I’ve read plenty of reviews on Stereophonics’ latest release, Performance And Cocktails, and I’m sick of reading that they are an Oasis and Radiohead wannabe. Honestly, I don’t know what these critics are listening to. These guys got voted Best British Band and Best Album in the UK; Performance And Cocktails is a solid album, front to back. “Roll Up And Shine” finds singer Kelly Jones breaking his voice in half, making himself sound stressed, but that’s the glitter that makes this gold. This album perks me right up where so many others turned me off.
Okay, “The Bartender And The Thief” has an Oasis chorus feel to it, but can we really claim Oasis owns this formula? No. Forget the comparisons and enjoy. “Hurry Up And Wait” tosses a ballad at you after two songs of pure adrenaline, but it’s beautiful. I’d say these guys owe more to other artists than Oasis. Like Oasis, Stereophonics has a knack for writing quirky song titles, but Oasis stole that from the Beatles in the first place, so no more discussion of Oasis.
“Pick A Part That’s New” at times sounds like broken glass yet can still be as soft and silky. You’ll quickly be singing along as if you’d heard the song a thousand times before. Then the diesel “Half The Lies You Tell Ain’t True” is chugging guitars mixed with a saccharine chorus, a cup full of joy. This song got me so revved up that I almost found it impossible to continue writing this review as I let it repeat over and over again.
Then comes one of my personal favorites, “I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio”, a simple pleasure. I love that Jones just doesn’t seem to be able to hit the notes he reaches for. His straining voice sounds pained, but that shows he’s working for the listener. Here’s another weird song title: “Is Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today?” Too bad the song isn’t as witty as the title, which sounds bulky and uncomfortable as Jones sings it. They make up for it with “A Minute Longer”. This little love song just might be my favorite.
The album ends on a somber note, “I Stopped To Fill My Car”. The track is unnerving. As disturbing as it is, it’s still a great song, just watch out for the bizarre end to the story. Maybe you’d like to believe all of the critics that say this album isn’t worth the material it was printed on, but I’d say it’s a solid album. The final decision is yours.
+ rae gun
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.