Record Shop: Stone Temple Pilots

I really need to do better about writing these record shop posts. I don’t make them nearly as often as I originally intended. It’s been almost six years since I wrote about the first Stone Temple Pilots album, Core. To say that Core was an influential record for me, is not doing it justice. There’s no denying that the music on that record had a feel to it that could only have come from the 1990’s. But it was also quite different from what other bands of the era were doing. It’s difficult to explain exactly what was so unique about it. But if I had to venture a guess, I would attribute the album’s style to the chemistry between the two DeLeo brothers. Sure, the vocals provided by Scott Weiland were nothing to be ignored. But there’s just no denying the sheer level of skill that the DeLeo’s bass and guitar playing provided to a music scene that was quickly becoming famous for its loose and sloppy aesthetic. The early nineties grunge scene was infamous for it’s “verse, chorus, verse” simplicity. Stone Temple Pilots seemed to bring an elegance to the scene that is largely unrecognized. This elegance that I speak of, while present on the first album, wasn’t really obvious to most until the release of the band’s second LP – Purple.

Released in the summer of 1994, Purple was an album that I was really anticipating. I had already received a taste of it in the form of the song “Big Empty” which was featured on the motion picture soundtrack for The Crow. That song captivated me and I couldn’t wait to see what other gems the band was about to release into the world. Finally, the day came and I went to the local record shop and purchased the CD. My first impression of the album was mixed. There were a number of immediate favorites on the record. But I was also a bit disappointed with what I felt were “throw away” tracks at first. But, as time went on, and I continued to listen more to the record. My opinion slowly started to change. Today, looking back on this record, I find myself in awe of just how incredible it actually is. So, without further delay, let’s dive into it.

1: Meatplow – The first track begins with a grungy sounding intro that’s very similar to something that might have been found on the band’s first record. This is a simple hard rock song that defines the vibe of the music scene almost perfectly at the time. It’s a powerhouse of drive and it captures that “STP” sound that is now unmistakable. Great track.

2: Vasoline – This song was the second single from the record and I remember seeing an interview with the band where it was revealed that the main riff for this track was actually written by the singer, Scott Weiland. The band attributed Weiland’s inexperience with the guitar as the reason that this song has such a raw and powerful feel. I couldn’t agree with this assessment more. If you know anything about playing the guitar, it’s very obvious how easy this song is to play. But it’s simplicity doesn’t detract from its enjoyment. This song is a classic 90’s rock staple.

3: Lounge Fly – Now, three songs in, we start to get a slightly different vibe. This song begins with an odd reverse-masking sound (that I seem remember Mtv sampling for some of their promotional materials), that leads into that classic STP layered guitar sound. For many, this song is a bit of a snoozer. But it really grows on you. Personally, I feel like it sets the tone for the rest of the album.

4: Interstate Love Song – This is the third and final single from the album and also the track that Purple is most likely to be remembered for. This song is just amazing. Over the decades, it has become STP’s signature tune. The composition of this track is just perfect. It’s audible magic, at least to me. Listen to it, and then listen again.

5: Still Remains – This is a song that doesn’t get a lot of attention, but should. More layered guitars, poetic lyrics, and an ethereal feel make this track a favorite of mine. I have lots of fond memories associated with this one. Give this song some special attention.

6: Pretty Penny – This track starts what I consider to be the second half of the album – both in terms of track listing and in overall feel. Compared to the first half of the album, this song presents a new stripped-down sound. It’s not my favorite track by any means, but it’s an undeniable earworm.

7: Silvergun Superman – If Purple has any “throw away” tracks, this would be one of them. It’s not a bad song, at all. But it’s also not particularly memorable.

8: Big Empty – This was the lead single for the album and also the song that really got me excited for the record. It starts with a very mellow stripped-down feel, complete with the sound of a slide guitar – something unusual for early-90’s rock. But it isn’t long before it explodes into the thick chorus-dripping sound that STP is famous for. Absolute magic here. This song was a key element to the soundtrack for my summer of 1994.

9: Unglued – After the mellow lull of “Big Empty”, the bands kicks it back up with a high-energy crescendo. This song is underrated in my opinion. In some ways it is similar to “Vasoline” in its simplicity, but it’s by no means a copy. This is a real banger.

10: Army Ants – This song is probably the most forgettable track on the album. It starts off with a weird floaty riff that explodes into a grinding rock tune. It’s catchy, but not particularly memorable.

11: Kitchenware & Candybars – The album comes to a close with a very quiet, whispery track. This song also never gets much attention by the mainstream, but it’s one of my favorites on the album. I can’t quite tell you why, but I like it. It’s got a groove to it and it’s very melodic. It would be the perfect end to a fantastic album if it wasn’t for….

12: My Second Album (Hidden Track) – The quirky hidden track. Ah yes… a staple of 90’s rock albums. I understand that this song is supposed to be a bit of a joke. It’s a cheesy lounge song designed as a tongue-in-cheek celebration of the band’s sophomore release. But quite honestly, it’s a waste of space. Thankfully, there’s a long gap between the last song and this one, so it’s easy to skip. I’m so glad that bands have largely abandoned this practice. (Even if I was guilty of it myself back when I recorded and released music).

Purple is the record that told the world that Stone Temple Pilots were not just a one trick pony. It cemented their sound that put them on the map as serious contenders to the rock crown of the 90’s. This album deserves a place on your record shelf and it should be listened to with regularity.

When listening to albums, I always suggest enjoying them on a nice Hi-Fi stereo system or on a portable device with a good pair of headphones. The production of this record is great and still stands the test of time. There is a 2019 Super Deluxe Edition that contains demos and live version from the era. Of course this release includes a remaster of the original album. But luckily, it doesn’t fall victim to the wiles of over-compression, like so many modern releases do. Either the original release or the remaster would serve well for a new listener.

When enjoying a record, I always recommend that you listen from start to finish. Some songs tend to be more enjoyable when following the song preceding them. Put the record on while you’re driving, or doing house work. Let it play in the background. Listen it to a few times. Some records need to grow on you. Don’t skip around. Even if a particular song doesn’t grab you right away, let it play through. Your opinion may change.