The Ultimate Stone Roses

An open letter to Stephen Malkmus

Dear Steve,

I have such a hard time believing that you don't want to do the Pavement thing after this reunion. More like I can't believe it's not a great experience and honor to be back out with the boys and playing in front of more fans in one show than you did in a week back in the 90's. The first U.S. night in Pamona was a thing of sheer beauty. You sounded amazing as a band- better than ever, and you really made me believe you were having a great time and stoked to be back on tour.
It was great to see you after such a long vacation and the energy and enthusiasm couldn't compare to that of a solo show. You pulling in the green and turning a whole new generation of fans on to the magic of your talent and vision. I know you haven't said you won't do it again, but I've heard how Vegas had some palpable tension. That's a shame because the 4 nights I saw this year were amazing and fun. I know it was a drag you couldn't finish your set at the Bowl, I have no idea why there were 3 bands. Seemed silly to me. NYC #1 and Boston were also lessons in perfection. I thank you for that! Maybe it all plays in to how you avoided fame at the time and kept gems like "Hands Off of the Bayou" off of even a B-side. I don't get it, but I dislike attention as well, but I'd be willing to bet I'd love being in a semi famous Indie rock outfit.
I wish you the best for the future and by that I mean- the best thing you could do now is get back in the studio with your mates and record some new songs that have some of the sound the original vinyl had with a few with the edge shaved off. I'm psyched you made it back out on the road for us, for you, and for your mates, but you left us yearning for more.
Cheers to the future!

The Stone Rose for Summer

I've been reading a book on the Stone Roses recently that has further developed my appreciation for the band and their seminal debut album. If ever there was another album that can be played through start to finish without one bit of filler, I am not aware of it. Another top favorite "Slanted & Enchanted certainly has skippers, same for Ride's "Nowhere." What a shame is was that America was not ready for the Roses modernized-retro sound. But then again to be an American fan has always been like being in a secret club with a limited, select membership. Twenty years after its release, and 19 years after I was first introduced to this band and the album is enjoyable to listen today, as it was in the summer of 1990. Timeless, sorta like a Beatles record, only more mature and polished. Enjoy the jpeg of the rare black logo on the cover art from my personal collection.