Name: You Gotta Go There to Come Back.
Brand: V2 Records (UK)
SKU: 1410745
Price: 17.58 USD
Availability: InStock

Performer Notes

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Stereophonics: Kelly Jones (vocals, guitar, harmonica, Wurlitzer piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, Mellotron); Richard Jones (harmonica, bass); Tony Kirkham (piano, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ, Mellotron); Stuart Cable (drums, percussion); Javier Weyler (percussion).
Recorded in 2002.
Personnel: Kelly Jones (vocals, guitar, harmonica, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, Wurlitzer organ, Mellotron, keyboards); Julian Leaper, Perry Mason, Mark Berrow, Katherine Shave, Chris Tobling, Paddy Lannigan, David Daniel, Naomi Wright, Rachel Bolt, Ben Chappell, Gustav Clarkson, David Daniels , Patrick Kiernan, Boguslav Kostecki, Peter Lale, Rita Manning, Anthony Pleeth , Mary Scully, Gavyn Wright, Bruce White (strings); Richard Jones (harmonica); J. Neil Sidwell (alto saxophone, trombone); Steve Hamilton (alto saxophone); Andy Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Sid Gauld (trumpet); Paul Spong (cornet, flugelhorn); Tony Kirkham (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer organ, Mellotron); James Lowe (piano, Mellotron); Stuart Cable (drums, kettle drum, percussion); Mac Hine (drums); Stephen Papworth (kettle drum, hand claps, percussion); Javier Weyler (hand claps, percussion); Gail Jones (hand claps); Aileen McLaughlin, Melanie Marcus, Sam Leigh Brown, Angie Brown, Anna Ross, Sam Brown (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Jack Joseph Puig; James Lowe.
Recording information: Abbey Road, Studio 2 (01/2002-12/2002); BJG (01/2002-12/2002); Hook End Manor, Buckinghamshire, England (01/2002-12/2002); Sahara Sound (01/2002-12/2002).
Arranger: Chris Cameron.
Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones was still licking some serious wounds due to the breakup of his 12-year relationship with his girlfriend and a fallout with a best mate. The band's 2001 release, Just Enough Education to Perform, briefly touched upon his broken heart; however, Jones' darkest period came later as the band played countless sold-out gigs across Europe throughout late 2001 and 2002. Jones found himself personally and professionally isolated -- emotionally distant from his bandmates and best friends, drummer Stuart Cable and bassist Richard Jones, and creatively exhausted. However the fire that had made this band a major force in the post-grunge English rock scene still burned. Stereophonics' fourth album, You Gotta Go There to Come Back captures Jones' soulful journey, and the band's classic rowdy rock style is as sultry as ever. While their three previous albums exuded cockiness just for the sake of being cocky, You Gotta Go There to Come Back doesn't care to be so snide. Sure, the band's classic swagger remains an integral part of its overall appeal, but moving beyond that silly behavior has somehow affected Jones and his band. Cable became a father during the recording of this album while Richard Jones settled down and got married. Perhaps Jones craves a bit of stability as well? His confidence is on par throughout these 13 blues-rock-tinged songs as his life unfolds through words. "Jealousy" and "You Stole My Money Honey" are the album's more vexed moments. "Climbing the Wall," layered in acoustic guitars and horn and string arrangements, and "Nothing Is Precious at All" continue Stereophonics' psychological sifting with warmth. "Madame Helga" is the punch in the face Jones has been waiting to deliver. Heart-pounding musicianship from the band itself makes this swanky gospel number an album standout and a career staple. It's a song that Stereophonics have been wanting to make for years, and the overall fierce presentation finds the band at its best. Stereophonics are consistent with their craft, and You Gotta Go There to Come Back highlights the band's growing talent as musicians, but the fact is that they've only made good records up to this point. They have yet to make a really great record, but that's not to say Stereophonics don't have what it takes. You Gotta Go There to Come Back is a solid rock effort, and in due time, the band will have its epic. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

Professional Reviews

Q (01/01/04, p.75) - Ranked #41 in Q's "The 50 Best Albums of 2003" - "[A] '70s-throwback party record."

CMJ (8/18/03, p.6) - "...What with the epic strings, horns and even [gasp] trip-hop beats here, the Stereophonics have gone and made quite a sophisticated disc..."

Album: You Gotta Go There to Come Back.
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Help Me (She's Out of Her Mind)
2)	Maybe Tomorrow
3)	Madame Helga
4)	You Stole My Money Honey
5)	Getaway
6)	Climbing the Wall
7)	Jealousy
8)	I'm Alright (You Gotta Go There to Come Back)
9)	Nothing Precious at All
10)	Rainbows and Pots of Gold
11)	I Miss You Now
12)	High as the Ceiling
13)	Since I Told You It's Over

Album: You Gotta Go There to Come Back.
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Help Me (She's Out of Her Mind)
2)	Maybe Tomorrow
3)	Madame Helga
4)	You Stole My Money Honey
5)	Getaway
6)	Climbing the Wall
7)	Jealousy
8)	I'm Alright (You Gotta Go There to Come Back)
9)	Nothing Precious at All
10)	Rainbows and Pots of Gold
11)	I Miss You Now
12)	High as the Ceiling
13)	Since I Told You It's Over