6.04.2010

Dead and Bloated: A Love Letter to 2010-era Stone Temple Pilots

Dear Scott, Robert, Dean, and Eric:

I was in 7th grade when you released Core, and I didn't care that the critics called you 'Stone Temple Pearl Jam.' I still cite 'Plush' as one of my all time favorite songs. I bought Purple as soon as it came out, and I consider it one of my 'perfect' albums (no songs shall ever be skipped, for a 'perfect' album is a complete journey, from start to finish).

Tiny Music did not make the splash that it should have, but Scott's battle with heroin at the time was partly to blame. No. 4, another underrated effort scorned yet again by Scott's drug addiction, sported one of your finest singles ('Sour Girl'). Even the off-kilter Shangri-La-Dee-Da had its pleasing moments.

I am so enamored by you, that I don't even care that your latest album sounds a lot like junior varsity material written for and rejected by Aerosmith. We have a history, and I still bask in the warmth of all of our memories, good and bad.

I cherish you and all of your imperfections and have never looked back. Sure, you are incredibly referential, I will never score any bragging rights for my fandom, and I'd be shocked if you ever received a nomination to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But that's OK with me -- I have been forever charmed by your funny little band.

So again, thank you for all of the years, the tunes, and for contributing to part of the soundtrack of my life so far. I'm so happy you guys are back together and making music again, even if your new music kind of seems like homogenized pap. You guys will always have a loyal fan in me.

Hugs and Kisses,

-A

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