1993 - January - Stone Temple Pilots “Core”

What the Riff?!?

Stone Temple Pilots, often abbreviated as STP, burst onto the rock scene in the early 1990's, becoming one of the most commercially successful bands of that era. Their debut album, Core, was released in late September 1992, and we're highlighting it in January 1993 when many of their hits were on the charts.

The DeLeo brothers form the heart of the band: Dean DeLeo's guitar work provides the sonic foundation, and Robert DeLeo's bass playing adds a groove to the band's sound. Eric Kretz anchors the rhythm section on percussion. And front man Scott Weiland completes the lineup with his charismatic presence and distinctive vocal style. Weiland's emotion and raw energy helped make "Core" a pivotal release in the grunge movement.

"Core" hit he airwaves with a sonic explosion, with an energy that captured the angst and spirit of the early 90's grunge movement. Several tracks from this album would become anthems of the 90's generation, led by tracks like "Plush" and "Sex Type Thing." Despite its commercial success (reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200), "Core" was initially met with poor critical reviews, with many critics considering it too derivative of other grunge artists like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Over time, however, "Core" would receive more positive reviews as it took its place as a seminal release of the grunge movement.

Lynch takes us on this journey back to 1993, when the Stone Temple Pilots were introducing themselves to the world.

Creep
This song is a slower, more introspective track that highlights the band's grunge influences. The lyrics deal with feelings of isolation and alienation, with Weiland delivering a haunting vocal performance. The acoustic arrangement is a nice contrast to the heavier tracks of the album.

Sex Type Thing
The opening track to the album features an aggressive guitar riff and a powerful vocal performance from Weiland. It was controversial due to its lyrical content, which is written from the perspective of a rapist. Despite the controversy (or perhaps because of it) “Sex Type Thing” became one of STP's most recognized songs.

Plush
This track is arguably the most famous song from the album. “Plush” showcases STP's softer side with its acoustic guitar intro and catchy chorus. Weiland's lyrics were inspired by a news story about a woman who was found dead in San Diego, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the song. The video for "Plush" won the band an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist and features the band playing in various desert scenes.

Wicked Garden
A hard-hitting rock track known for its gritty guitar riff and energetic chorus, this may be considered a deeper cut. The song deals with the loss of innocence and the darker side of human nature, themes that recur throughout the album. Over time “Wicked Garden” has become a fan favorite and a staple of STP's live shows.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The third entry into the Star Trek franchise takes place on a fixed space station near the border of the Federation. It had its debut in January of 1993.

STAFF PICKS:

Love Is On the Way by Saigon Kick
Bruce leads off the staff picks with a one hit wonder. Miami-based Saigon Kick released this single from their second album, "The Lizard," and it went to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jason Bieler provides guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals for the band, and wrote this song. Lead vocals are provided by Matt Kramer. Additional band members were Tom DeFile on bass and Phil Varone on percussion.

Regret by New Order
Rob brings us the lead song from New Order's sixth studio album, "Republic." The single went to number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. New Order formed from the remnants of the band Joy Division. The album was made in order to save the Hacienda - a Manchester club part owned by the band.

Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now) by Cracker
Wayne's staff pick is from Cracker's debut album, and features catchy, clever, ironic songs. The lyrics take a swipe at late 80's and early 90's folk rock songs. Interestingly, the lyrics do not include the words "Teen Angst." The track got airplay on alternative radio stations, and went to number 1 on the new Billboard "Modern Rock" chart.

All Apologies by Nirvana
Lynch closes out the staff picks with one of Nirvana's most poignant and introspective works from their third and final studio album "In Utero." Songwriter and front man Kurt Cobain describes the song as a tribute to his wife and daughter, but it took on significance as a farewell note of sorts after Cobain's death.

COMEDY TRACK:

Bedrock Anthem by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Weird Al channels a couple of well-known songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers for this prehistoric parody.

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