Stereophonics - You Gotta Go There To Come Back

I really didn't know much about Stereophonics when I saw them live in 2000, but I was pretty impressed with their show opening for the Charlatans. Unfortunately, I did not find much replay value in the album they were supporting at the time, Performance and Cocktails. So when confronted with the band's latest effort You Gotta Go There To Come Back, I wasn't really setting myself up for a particularly interesting experience. I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it's not challenging music, but the sing-along factor is there. The trio from Wales has been described as "lo-fi melody makers," and I guess on their best tracks, that is a fairly apt description. Lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones has a voice that I think one either loves or hates. On most tracks, it's soulful and gritty in a way that really works with their tight, fluid style. On the odd track, I have a hard time not offering him a lozenge and some hot tea. Bassist Richard Jones and drummer Stuart Cable create a backdrop that effortlessly winds through straight-on rock'n'roll as well as soft ballads. The first track on the album, "Help Me (She's Out of Her Mind)" wins niftiest title, and I can say that because I'm a female...and I've been out of my mind on a number of occasions. Not only is it catchy as hell, but it is the first of at least two songs containing a line referring to being slapped across "ya white face." Not sure of the significance here, but ok... "Climbing the Wall" is another standout track with a nice rolling, groovy vibe to it, complete with subtle horns and of all things, chimes. Considering that most of the album is tops, it's hard to pick out tracks that didn't make the grade. There are a couple of songs that lend themselves more to the aforementioned "lozenge" category; "Rainbows and Pots of Gold" being the most grating. But the production is slick without killing the raw touches that are the band’s trademark. In addition to the original released in September, there is also a new UK re-release just out this February that adds the new single “Moviestar.” (No idea if it will make it to the States) Overall, I would have to say that this is probably the bands strongest album to date, and worth adding to the collection of anyone who was already a Stereophonics fan or just a fan of British rock. [www.stereophonics.com]