superman" or "devil." It does however provide a nice contrast to this and is a pleasure to listen to. 7/10
"Deadhead" is a good song, but for me doesn't contain the flare and strike which a lot of the other songs on this album contain. The chorus is nevertheless catchy and likely to stick. Good song in general. 8/10
"Feel" - the closing song on the album, is again, fairly slow and doesn't really do a lot for me. It just seems to go on and on without reaching any sort of chorus or climax in the music. Its not a bad song, just could be better. 6/10
Overall, if your a stereophonics fan already, this album is a must, and if you are experiencing the stereophonics based on the excellence of "dakota" or "superman" by this album, the rest of the songs wont disappoint you.
Price wise this CD is available for around £9.99, and the basic, single CD version for £8.99, so I strongly urge you to spend that extra £1 on the added features of the bonus CD/DVD, it's really worth it!
Hope this review is helpful!
Pictures
Album Cover (Inside)
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Great review on an album that I can't really get my head around. Love The Sterophonics, but have to keep revisiting this album in order to remember it. "Dakota" is great, though!!
Steve
coyoteugly 24.09.2005 14:22
i adore these great review on a great band. my sis danielle just went to their concert, i'll get her to tell you about it. lou xx
Gildor_Inglorion 11.09.2005 19:54
Stereophonics are brilliant! a nice op summing up the songs well ... Gil
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