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John Aizlewood's rating
, Doubts remain over Stereophonics
By
John Aizlewood
16 Nov 2007
They may be the 21st-century Status Quo but Stereophonics have five Number One albums to their name and the pulling power to warrant two Wembley Arena nights.
Yet doubts as to their substance and quality remain, hardly assuaged by last night's somewhat flat response to all but their best loved hits, Just Looking and Dakota. It was as if both band and audience had some fear of excitement.
When singer Kelly Jones wasn't idiotically suggesting that "we all go to the pub next door and get smashed" and indulging in lowest common denominator chanting, he hardly helped the cause with some sour and dour between-songs muttering: "They're all bastards," he mumbled, vis-a-vis some unspecified enemies before Pass The Buck.
Much worse, introducing It Means Nothing, a fairly thoughtful response to the 7/7 bombings, with a snide spot of silly London baiting was as boorish as it was crass.
For all the meat 'n' potatoes, black-and-white grind of the dreary Roll Up And Shine and the abysmal Mr Writer, their relentless but curiously admirable approach had its moments.
Deadhead was an exhilarating slice of punk thrash, Jones's voice is unique and believable, but the real epiphany came at the end with the swirly but spry Dakota, the only moment the keyboards were audible and a sign that had they the courage to shed their complacency, they could do much better. I live in hope.
Stereophonics play Wembley Arena tonight: 0870 534 4444.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (9)
What a surprise you should suggest that 'Mr Writer' is abysmal - bit obvious isn't it? I saw them in Birmingham and they were brilliant, reflected in the fact that both nights were sold out. The comments about crash and boorish don't make sense - you obviously like 'punkish' music but don't appreciate the wide variety of different sounds that the band are capable of and produce. Stop taking Kelly's sarcasm and wit personally and read a few of his stories - he's good at writing too!
- Lucy Symes, Stafford, Staffordshire, 07/12/2007 13:26
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I have only seen Status Quo once, that was about 20 years ago when they were supposed to be good - I never bothered going to see them again. This year alone I have seen Phonics 6 times and also seen them previous years when they have toured so the comparison between the two rather puzzles me! The lads always give there performances everything they have got, the music speaks for itself rather than having to do loads of speaking! Most fans know that a lot of what Kelly says can be taken with a pinch of salt - he is just witty and has a strange sense of humour!
- Julie, Lincolnshire, 22/11/2007 16:34
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You should have popped along to Cardiff then.....fantastic gig, crowd physically responsive, Phonics on top form. Mind, Kel did say we were all better than Wemberly anyway. Trademark sarcasm present throughout including a lovely little threat not to try to eave early to miss traffic (or Dakota) as there'd be bouncers waiting at the door, the band rocked for over 2 hours even though Kel's recovering from that arm injury and has played practically every date in November and some in October. All I know is I waited too long and will be eagerly getting Phonic'ked at their next round of gigs.
- Emma, Torbay, Devon, 22/11/2007 00:42
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These gigs were quality. I went to the Brighton one and the Wembley one and I assure you if you watched my video of the fans and the lads you would not say at all that there was fear of excitement! My boyfriend even said it was good. I would like to see you write some of the songs kelly has and get up there and perform night after night after night and as for the comments he was making that is just being petty the end of the day that is Kelly's personality he is a bit sarcastic and he knows nearly everyone there knows what all the songs are about and he probably just doesnt wanna go on about it all night and just wants to play music!
The end of the day they are one of the biggest bands around and have more recently been sitting on a number one album so I'm pretty sure they will all be well proud.
- Di Taylor, Hertford, Uk, 20/11/2007 17:35
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I was at the Thursday night gig and it was fantastic! I would've gone on the Friday night too but had to miss it due to having tickets for Foo Fighters last night. Kelly Jones was on top form!
- Sarah, London, 19/11/2007 15:42
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I wish the press would stop putting the stereos down so much, this was an amazing gig. Kelly continues to write great lyrics and all his songs have a hook. One band who you can listen to over and over again and none of their albums have aged. 5 number one albums in so many years is pretty good going. Because Kelly has a dry sarcy sense of humour he is not into doing the press bit. His music and voice says it all. Real class. This was one fabulous gig and their new album is brilliant.
- Kinny, London, UK, 16/11/2007 18:34
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I think John is on another planet. This tour has been brilliant for the band and fans.
- Jane, Halifax West Yorkshire, 16/11/2007 17:24
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It sounds like we were at different gigs last night.
I thought the Stereophonics were incredible. Opening with Bank Hol Mon, it just kept getting better and better.
Superman was mindblowing and More life in a tramps vest dared the crowds to stand still(no way!).
As usual, Kelly Jones showed off his big talent with classics like Maybe tomorrow and Dakota was just the cherry on top of the cake...
The atmosphere was amazing and I was left wanting more. I drove all the way back to Kent with a big smile on my face.
Well done lads and thank you for a great night!
- Marta Schwartz, Spain, 16/11/2007 15:04
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Having seen the Stereophonics on a number of occasions, I have to say that this was the best gig by far - the Stereos just get better and better! Contrary to John's assessment of the flat response, from where I was standing there was anything but - in fact the crowd were going crazy and by the end of it all begging for more.
The Stereos owned the stage and rocked! A perfect mix of their old and new....each one brilliant, both musically and vocally. I have little voice left this morning and if the thousands of people around me were anything to go by neither will they!
Maybe John read a little more into it than he should have done - in future just relax and enjoy the gig...the pub comment was simply engaging the audience (and I know that we would have certainly been up for it!).
In summary - it was an amazing gig - so much so that my friends and I were very tempted to try and get tickets to go back again tonight! Keep up the good work boyos.
- Amanda Tucker, London, 16/11/2007 14:42
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