Review Summary: Stereophonics managed to prove to the world for the third time they have something to say.
Having released two excellent albums that found loyal fans and success among the critics, Stereophonics decided not to get complacent and release a new long-player elaborately titled
Just Enough Education to Perform two years after the previous one.
By that time, the band had all the necessary marks of an outfit whose new record is expected. Bright and fresh pop/rock that leans towards alternative rock ‘n’ roll, tunefulness, an abundance of hit songs on each record that hit the bullseye of the appreciative perception, straightforward but confident and airy guitar work (some classify the band as a part of Britpop, which, it would seem, undeservingly narrow the boundaries of all the styles employed by the musicians). And finally the trademark gruffish vocals (as if somebody crossbred
Rod Stewart,
Bryan Adams and
Liam Gallagher getting something totally new as a result) and ability to tell stories in a song format of a charismatic lead singer Kelly Jones. This kind of baggage set out a challenge for the brave Welsh – not to lose face and, simultaneously, avoid self-repetition.
The changes are immediately noticeable on the opening
Vegas Two Times – both in sound and arrangements. Closer to the 70s classic rock, with dense and viscous textures, the song feels like heavy artillery, but this first impression is misleading. Only one other track on the whole LP resembles it, the closing
Rooftop, a kind of like a twin but in different clothes. Both cuts act as rock anthems framing the album. However everything in between is no less interesting.
After noisy Las Vegas we end up in a small town drenched in sunlight and tranquility, where the remaining narrative is unfolding. The soft, unhurried and immersive waves of acoustic country and folk (
Step on My Old Size Nines,
Nice to Be Out,
Maybe,
Caravan Holiday), occasionally diluted with sweet pop/rock (
Have a Nice Day) and mildly dark blues rock (
Mr. Writer,
Every Day I Think of Money) carry one along the vignettes Kelly Jones created about the local population.
A beggar contemplating his fate and dreaming of life similar to others (
Lying in the Sun), a chance visitor that hates tourists and the place of his whereabouts (
Have a Nice Day), an artist who has been undeservingly lambasted by the critics (
Mr. Writer), a CIT van driver who gave in to temptation (
Every Day I Think of Money), lovers who enjoy their privacy under the rain in June (
Caravan Holiday), a recluse with suicidal tendencies (
Rooftop). These and other characters will keep you strange but pleasant company to unhurried accompaniment, which covers itself in acoustic poncho carrying a couple of rock revolvers on its musical hips.
The 2002 re-release includes two more songs that add curious shades and provide another depth to the collection. It’s a cover of
Handbags and Gladrags by
Mike d’Abo which is based more on the Rod Stewart version only with a grander scale (maybe the best performance). The second is
Surprize, a hidden track at the end of the original LP. This heartfelt, sweet but aggressive cut does not commit to anything, but serves as a pleasant aftertaste for those who will not stop the player after the false ending.
Well, Stereophonics managed to get off the boat of the acquired success, step confidently on the unknown shore, find a new shelter and prove for the third time they have something to say. Having changed the attitude, deliberately slowed the performances and expertly employed the hidden acoustic arsenal, the band released one of the best efforts without losing their intensity, enthusiasm and, most importantly, mannerisms.
