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Stone Temple Pilots are back and sound bigger and better than ever on this slammingly rocking lead off track to their upcoming album; simply titled “Stone Temple Pilots” (due out May 25th).

The Deleo brothers seem to have not missed one single beat in the 7 years since their “hiatus”.  “Between the Lines” once again proves their phenomenal knack for coming up with concise rock hooks in the tradition of the classics yet still maintaining their own unique brand of music.  I particularly love the ripping guitar solo on this one, which I think stands out as one of their best.

Scott Weiland sounds refreshed and ready for action as well, not sounding this energized since their run of hits of the 90s. It also looks like his darker days of heroin addiction and … gulp… Velvet Revolver are far behind him.  Although lyrically, it still seems that drugs still remain an inspiration, in this case, as something to look back on rather than be dragged down by.

Really looking forward to hearing the rest of the album. Good for them.

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The Canadian outfit hasn’t sounded so vibrant… so “together” since their 2003 modern classic “The Electric Version”.

The evocatively titled “The Crash Years” has been on repeat in my Itunes playlist (where, incidentally, you can buy yourself a copy) for the last three days!!

Its combination of ELO-esque syncopated cellos, melancholy whistling, effervescently catchy chorus and most importantly Neko Cases’ usual thrilling vocals, has got me completely jonesing to hear the rest of the album.

I know Ms. Case is an important artist in her own right (last year’s Middle Cyclone was on practically every critic’s ‘best of’ list), but there’s something about her presence in the Pornographers that I find uniquely powerful. 

She’s just got a knack for delivering (chief songwriter) AC Newman’s lines, and I’m glad to see her stay in the fold despite her solo success.

Can’t wait for the rest of this one…   I’ve already got the top down on my imaginary convertible, the mp3 player is waiting and I’m all set to blast down the summer highways of my soul!!!