Check It Out: The Stone Roses
By Scott Matthew Fox on February 26, 2010 in library
Let’s go back to where it started from with The Stone Roses’ self-titled 1989 debut, one of the most critically acclaimed debut albums of all time.
I discovered the Manchester, UK band early this year after reading that The Pixies’ Doolittle, also from 1989, was ranked the 2nd greatest album of all time by a 2003 poll done by the British music magazine, NME. The first? The Stone Roses. I would argue that both albums play a similar role in music history with each one setting a template for one the major strands of ‘90s alternative rock. One can see its influence upon ‘90s British rock bands including the Britpop explosion of the mid-90’s.
The Stone Roses contains the fusion of several sounds. There’s a bit of the stereotypical 1980’s new wave sound (“She Bangs The Drums” and “This Is The One) and the CD builds upon it with a 1960’s psychedelic influenced sound (most strongly found on “Don’t Stop). Nearly all of the album’s songs slowly build as one layer of sound floats atop another (especially upon “I Wanna Be Adored”). Any CD that deconstructs “Scarborough Fair” into a tale of Elizabethan revenge gets high praise for me (even though “Elizabeth, My Dear” is only a 50-second interlude, it’s hilarious nevertheless). Overall, The Stone Roses are largely worth the hype. After the success of their debut, a legal dispute with record labels and infighting pushed back the release of The Stone Roses’ less well-received second and final album until 1994. They broke up in 1996.
Tracks for your enjoyment:
The Stone Roses - Elizabeth My Dear
The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored
The Stone Roses- Don't Stop
Post Comment
