Shangri-La Dee Da, Stone Temple Pilots WEA/Atlantic
- Paul Wong
- Courtesy of WEA/Atlantic
After the debut of Core in 1992, STP stood for more than simply a motor oil. STP Stone Temple Pilots entered the rock alternative field amidst great bands like Jane”s Addiction, Nirvana and Alice and Chains. Almost a decade later, one could ask, where have all the super bands gone? STP may stands alone in their area but they are still standing. Having sold 20 million records worldwide, the boys are back, with lead singer Scott Weiland clean, married and a father.
Their fifth album Shangri-La Dee Da is a revisit to their Core sound that made them famous and works to combine punk energy with “diamond hard riffs.” Echoing the sonar variations of the Beatles” White Album, STP provides its fans with a truly amazing collection of thoughts set to pure rock n” roll.
Although one could definitely find some songs to down right jam to, “Dumb Love” or “Coma,” perhaps the best moments reflected on the CD, occur when the track is slowed down and Weiland pauses to explore the soft torture of love in “Black Again” and “Bi-Polar Bear.”
For any mood at any point, Shangri-La Dee Da provides a quality music experience. The album rides from ripping melodies to a more laid back late night sweetheart groove, providing it with the content needed to become another multi-platinum seller for STP.
Grade: A-