So what can the younger rockers do? Try hard is the only advise possible and to their credit, they do try and often come up with something competently done that enables them to take their place among the greats.
One of those that do try to make the grade with good results most of the time is the Welsh trio of boyhood chums who call themselves Stereophonics. One of the most exciting discoveries of the late ’90s, Kelly Jones, vocals and guitar, Richard Jones on bass and drummer Stuart Cable offered up a blend of classic rock and roll and modern technology. Armed with solid song writing skills and a strong rock sound, the Stereophonics deftly breezed through a series of hits with their early releases. These were A Thousand Trees, A Bartender and the Thief, Boy in the Photograph, Just Looking, Performance and Cocktails and Pick a Part That’s New.
The boys went through a low period of badly received albums a few years ago. But it seems like this is now behind them although it meant a rift in the once close friendship among the members of the group. Drummer Cable was replaced by Javier Weyler, after the third album You Gotta Go There to Come Back was released. For some reason, this change in membership has resulted in better materials, more energetic performance and a harder rocking new album.
Titled Language, Sex, Violence, Other? the latest by the Stereophonics is one of their most melodic outings. Dakota, Rewind and Superman are so radio-friendly they might just emerge as hit singles. And these guys came up with these sure sellers without ever losing perspective of the fact that they are first and foremost, a rock band. Kelly’s trademark growl is darker than ever and the driving music has a hard edge ably complemented by humorous, sarcastic turns. Check Doorman, Brother, Devil and Lolita.
Language, Sex, Violence, Other? is not likely to make history but it still feels good to find the Stereophonics once more on solid footing and making good rock music.
Included are Find the Color by Feeder; Fallen Angel by Elbow; Almost the Same by Clearlake; Banquet by Bloc Party; Wake in the City by Ikara Colt; I Love You ‘Cause I Have To by Dogs Die in Hot Care; Last Gasp of Revenge by The Magnificents; We Don’t Have Much Time by Lowgold; Venetian Blinds by Future Kings of Spain; Hey Girl by Delays; Here She Comes Again by The Stands; From Your Favourite Sky by I Am Kloot; Is This the Best It Gets by Budapest; 18 Seconds by Belasco and Half Smile by Weevil.
Presented by Andrea Oliver, each show has a live session, interviews with leading artists, guest DJs and their mixes plus roving reports on the latest trends across Great Britain. But the main dish is really the music and there are lots of it from pop, dance, jazz, hip-hop, roots and even contemporary classical. The Selector has been brought to the Philippines by Aural Communications and Progressive Broadcasting Corp.