Stereophonics’ Language, Sex, Violence, Other?

Having the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for their forefathers must feel like a curse imposed on every British rocker. How can they ever think of coming up with anything as historic as what those guys did for popular music or continue to do. Remember, Mick and Keith and company may now be on the far side of middle age but there remains no question that they can still rock.

So what can the younger rockers do? Try hard is the only advise possible and to their credit, they do try and often come up with something competently done that enables them to take their place among the greats.

One of those that do try to make the grade with good results most of the time is the Welsh trio of boyhood chums who call themselves Stereophonics. One of the most exciting discoveries of the late ’90s, Kelly Jones, vocals and guitar, Richard Jones on bass and drummer Stuart Cable offered up a blend of classic rock and roll and modern technology. Armed with solid song writing skills and a strong rock sound, the Stereophonics deftly breezed through a series of hits with their early releases. These were A Thousand Trees, A Bartender and the Thief, Boy in the Photograph, Just Looking, Performance and Cocktails and Pick a Part That’s New.

The boys went through a low period of badly received albums a few years ago. But it seems like this is now behind them although it meant a rift in the once close friendship among the members of the group. Drummer Cable was replaced by Javier Weyler, after the third album You Gotta Go There to Come Back was released. For some reason, this change in membership has resulted in better materials, more energetic performance and a harder rocking new album.

Titled Language, Sex, Violence, Other? the latest by the Stereophonics is one of their most melodic outings. Dakota, Rewind and Superman are so radio-friendly they might just emerge as hit singles. And these guys came up with these sure sellers without ever losing perspective of the fact that they are first and foremost, a rock band. Kelly’s trademark growl is darker than ever and the driving music has a hard edge ably complemented by humorous, sarcastic turns. Check Doorman, Brother, Devil and Lolita.

Language, Sex, Violence, Other? is not likely to make history but it still feels good to find the Stereophonics once more on solid footing and making good rock music.

British Bands

For a wider perspective of rock music from the UK these days, you might want to check out Brighter, a compilation album that the cover blurb says contains "16 killer tracks from today’s hottest British bands." Leading the pack is of course, the Stereophonics with Movie Star. The other names in the line-up may not be as familiar but they all have something new and interesting to offer. Besides, the album comes with a free VCD with 10 music videos. So you will not only get to listen to them, you will also get to find out what these new groups look like.

Included are Find the Color by Feeder; Fallen Angel by Elbow; Almost the Same by Clearlake; Banquet by Bloc Party; Wake in the City by Ikara Colt; I Love You ‘Cause I Have To by Dogs Die in Hot Care; Last Gasp of Revenge by The Magnificents; We Don’t Have Much Time by Lowgold; Venetian Blinds by Future Kings of Spain; Hey Girl by Delays; Here She Comes Again by The Stands; From Your Favourite Sky by I Am Kloot; Is This the Best It Gets by Budapest; 18 Seconds by Belasco and Half Smile by Weevil.

The Best From Britain

The Selector is now in the Philippines. For more of the best in music from Great Britain, tune in to The Selector, which airs over NU 107 from 9 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. This is an independent, no commercial show that promotes the new sounds, talents and musical culture of the UK. It is now known for having the knack for picking out the most talented, most promising newcomers and giving them the chance to be on the air.

Presented by Andrea Oliver, each show has a live session, interviews with leading artists, guest DJs and their mixes plus roving reports on the latest trends across Great Britain. But the main dish is really the music and there are lots of it from pop, dance, jazz, hip-hop, roots and even contemporary classical. The Selector has been brought to the Philippines by Aural Communications and Progressive Broadcasting Corp.