Shangri-La Dee Da - Dark Publications

Location: Home » music » General » Shangri-La Dee Da

Similar Items:

•	No. 4
•	Tiny Music...Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop
•	Purple
•	Core

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Shangri-La Dee Da may not be STP's most commercial outing, but the disc's 13 tracks comprise a satisfying aural journey despite its lack of quick-fix hits along the lines of "Sex Type Thing" and "Wicked Garden." From the dark, grinding rhythms and obfuscated vocals of "Dumb Love" to the lovely "Wonderful" to the buoyant power pop of "Days of the Week" to the edgy and disturbing "Coma," myriad facets of the lineup's musical temperament are explored. "Bi-Polar Bear" hints at STP's humor, though Shangri-La is by no means lightweight; singer Scott Weiland's passionate and personal lyrics--especially on a touching ode to his infant son, "A Song for Sleeping"--are affecting and apt. The fifth outing from this California crew who've survived grunge and thrived in its aftermath is masterful and mature effort from a band who've spied some light at the end of their tunnel. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews: Read 234 more reviews...

1 out of 5 stars

This is why you shouldn't marry and have 2 kids April 13, 2002
79 out of 96 found this review helpful

SW, after going to jail and releasing two sub-par records (NO4 and this one), has so much nerve to marry and father two kids, when because of the commercial failure of both, is going to find it a challenge to support his out-of-control, multiplying-like-rabbits family. There are heavy reasons this coaster of a cd hasn't even sold past gold status: because it's a pain. THat's why. Every song gets worse as you listen to more on the track list. You'd think it wouldn't be possible, cause the chances of one being good would neutralize all of 'em being horrible, but it's not to be. This is so bad that if STP back in '92-'96 would have heard of what nightmare they'd turn into, they would commit suicide; or at least would beat up their future degenerated versions.

1 out of 5 stars

What the heck is Shangri La Dee Da, etc., etc., yoda, yoda May 1, 2002
28 out of 37 found this review helpful

OK 1st off even though I only heard of Stp maybe 2 years ago, I think i've listened to enough of their material to make a decision. When I first started i started off with their 1st cd, and worked my way to the latest ones. By far I prefer, without a doubt, the crunch and rawness of the first 2 cds, even though im twelve and totally new to this grunge thing. To me the last two albums have been not good enough to come close to their peak, with their first 2cds.

5 out of 5 stars

An underrated swan song November 10, 2005
24 out of 25 found this review helpful

Initially written off as Pearl Jam clones, Stone Temple Pilots turned out to be one of the finest rock bands of the 1990s. Their first three albums "Core," (1992) "Purple," (1994) and "Tiny Music...Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop" (1996) were among the best selling rock albums of the 90s and spawned many memorable singles that remain radio staples to this day.

Unfortunately Scott Weiland's drug busts and inner band turmoil stopped the LA quartet dead in their tracks.

The mid-to-late 90s saw Stone Temple Pilots go on a three year hiatus. During this time Dean and Robert DeLeo, (guitar, bass) and Eric Kretz (drums) formed the band Talk Show with singer Dave Coutts for their 1997 self-titled album. The following year saw the release of Scott Weiland's "12 Bar Blues." While both albums were strong, they failed to match the sales of Stone Temple Pilots. Unable to find commercial success without the other, Weiland and the rest of Stone Temple Pilots reconciled for 1999's "No4." The album was a strong return to form and the band regained their status as one of rocks premier acts. The band returned two years later for 2001s fifth and final "Shangri-LA DEE DA."

"Shangri-LA DEE DA" is probably the most underappreciated album in STP's catalogue. Sales were hurt because the band didn't initially tour to support the album and also because it failed to receive a huge push by Atlantic. The album stalled at Gold, thus becoming the only STP album failing to achieve platinum status. The album consequently slid under the radar of the general public, who to this day remain unaware of what a fine album Stone Temple Pilots swan song really is.

Much like "No4," "Shangri-LA DEE DA" takes its cue from the first three STP albums. It mixes the grunge trimmings of "Core," the craft of "Purple," and the retro psychedelic-glam twist of "Tiny Music." But compared to "No4," "Shangri-LA DEE DA" is more refined, more polished, and ultimately a superior album.

The opening "Dumb Love" with Weiland's baritone growl over distorted guitars sounds a lot like vintage "Core" era STP, akin to "Dead and Bloated" and "Sex Type Thing," but with maybe a little more color. The album's leap into power-pop with the super infectious "Days of the Week," echoes the styling of "Tiny Music." "Coma" acts like a hybrid of the two, recalling the grunge aspects of "Core", but with the pop-sensibility of "Tiny Music." The riff and groove from "Hollywood Bitch" comes straight out of Jimmy Page's songbook, making the song analogous to "Misty Mountain Hop." The band demonstrates its pop-craft mastery with the stunning "Wonderful." The off-center, light-as-a-feather, somewhat bittersweet, Bowie-esque "Black Again," is dazzling, reeling the listener in by the hook and refusing to let go. The trippy "Hello its Late" takes it cue from "Black Again," but is considerably more spacey and subdued, but never dull. The melodic solo comes out of left-field, making the song all the more satisfying. The album comes back to earth for ultra-catchy, ode to Courtney Love "Too Cool Queenie." With its infectious hook, melody, and sing-along chorus, this is easily one of the best songs the band ever penned, and could have been a huge hit, had it been released as a single. The manic "Regeneration," changes the pace, taking the listener on an aggressive left-turn. While not the album's best song, it keeps up the momentum. "Bi-Polar Bear" with its alternating semi-acoustic verse and full-throttle, but melodic chorus is another strong, intriguing cut. One of the albums best songs, "Transmissions from a Lonely Room," with its engrossing middle-eastern-esque chorus, which builds up and climaxes to its psychedelic verse, could have been another strong contender as a single. Weiland's tribute to his son, "Song for Sleeping" is touching, without sounding corny. The closing "Long Way Home" sounds a lot like the paranoid "No Way Out" from "No4," but is somewhat slowed down and more refined. It's yet another strong song and a good way to conclude the album.

While the band's earlier work may be better known, "Shangri-LA DEE DA" saw the band reach its creative and ambitious height. "Shangri-LA DEE DA" is a melting pot of many styles; early 90s grunge, psychedelic pop, and Bowie-esque-70s-glam. Ambitious and eclectic as it may be, everything works. It all adds up to a coherent, satisfying whole. An outstanding swan song, a true shame more people aren't familiar this album.

4 out of 5 stars

Does Scott Weiland write better music doped up on heroin? June 21, 2001
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I like this album, but it doesn't compare to the STP's first two releases, "Core" and Purple". The first 3-4 songs of "Shangra-La Dee Da" come out like your typical STP outing. Good old fashion rock. Then the album settles down & plays more pop oriented tunes that may or may not be radio friendly. The one thing that is always present on a STP album is "change". From the in-yer-face hard rock/grunge sound of 1992's "Core", to the classic rock & sometime 70's groovy feel of "Purple" & "Tiny Music...", to 1999's updated big bass & drums hip rock "4", to hard & soft (acoustic) "Shangri-La Dee Da". I like this album & it's grown on me big time with repeated spins. Weiland has been hot & cold in the past in dealing with his drug addiction(s), the police, bandmates, hair color and life in general... but the STP's stick thru it & continue to throw out likable music for the masses. In this day & age of corporate rock (good hard rock bands going soft for air time on the radio... like Aerosmith), it's very clear to me that this Stone Temple Pilot machine is making the music that THEY want to make, and not necessarily what we want to hear. This is a good thing & it's a theme that I wish more bands would follow. They've taken the notion "...if it feels good - do it" to a new level. Best fast song is "Dumb Love". Best slower tunes are "Days Of The Week" and "A Song For Sleeping". The musicianship & thought provoking lyrics continue to impress me. Good disc.

5 out of 5 stars

STP Doesn't Need No Respect! June 19, 2001
11 out of 14 found this review helpful

With the last two albums, Stone Temple Pilots seemed to have left the demons of success (or the "need" for success) behind them. They have never been the critics favorites, referred to as a grunge dud, Alice n' Chains knock off. They've never gotten the respect they deserve, even after several excellent albums.

Who cares? STP doesn't!

Stone Temple Pilots once again veers left when you could swear they were going "right." There may not even be a "Sour Girl" in this bunch, but there is a whole lot of sweeties. They've compiled a group of 13 songs that have an alarming number of surprises. One of these surprises is the courage to challenge fans with music that doesn't adhere to the normal rules of POP today. Only Radiohead has taken greater leaps, but Radiohead was always considered an innovator from the first crunch of the "Creep" guitar solo. Ironically, I've considered STP to be innovators since the first time I heard their own "Creep."

This album has a core. Focusing on Weiland's continued struggle with drug use, glitz, and his role as a father. The album gives more insight into the heart and mind of a man who has been a rock star, fallen hard, dusted himself off, and decided to walk the road less yearned for. The result is beautiful.

By the way, the music of the DeLeos' is awesome as well. This is some of the richest music they've devised yet. I'm amazed at how this group has grown together. I imagine there are some amazing artistic battles with this much talent in the studio, but as long as they keep creating this kind of art, I don't care either! Each song has more ideas than most albums, but they remain cohesive, and unwrap themselves beautifully with every listen. This is the main reason I think STP has left behind the need to please everybody. This album seems to me to be an act of love.

STP may need no respect, but they have gained mine through an obvious love for creating rock and Pop music. They may not need it, but they deserve it.

Powered by Associate-O-Matic

T-shirts, Posters

Pentagram T-shirts, bags, etc...

Gothic Posters