Just Enough Education to Perform

by

Stereophonics

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In February, 2002, a small group of us traveled to Ireland. Although Stereophonics hadn't been getting airplay in the U.S., I had heard a lot of them on a British Internet station, and liked what I heard. Once we arrived in Dublin, I soon realized how huge they were in the U.K. and Ireland. Several songs off their new album, 'Just Enough Education to Perform,' were being played alot on the radio over there.

As the end of our trip approached, I started scouring music stores, looking for the version of the CD with the bonus track (the terrific Rod Stewart ballad, 'Handbags and Gladrags'), since I doubted that I could get this version back in the states. Finally, I found a copy and brought it home to Boston with me.

What I can't understand is why this band hasn't been more of a success in the U.S. Even though the band is British, Stereophonics has a truly American sound. The opening track, 'Vegas Two Times,' is a crunching number that brings to mind The Black Crowes, while the beautiful 'Step on My Old Size Nines' is something you might hear while driving past the wheat fields on a warm summer night in the Midwest. One note: Don't miss the hidden track after 'Rooftop.' It is a soaring piece of guitar rock that is actually one of the best songs on the entire CD. The hook at the end of the song is truly memorable, and is a great way to end a great album.

Sure, there are a few forgettable tunes here, most of which are toward the end of the album. 'Everyday I Think of Money' and 'Maybe' are clearly not of the same quality as the first seven songs on the CD. Overall, though, this is an album that should alert American radio stations that rock is not dead; indeed, it is alive and well. You just have to fly across the pond to hear it.

-Marc Hurwitz

Stereophonics are one of my favorite bands.

I pre-ordered the album. I saw the acoustic tour. I couldn't wait to hear the album. It arrived, and I'm not sure what to make of it.

There's a sunny, upbeat 1970's a.m. radio vibe to about half of the tracks that is totally unprecedented in their earlier efforts. There's a lot less Stereophonics, the rock group. And a lot more Kelly Jones, heartfelt songwriter.

Standout tracks include Mr. Writer, Lying In The Sun, and Size 9s. But I feel the lightweight, laid back arrangements will alientate many fans. People who fell in love with the ragged exuberance of Word Gets Around and Performance & Cocktails will feel shorted.

The songwriting, as always, is there. But I feel the producer misfired. It's fine to evolve your sound. But this is total abandonment. I hope this record grows on me. Otherwise, screw it. The first two records are classics.

JEEP is good. But from a band this talented, you expect greatness.