STONE TEMPLE PILOTS Vinyl & CDs

Review: In 1994, Stone Temple Pilots returned to the studio to record Purple, their highly anticipated second album following the success of their debut Core in 1992, which sold over eight million copies. Purple debuted at number one on the Billboard album chart and went on to sell more than six million copies. To celebrate its legacy, Rhino drops this, Purple Rarities, a long player pressed on purple vinyl featuring demos, early versions and acoustic recordings from the 2019 Super Deluxe Edition, all available exclusively for RSD Black Friday.

Review: Stone Temple Pilots' No. 4 marked a return to the harder-edged sound of their earlier albums Core and Purple, while moving away from the power-pop experimentation of Tiny Music. Opening with the stomping 'Down', the album delivers a relentless mix of rockers like 'No Way Out', 'Church on Tuesday', and 'MC5', balanced by moodier tracks like 'Sour Girl' and 'Atlanta.' The latter, with Scott Weiland's haunting, Morrison-esque vocal performance, stands out as one of his most affecting moments. Weiland's struggles with addiction add a dark depth to the album's lyrics, particularly on tracks like 'No Way Out', reflecting his personal battles. Despite the band's difficultiesimost notably Weiland's jail stint for a probation violationiNo. 4 showcases the intense synergy between Weiland and the DeLeo brothers, producing some of their most versatile work. Though often unfairly dismissed as a post-grunge act, STP created a sound uniquely their own, with the crushing chords of Dean and Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz's drumming, and Weiland's powerful vocals. No. 4 is a testament to the band's resilience, standing as their last truly seminal release before Weiland's eventual decline. Highly recommended for fans of 90s alternative rock.

Review: Stone Temple Pilots' 1992 album, Core, is a classic of alternative rock that is characterized by heavy guitars, catchy melodies, and Scott Weiland's distinctive vocals. The album's standout track is 'Plush,' a power ballad that showcases Weiland's soaring vocals and the band's knack for writing memorable hooks. Other highlights include 'Sex Type Thing,' a driving rocker with a catchy chorus, and 'Wicked Garden,' an up-tempo song that shows the Weiland at his more aggressive best. Reaching number three on the Billboard 200 chart, Core is an essential album for fans of 90s alternative rock.