Rating:  -
In February, 2002, a small group of us traveled to Ireland. Although Stereophonics hadn't been getting airplay in the U.S., I had heard a lot of them on a British Internet station, and liked what I heard. Once we arrived in Dublin, I soon realized how huge they were in the U.K. and Ireland. Several songs off their new album, 'Just Enough Education to Perform,' were being played alot on the radio over there.
As the end of our trip approached, I started scouring music stores, looking for the version of the CD with the bonus track (the terrific Rod Stewart ballad, 'Handbags and Gladrags'), since I doubted that I could get this version back in the states. Finally, I found a copy and brought it home to Boston with me.
What I can't understand is why this band hasn't been more of a success in the U.S. Even though the band is British, Stereophonics has a truly American sound. The opening track, 'Vegas Two Times,' is a crunching number that brings to mind The Black Crowes, while the beautiful 'Step on My Old Size Nines' is something you might hear while driving past the wheat fields on a warm summer night in the Midwest. One note: Don't miss the hidden track after 'Rooftop.' It is a soaring piece of guitar rock that is actually one of the best songs on the entire CD. The hook at the end of the song is truly memorable, and is a great way to end a great album.
Sure, there are a few forgettable tunes here, most of which are toward the end of the album. 'Everyday I Think of Money' and 'Maybe' are clearly not of the same quality as the first seven songs on the CD. Overall, though, this is an album that should alert American radio stations that rock is not dead; indeed, it is alive and well. You just have to fly across the pond to hear it.
-Marc Hurwitz
Rating: -
Old fashioned rock & roll. I love the singer's bluesy bar voice. This is standard top notch bar band music. I've been listening to this non stop since I've got it.
Rating:  -
Personally I think this is better than their previous two albums. I enjoy every song. If I had to pick a favorite it woud have to be Nice to be out.
Rating:  -
I can't see what is so cool about this album. The songs are awfully boring and empty, making the title sound somewhat ironic. They're getting 2 stars for their potential, anyway.
Rating: -
Well it's only 4 stars cause as the old saying is nothing's perfect.
Upon listening to "The Stereophonics" thrid album "Just Enough Education To Perform" I was not sure what to expect. At first listen I found myself comparing this album to their earlier works such as; "Word Gets Around," and "Performance and Coctails." After two or three listens it becomes obvious that this is their best album to date. With melodic acoustic arrangements and killer vocals by kelley Jones this eclectic 11 song album pushes along hit after hit. With Songs such as "Step On My Old Size Nines," and "Rooftop," it becomes obvious why this is one of the biggest bands in Europe, and gives us and understanding as to why they are becomming bigger in the US even with limited airplay on both MTV and radio. I saw them twice this winter in Boston and New York and must say if the oppertunity presents itself for you to see them, don't pass it up.
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