Stone Temple Pilots Find Peace

By Brady Bredell
Contributing Writer

After nine years, the Stone Temple Pilots triumphantly return to the recording world with their most solid effort since 1999’s “No. 4.” One of the most diverse releases from the San Diego natives, the long-awaited self-titled album offers something for everyone, with influences and comparisons ranging from Aerosmith to David Bowie. With an occasional twist of southern rock and punk, Scott Weilland and the boys leave no stones unturned with this enthusiastic album of radio-friendly rock tunes and unexpectedly diverse vocals.

The most unusual element of the album is the fact that Scott Weilland played absolutely no role in the musical aspect and/or recording of the material—an approach rarely taken. “Scott wasn’t really there for the creation of these songs, musically.” said Robert DeLeo in a recent interview with Billboard magazine. “We kind of guessed our way through it. The songs that were sent over to (Weilland) were pretty much in a completed demo form with a scratch melody on there, and Scott has the option to use the melody or not.”

Despite the unusual approach taken in the recording process and the consistently mainstream sound, the Stone Temple Pilots have managed to release an album with huge commercial potential that won’t leave them labeled as “sell-outs” in the long term.

The opening track, and first single from the new album is “Between the Lines,” a song that proudly references drugs in the chorus, is a misleading opening track and single, taking into account the overall diversity of the record. With the trademark sloppy guitars and classic Weilland vocals, there is no denying that the Stone Temple Pilots are back and that initially they are banking on a song that reminds listeners of a sound they conquered over a decade ago. Maybe they should have pushed a single that better represents the overall diversity of the record instead.

Most notable is “Cinnamon,” a track with an irresistible punk twist that really gives this song a modern sound. “I’d like to write a story for you. With a little melody pretty for you.” proclaims Weilland in this progressive track that sounds like nothing you’ve heard from STP. Though this song may remind you of artists such as Angels & Airwaves or The All-American Rejects, the Stone Temple Pilots make it very clear that they aren’t following any trends, ever. Check out this track.

Time and time again, STP have impressed the rock community with their trademark alternative/grunge style. The new album is far superior to 2001’s “Shangri-La Dee Da” and even the mildest fan is sure to find a track or two that they can enjoy. Diehard STP fans will be left saying “It’s about time!”

Recommended for fans of: Velvet Revolver, Jane’s Addiction, Soundgarden and The Black Crowes.

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If You Go

What: Stone Temple Pilots
Where: Canad Inns Stadium, Winnipeg
When: Sat, Aug 7
Info: 204.926.5570, 204.799.6392
Where: Roy Wilkins Auditorium, St Paul
When: Fri, Aug 13
Info: 651.726.8240