My 200th opinion. Take it or leave it.

Stone Temple Pilots has been my favorite band for about a decade now. I’ve stuck with them through the good times and bad. Through Weiland’s drug problems and various issues with law enforcement. Hell, I own every one of their albums and the majority of their singles. Thus, this seems and appropriate 200th review for me.

Formed in 1987 using the name Mighty Joe Young, Californians Scott Weiland (vocals), Eric Kretz (drums), Dean DeLeo (guitar), and Robert DeLeo (bass) went on to become some of the most visible members of the grunge community. With the release of 1992’s Core, fame quickly ensued. Their sound was certainly similar to that of Pearl Jam and the rest, but they proved to have much staying power following that multi platinum debut.

Stone Temple Pilots (STP) went on to release their biggest hit and most critically acclaimed album to date, 1994’s Purple. The album was an attempt to no longer sound like ‘grunge’ and various bands from the dying era of music. Relying more on rock rules and melodic riffs further improving and growing upon the style set forth by STP on Core, Purple is rock and roll at it’s best in the mid-1990’s. A sound appealing to many types of people. Purple spawned a number of hits ranging from Interstate Love Song to Big Empty to Vasoline. Another, lesser known but equally stellar track is Unglued.

Unglued was released as a single following the release of June 1994 release of Purple. It featured just one track, albeit a very good one. While most people likely (and for good reason) identify the volatile Weiland with STP each of the other three members is an integral part. The DeLeo brothers are great guitarists and songwriters while Kretz drums along, creating the necessary beat to keep Weiland’s sometimes-wandering vocals in tempo. Overall, I am just a huge fan of the band any most of their songs.

So far as songs go, I enjoy Unglued more than traditional band favorite Interstate Love Song. The latter is just too soft and mushy for my appreciation while the former is loud and confrontational and more like earlier tracks like the perfect Sex Type Thing. Anyhow, Unglued represents what I most enjoy about STP. The band is unafraid to shake things up (when it suits them best) and to make music that sounds very different than other bands yet remaining appealing to most rock listeners.

Unglued was first featured in the number nine position on Purple it later got some radio airplay although I would have to say it certainly deserved more. Whether or not you remember the track, I think it’s important that readers understand the scale and profundity (okay, that might just be an exaggeration) of the track. For that reason alone, I bring you a sample of the lyrics:
This confusion is my illusion
Nowhere to look, but know where
To find ya.
All these things I’m sick about,
I’m sick about -
Always come unglued

Now, having read those lyrics imagine Weiland’s gravelly yet melodic voice chanting the words over the band’s great rock instrumentation. The resulting image and sound is positively reflective of STP, their talent, and their musical slant. The song wavers between this upbeat chanting and typical STP rock and roll.

I honestly enjoy this song, although I do feel a bit taken by the single. Since there is only one track, the band has not allowed for any rarities or for that matter b-sides as an extra special bonus. I’d feel more fulfilled if they had chosen to include even one more song. For that alone, I do have to mark this single down. At not even five minutes of content, I feel let down. Stone Temple Pilots is a great example of 1990’s rock. They are certainly NOT as pretentious or self involved as Creed, although their sound is similar. Weiland’s voice and Kretz and DeLeo(x2)’s instrumentals paired with top-notch songwriting is reminiscent of arena rock in the 1970’s. Not the schlock-rock either, I’m talking Big Star and Cheap Trick. The good stuff. Unglued from Purple is a superb track. I give Unglued 4/5 stars. I recommend it to all rock fans, although it seems that the single is difficult to find...my cassette version is no longer in production.
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Check out my past STP opinions for more information:

Revolution [single, cover from The Beatles]
http://www.epinions.com/content_51695816324

Stoned Immaculate [Doors tribute featuring Break on Through]
http://www.epinions.com/content_53669891716

Encomium [Led Zeppelin tribute featuring Dancing Days]
http://www.epinions.com/content_29215460996

Tiny Music
http://www.epinions.com/content_29640789636

Purple
http://www.epinions.com/content_29096644228

Core
http://www.epinions.com/content_28960001668


Recommended: Yes