No.97 - ‘Performance and Cocktails’, by Stereophonics (1999)

“But when you rely on a lie that’s true; And no-one believes in things you do; ‘Cause half the lies you tell ain’t true…”

“Oh! A new British punk band…” were my thoughts when hearing ‘The Bartender and the Thief’ for the first time. Although those hopes weren’t fulfilled, ‘Performance and Cocktails’ was the first indie-rock album that I truly enjoyed.

Kelly Jones has a great voice, and he really pushes it in this album. A very different feel to their following release (although Mr Writer is possibly my favourite Stereophonics song). The whole album is consistent with a good mix of up tempo songs, very well known and loved singles and some good downbeat tunes. In my opinion, the rockiest album they’ve released and probably one of the reasons I like it so much - the highlight for me being ‘Half the Lies You Tell Ain’t True’ 

The album received mixed reviews; Rolling Stone magazine describing them as “Oasis trying to be Radiohead.” Poppycock, I say! It ended the year as the 5th best selling album in 1999. Directing your eyes to the album cover, 23 year old Lucy Joplin was only paid £75 for the shoot, and her “faraway” stare was due to being loaded up on Absinth and Opium…an interesting ‘cocktail’ for sure.

Originally formed in 1992, under the name ‘Tragic Love Company’, Stereophonics have grown to become one of the biggest Welsh rock bands. Seven of their eleven studio albums have reached No.1.

Performance and Cocktails peaked at No.1 in the UK album charts, and re-entered in 2004, reaching No.25. The album is also available on vinyl and re-released on vinyl in 2010, and as of yet does not live in my collection.

Favourite songs - Half the Lies You Tell Ain’t True, The Bartender and the Thief, I Stopped to Fill My Car Up



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No.45 - ‘The Bell And The Hammer’ by This Day & Age (2006)

Image
“  If I could learn to act patiently, then I would see that my view of time is selfishly based around me;  I should run away, but I  can't; chasing dreams that are slowing down for me;  I should turn around, but I can't; It's within my reach …” Another round of applause  given to the pool of online streaming algorithms for showing me a plethora of new music. Not all stay within my listening world for long and some become firm favourites. The Bell And Hammer is one of the best albums ever  recommended to me and one that continues to grow on me with every listen. This Day & Age cross into indie from melodic rock. If you are a fan of Keane, Coldplay or Ben Folds, but fancy something a little heavier in the guitar department, you will absolutely enjoy this album. A strong piano/keys and soaring vocals with decent harmonies set the standard for most songs.  The tone of Jeff Martin’s voice has a sweetness that fans of the aforementioned bands will love. ...
Read more

No.64 - ‘The Wait’ by Zox (2006)

Image
“Sometimes I'm sure that I am crazy;  It's taking its toll, it 's making me old;  With half the winter still to go;  Maybe I'm afraid of love, maybe I'm afraid of pain; And maybe I'm afraid too much, maybe I'm afraid that I won't ever change…” It was August of 2006, and our first and only Reading Festival. Wanting to see the likes of Muse, Less Than Jake, Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Bedouin Soundclash and others around the Lockup Stage, we left the festival having discovered a new band, and one of our favourite acts of the weekend, Zox. They don’t really fit into the bracket of other bands. A mix of Sublime, The Pixies and Maximo Park; There is a ska influence, but mixed with indie rock. The  defining feature being an electric violin player, taking the role of lead guitar, producing an interesting and unique overdriven sound. Although this setup felt a little sparse to me in the studio recordings at first, I appreciate hearing the string nuances and ...
Read more

No.66 - ‘Direction’ by The Starting Line (2007)

Image
“ I've got stars in my great big sky;  I shall gaze upon without leaving small ones behind,  because they're harder to find;  Some were satellites, others planes;  Some were twinkling while others were fading away,  but they're all one of a kind …” I never latched onto the likes of Blink 182 or Sum 41. Surprising, as I spent most my teens listening to Punk Rock. The closest mainstream band of my desire, in the Pop Punk genre, would probably be Green Day. But another Spotify discovery brings us The Starting Line, at 66 in our 100 best albums countdown.  I don't tend to latch on to the popular bands, but to what my ears like (It’s what this list is all about). And ‘Direction’ takes a look at punk from the alternative rock angle; really good melodies, interesting rhythms and timings, and quite a range of dynamics. Its a far more mature sound than the likes of those bands previously mentioned. Although I’m not totally enamoured by Kenny Vasoli’s vocals, the mel...
Read more