If it weren't for the fact that we were doing a Britpop issue, I probably wouldn't have picked this release for the Pick Of The Month column, but I felt it necessary to highlight what I think is probably the best live band of the lot. Please note that I said "live" band, because I prefer the Oasis studio albums to the infrequent offerings by the Stone Roses.
In concert, however, Stone Roses have that intangible ability to reshape their songs into a more vibrant presentation, one that possesses a spontaneity that can't be found on studio recordings.
"High Times In Dope Land" is not a spectacular recording, but it is certainly an acceptable audience DAT source. It also contains the most recent recording of them I could find, coming from the Paradiso in Amsterdam on 14 April, 1995.
I think the thing that attracts me the most about Stone Roses in concert is the way the members seem to be in tune with each other. There is an anticipation for improvisation that doesn't come through on the live recordings of the other bands coming out of Britain these days. I would go so far as that Stone Roses is the only one of the current crop who perform as well (or better) on the stage as on their albums. Possibly Radiohead fills the bill, but there is no question with Stone Roses.
Admittedly, pop music lends itself to a more produced studio sound which may be why I prefer Stone Roses. They venture as far from the pure pop as is possible and still remain within the genre. If you haven't investigated these guys yet, maybe you should. It's a lineup that includes a vocalist backed by a three piece - guitar, bass, drums. Yes, like my favourite live band, Led Zeppelin. But don't expect the same kind of thunder. You will get the lightning, though !
(Bill Glahn)
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