This has always been my favourite Stereophonics album, "Language Sex Violence Other" released in 2005 came close but couldn't quite compete with this amazing record. For those who do not know the Stereophonics I would suggest starting here, you will be hooked immeadiately.
The Stereophonics are a 3 piece band from Wales. They are: Kelly Jones - Vocals and guitar Richard Jones - Bass and Harmonica Stuart Cable - Drums
(Since this record was made Stuart Cable (Drums) has been replaced by Javier Weyler after an alleged falling out after their fourth album).
The three original band members all grew up together and lived on the same street and attending the same schools.
Word Gets Around is the Stereophonics first album and was released on the 25th August 1997. Since then they have released four more albums, Performance and coctails (march 1999), Just Enough Education to Perform (April 2001), You Gotta Go There To Come Back (June 2003), and their latest offering is Language Sex Violence Other (March 2005).
Back to Word
Gets Around, it is a beautiful album with many great tracks which rightly launched the Stereophonics on to the music scene to where they are now. A number of tracks on this album were released as singles which always shows how great the album is, in fact of the 12 tracks on the album 5 were released as singles (local boy in the photography also re-released after the album came out).
The lyrics are all written by the Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones. They cover some deep issues but its not a depressing album at all, its gritty, succinct and yet beautiful. Kelly is able to nail the distain, boredom and affection of living in smalltown Wales. Each song seems to tell a story, often dark but yet amusing, uplifting yet sad. Which is what makes it such a memorable album.
:::The Tracks:::
A Thousand Trees
An excellent opener, the fourth single to be released from the album. "It only takes one tree to make/ a thousand matches/ only takes one match to burn/ a thousand trees"
Looks Like a Chaplin
The first single taken from this album, the song looks at hometown oddballs and sets their story to excellent crunchy guitar.
More Life in A Tramps Vest
One of my favourites on the album. Great lyrics, as always, with great guitar riffs. The third single to be released from this album.
Local Boy in the Photograph
The second single to be released from this album. Another of my favs, excellent vocals from Kelly. Great song about someone they knew committing suicide, after the singer had been asked by him about train times. A deep, dark song but very enjoyable.
Traffic
The fifth song to be released as a single. A much slower song than the others before it. But it really allows Kelly to show off his unique voice. Its all about how the people next to you at the traffic lights could be a murderer, prostitute, anyone you just never know.
Not Up To You
The first song so far on the album never to have been released as a single! However, that doesnt mean it is any less of a song on any other album it could have been a single. This song is all about how its already determined and nothing is up to you. A very beautiful song.
Check My Eyelids For Holes
This song always makes me smile. Excellent song. Enough said.
Same Size Feet
Another slower song, but again Kelly gets to show off especially in the opening 40 seconds before the guitar really kicks in.
Last Of The Big Time Drinkers
A very comical song about an alcoholic taking pride in his work (drinking). Always makes me smile. Definately a highlight on the album, includes a nice little piano solo in the middle.
Goldfish Bowl
Another song about growing up in smalltown Wales which feels like your living in a goldfish bowl.
Too Many Sandwiches
A great little insight into a crackpot family wedding. Another comical song which always makes me happy.
Billy Daveys Daughter
About a girl who plunged to her death from a bridge, but did she jump or was she pushed? A dark subject but as with all songs on this album it doesnt feel dark. Probably the slowest song on the album but a good song to finish with leaving you wanting more. This is also a song in which those great words "word gets around" are sung so beautifully.
This is a great album and I would highly recomend it to anyone who either doesn't know much about the Stereophonics or to someone who has only heard their latest releases. For me this has to be one of the best Stereophonics albums, although all are good. Kelly has a great unique (but in a good way) voice which he certainly knows how to use well. With the guitar and drums what more could you ask for. Also if you ever get the chance to see them live I would highly recomend it for they are even better live than on the albums, not many bands you can say that for.
Thanks for reading and rating my review.
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Aug 16th, 2006
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