Tiny Music... Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop

A friend lent me Core and Purple back in the grungey 90's.At the time, I felt that no band could match Pearl Jams brilliance & ability to write songs that somehow spoke to me, made me think, made me cry, made me wish I could sing & play guitar that way and made me dance like a loon. Whether it's with the natural changes in taste over time - and some equally natural diminishing levels of eminence and intensity from Eddie and Co - I've found that more and more often, my hand reached for a Stone Temple Pilots CDs to soundtrack journeys in the car or when taking a long walks or decorating or tidying up or almost everything.It's fair to say that I love all their music in a way that I;#1 Never did back in the day -#2 Feel as if it is 'still' so good that it could quite easily be released now.And Tiny Music...Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop is easily one of Stone Temple Pilots' most unique and experimental albums. It marks a real departure from their grungier roots and fully embraces a mix of alternative rock, glam, and psychedelic influences that you hear in music made before 1996 and still hear today. Tracks like Big Bang Baby, Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart, and Lady Picture Show may be the iconic tunes that people know (and rightly love) - but it's easily the artistic risks and progressive leap of tracks such as, And So I Know, Adhesive and Seven Caged Tigers that I believe should continue to garner the album ongoing acclaim. Not only for its bold reinvention of the band's sound as a whole, but it's abiding quality.This Super Deluxe Edition 2021 Remaster is - quite simply - a real treat for the ears and eyes.So much effort has gone into making the additional inlays and alternative versions far more than just a fan-service cash-in. The CDs have early versions of the songs that are interesting to listen to and follow their evolution. But it's the inclusion of the Panama City Beach concert that really makes it essential. It really captures Stone Temple Pilots’ power as a live band.Truly a must for fans and newcomers alike.

Really nice box set, great STP release.

I only really wanted this for the vinyl of the album. In the past STP vinyl has not been the best and also not cheap. I did get some of the Walmart coloured vinyls but had to return my copy of Purple as side 2 was unlistenable. As these were the same sort of price I decided to see what these 1lp 3cds were like.I'm happy to say that the vinyl sounds great and although the bonus material is nowhere near as good it's not scrapping the bottom of the barrel like some sets. The fact the extras are on cd means that at least the set does not take up too much room.The way it's done is just like having a very posh gatefold sleeve. You get a booklet with info about the recording photos from the time and the lyrics.I see that they are just about to release the Core set again this time all on vinyl with the main LP spread across 2discs so if you really have to have everything on vinyl you may want to wait to see if they do the same with this one.If it really is just the main LP that your after you really could do worse than this especially as it's been heavily discounted lately.