Stone Temple Pilots - Tiny Music...Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop (CD 2000)

Stone Temple Pilots - Tiny Music From the Vatican Gift Shop

The Stone Temple Pilots are a “Marmite” band often criticised for being imitators rather than innovators ,. This said it is evident that while the criticism is to a degree valid with earlier albums borrowing the best bits of Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains and later material continuing more into their own vein with only limited plagiarism on their part that they have delivered 5 albums which for the best part have lacked the peaks and troughs of their peers and remained fairly consistent.

Tiny music is their 3rd effort following up the highly successful “Purple” and in fairness , criticism aside it is a really good effort in spite of some dubious inclusions .

It is difficult for me to say whether the inclusion of “Press Play” is essential to the album or not.. this said it is here and plays out in under 2 minutes and has more than a nod to later R.E.M material ( Think Up- Reveal )

From here on in it is familiar territory , “Pop’s Love Suicide “ is an infectious rock opener which despite more than a glaring similarity to Alice In Chains “Dam The River “ more than holds its own and sets the feel for the rest of the record.

Other Highlights of the early part are Rock Numbers “Big Bang Baby “ and “Tumble In the rough”

I am indifferent about the inclusion of Lady Picture show and feel that again this is far from the best Pilots song and more of a filler.

“Trippin on a hole “ for me is the stand out track which mixes all the best parts of formulaic rock and delivers them crashing through your speakers with full force.

Art School Girl is another worthy inclusion if slightly disjointed ( it may have worked better on Purple )

This said for all the highs and lows , and maybe my own personal feelings that the band could deliver more .. this is an awesome record ,full of well layered guitar riffs , crashing drums and more than your fair share of Scott Weiland’s Sleaze rock persona.

It is fair to say that those expecting lyrical superiority and something to think about will no doubt be disappointed as in fairness Weiland’s lyrics have always been hit and miss… this said those craving 41mins to rock out to will no doubt love this record.

AB