Is it an impossible task to objectively review this? With so much having already been written, it would be easy to add to the vast mountain of praise that has already been heaped upon it, but I have a confession to make. I’m not really a Stone Roses fan. I’ve never owned any of their music and never really understood what all the fuss was about. Twenty years ago I was a wee slip of a lad growing up in a sleepy Wiltshire town, listening to Betty Boo and Transvision Vamp. I was as far removed from the Madchester scene as could possibly be imagined.
Two decades later this re-mastered disc gives the non-believers their opportunity for Salvation.
Any thoughts of impartiality are quickly dispelled because when ‘I Wanna be Adored’ finally springs into life after what seems like an age, its like slipping under a warm blanket. The familiarity of the bass rumble and John squires jangly guitar barbs reel you in, to be engulfed by Brown’s whispered pleading vocal.
‘She Bangs the Drums’ and ‘Waterfall’ follow swiftly on ‘Adored’ heels completing a trio of the most life affirming songs to ever open an album.
Its not all sunshine and light, ‘Don’t Stop’ quickly brings down the quality levels as it mangles the ‘Waterfall’ riff into a self indulgent psychedelic break down, similarly ‘Bye Bye Badman’ is a whimsical mid-album filler, whilst ‘Elizabeth My Dear’ never fulfils its potential.
Another excellent song is never far away on this classic album and ‘Made of Stone’ barrels into view to confirm the Stone Roses confident swagger. In just over four minutes they collectively display more musicianship than some bands manage in a career. Squire again demonstrates a deftness around his fret board and an ear for an effects peddle or two whilst Brown threads a knowing gentle menace to his vocal delivery. This is the one bounds along with customary brilliance and of course it all ends with ‘I Am The Resurrection’. Who hasn’t strutted around a dance floor, arms splayed wide declaring themselves to be the Resurrection and then ending up embarrassed by forgetting the extended guitar solo?
Without doubt the Stone Roses secured their legend with the release of this album and time has treated it well, it remains truly great. The legacy was enhanced further by the iconic artwork, legendary live shows and the implosion of the Second Coming. Lest we forget there is no ‘Fools Gold’, ‘Elephant Stone’ or ‘One Love’ on this album, the Stone Roses were masters of their craft and this reissue confirms what was probably the best British release of the eighties (although Transvision Vamp was a close second!).
88%
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for me this is one of those “classic” British albums that really deserves it's status. Mani's bassline on She Bangs the Drum… genius.
Bought it at the time but hardly listened to it. Glad it finally kicked the synth-laden 80s into touch in the UK, but R.E.M. were where it was at for guitar bands for me then. So, all in all I've always found it massively over-rated.
Bought it at the time but hardly listened to it. Glad it finally kicked the synth-laden 80s into touch in the UK, but R.E.M. were where it was at for guitar bands for me then. So, all in all I've always found it massively over-rated.