The world is familiar with the sad stories of Robert Downey Jr and Darryl Strawberry, who no matter how many second chances they get, can't seem to get it right.
Finally, here is a drug story with a happy ending (so far).
Stone Temple Pilots front man Scott Weiland has seen his share of troubles over the length of his career. After being in and out of courtrooms, the cocaine addict was finally thrown into jail. During his time in prison STP released their fourth album, appropriately titled No. 4.
There was no world tour to promote the album. There were no guest appearances on TRL or any other highly rated MTV program.
However, No. 4 still managed to capture the true fans. Upon Weiland's release, the sober singer and bandmates hit the road running. Last summer they headlined a tour of their own and then later took the stage opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They also made a high profile video for the song "Sour Girl," which featured Buffy herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar.
The follow-up to 1999's No. 4 hit stores this past Tuesday. It is titled Shangri-LA DEE DA, after the house that the album was recorded in. Still clean and out of trouble, Weiland and the gang have managed to put together 13 tracks of bare-all music.
The first single from the album, "Days of The Week," have some faithful fans a little bit cautious. More of a pop song than a rock song, "Days" seems to fit more into the Total Request Live format than it does the Head Banger's Ball line-up.
Those fans do have a reason to be a little skeptical. While the first few tracks have a sharp edge and great sound, many of the remaining tracks seem to be headed in the same direction as "Sour Girl." The slow pop sound rings through out these songs;"Wonderful," "Hello, It's Late," and "Black Again."
The heavier tracks include "Dumb Love," Coma" and the best track on the album "Transmissions From A Lonely Room."
Shangri-LA DEE DA's sound is much like two of the band's most popular songs, "Tumble in the Rough," and "Sour Girl." If you liked those songs you will love the new album.
The band has definitely changed. While some would argue for the better and others would argue for the worst, the truth is this really isn't the same band that exploded onto the scene during the good old grunge days with Core.
Since his release from prison Weiland’s life has undergone many changes. Namely, he has married and now has a child.
The album's 12th cut, "A Song For Sleeping," talks about the birth of his son and the father that he wants to be. A sample line from the song goes, "Finally I met you/The day has come/You're more than beautiful/And you're my son."
Can we say Creed's "With Arms Wide Open," boys and girls?
Stone Temple Pilots have long been my favorite band. I was hoping that they would follow in the foot steps of U2 and Staind in trying to bring back rock n' roll.
Instead they have chosen a different path. If they are making the music that they want to make and they are staying clean and loving life, then I guess I can't complain.
I guess I can't heavily recommend this album like I wanted to, either.
Grade C+
