Talk Show: The story of the Stone Temple Pilots album that never was

The formation of Talk Show, a band that emerged as a temporary side project from the members of Stone Temple Pilots (STP), marks an intriguing chapter in the landscape of 90s rock music. 

This journey begins with the members of STP - Dean DeLeo (guitar), Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums) - at a time when Scott Weiland, the lead singer of STP, was grappling with personal issues including drug abuse, leading to a temporary hiatus for the band.

Dave Coutts, previously the frontman for the band Ten Inch Men, was brought into the fold, adding a new dynamic to the group. Coutts' distinct vocal style and musical approach were set to differentiate Talk Show from STP's well-established sound. 

Talk Show's self-titled debut album, released in 1997, showcased a sound that, while bearing some stylistic resemblances to STP, carved out its unique identity. 

The album leaned towards alternative rock, displaying a blend of melodic hooks and a slightly more pop-oriented approach compared to STP's grunge-heavy style.

With the DeLeo brothers and Kretz having a strong musical chemistry from their time in STP, they brought a cohesive and experienced approach to the project. Dave Coutts, with his background and influences, contributed to a fresh perspective. 

While Talk Show received moderate critical acclaim, it did not achieve any commercial success. 

The album's singles, such as "Hello Hello," showcased the band's potential, but they failed to make a significant impact in what was by then a very crowded alternative rock scene of the late 90s. 

The band disbanded shortly after, with the members returning to their respective projects.

  

About the album itself:

"Talk Show," the singular album by the group formed from the members of Stone Temple Pilots with Dave Coutts, represents a significant but often overlooked chapter in the story of '90s alternative rock. 

This album, released in 1997, blends the hard-edged musicality of STP with the distinct vocal and lyrical stylings of Coutts, creating a unique sound that both diverges from and complements the members' primary band.

Key Singles and Popular Songs

• "Hello Hello" stands out as the album's most notable single. This track, with its catchy chorus and polished production, had the potential to be a significant hit. It exemplifies the group's ability to meld alternative rock with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that was both radio-friendly and artistically rich.

• "Everybody Loves My Car" offers a different flavor, showcasing the band's playful side. The track's upbeat tempo and humorous lyrics mark a departure from the often serious tone of alternative rock, highlighting the band's versatility and willingness to experiment.

Deep Cuts and Fan Favorites

Tracks like "Peeling an Orange" (covered for a long time by Wellington's Silverfish) and "So Long" demonstrate the album's range, moving into more introspective and emotional territory. These songs, characterized by their softer melodies and reflective lyrics, offer a deeper insight into the band's artistic sensibilities.

"End of the World" and "Hide" delve into darker, more complex themes. These tracks are notable for their thematic depth and intricate musical arrangements, showcasing the band's ability to explore various moods and styles within the alternative rock genre.

Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The production process of the album is a point of interest. The band members, particularly the DeLeo brothers, took a hands-on approach, blending vintage and modern recording techniques to create a sound that was both contemporary and rooted in rock tradition.

The choice to work with Dave Coutts, a departure from STP's usual lineup, added a fresh dimension to the music. Coutts' unique vocal style and lyrical approach were instrumental in differentiating Talk Show's sound from that of STP.

Despite the album's artistic strengths, it didn't achieve the commercial success it arguably deserved. This has led to "Talk Show" becoming something of a cult favorite, admired by fans for its distinct place in the pantheon of '90s rock.

In sum, "Talk Show" stands as a fascinating footnote in the history of alternative rock. The album's diverse tracks—from the catchy hooks of "Hello Hello" to the introspective melodies of "Peeling an Orange"—highlight the creative breadth and depth of its members. While it may not have reached the commercial heights of STP's work, the album remains a cherished piece among fans and a testament to the diverse musical landscape of the era.

The production of "Talk Show" was overseen by the band members themselves, particularly the DeLeo brothers, known for their meticulous attention to detail and profound understanding of musical textures. This self-production approach allowed for a more personal and introspective crafting of the album, ensuring that each track resonated with the band's artistic vision. 

Recorded in a period where digital recording was becoming more prevalent, "Talk Show" benefitted from a blend of analog warmth and digital clarity. The choice of studios and recording equipment played a significant role in capturing the essence of the songs. 

The band leaned towards using a mix of vintage and modern gear, striking a balance between classic rock tones and contemporary clarity. This approach is evident in tracks like "Hello Hello" and "Everybody Loves My Car," where the crispness of the recording complements the energetic performances.

The engineering and mixing of the album were critical in achieving the desired sound. The use of layering, particularly in the guitar tracks, is a standout feature, showcasing Dean DeLeo's skill in creating rich, textured soundscapes. 

The bass and drum sounds were meticulously crafted to provide a solid foundation for the songs, with Robert DeLeo's bass lines and Eric Kretz's drumming being both prominent and nuanced.

U2 Songs Inspired by Jesus and the Bible

U2 song lyrics that refer to Jesus, Yahweh and the Bible

It almost feels mandatory to explore U2's spiritual side, given that they are arguably the world’s most famous "Christian" band—though I use that term loosely. For some, the label might be a turn-off, but U2 has never shied away from delving into their spiritual journey. Whether you embrace the Christian connection or not, it’s clear that U2’s music is deeply intertwined with themes of faith, questioning, and spiritual exploration.

Bono, U2's lead lyric writer, is a noted musical magpie who steals lines from the Bible to help with his song crafting. Indeed, here's a whole page of bible references Bono has made across the U2 song catalogue.

You could almost put U2's song lyrics into two distinct camps - songs about spirituality and songs about politics (such as nuclear war). You could throw in a third camp about of U2's love songs if you wanted but since when has love not ever been spiritual or a matter of politics?

Jesus is a popular man in U2 songs, along with mentions of Yahweh, the references to the Koran and a few other Saints - so I thought  I'd feature a few U2 song lyrics that show case Bono's spiritual side and give a little insight into what I think the lyrics mean and perhaps give a little context on the genesis of some of them...

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Many people suddenly found themselves to be U2 fans in the late 80s when The Joshua Tree album started topping charts around the world. Helping lead the charge was I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For which is the gold standard if you are looking for a U2 song that focuses on a spiritual yearning. 

Stealing the line from the Bible's 1 Corinthians 13:1: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

Bono sung  "I have spoken with the tongue of angels" thus heralding to the world where he was coming from yet he then signalled his mischievous side with the following lyric that he had also 'held the hand of the Devil'.

Wake Up Dead Man

In difficult and tumultuous times, many people turn to their spiritual advisors, seeking comfort, guidance, and hope. Wake Up Dead Man encapsulates this desperate call for help, with Bono reaching out in anguish, hoping for a direct connection with Jesus to come and "fix the fucked up world." The song reflects the raw, unfiltered frustration that often accompanies a sense of powerlessness in the face of suffering, injustice, and confusion. 

Bono’s lyrics are a plea, almost a cry for redemption, echoing the universal desire for divine intervention in a broken world. 

The imagery of speaking directly to Christ reflects the deep yearning for a savior to set things right, confronting the harsh realities of life with a blend of vulnerability and hope. 

Originally written during the Zooropa recording sessions, the final version ended up on Pop as an effective album closer. Fun aside, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me also came from the Zooropa recording sessions and asks a question of Jesus.

Yahweh

A beautiful track from U2's How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, Yahweh's lyrics are a reflection of Bono's faith (as the son of a Catholic father and an Anglican mother) and points to the differences in the power that he believes between God and mankind. 

The word 'yahweh' has traditionally been by transliterated from the word Jehovah. Jehovah is often described as "the proper name of God in the Old Testament".

Larry, Bono, Edge and Adam, hold the bike while I get on?

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Sunday Bloody Sunday is often seen as a song that directly addresses the political troubles that have long plagued the people of Ireland, particularly the conflict in Northern Ireland. The song’s inspiration can be traced to a couple of tragic events where soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians during protests—most notably, the infamous Bloody Sunday in 1972, where 14 people were killed in Derry by British paratroopers. 

Bono’s lyrics capture the raw intensity of that moment, vividly painting a scene where the violence is not just physical but deeply symbolic, invoking a devastating crossfire between religion, politics, and military power. The military, representing state control and order, is pitted against the civilian population, which is driven by religious and political convictions in the fight for their rights. 

The collision of these forces leads to tragic consequences, where innocent lives are lost, and the moral lines between right and wrong become blurred in the chaos. 

Until the End of the World

This has proved to be an incredibly popular song from U2's Achtung Baby and has been played on just about every tour U2 have done since that album was released in 1991.

The song is semi-legendary in U2 circles for its portrayal of a fictional conversation between Jesus and Judas after the betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Bono's evocative lyrics create a vivid scene, where the two figures reflect on the tragic events that unfolded—the deep regret and the emotional weight of betrayal. The song hints at Judas' remorse, a theme that resonates with the complexity of his character. There’s a palpable sense of sorrow and guilt as Judas confronts the gravity of his actions, which is suggested to have led him to take his own life. The tension in the song is amplified by the urgency of its music, with The Edge’s distinctive guitar riffs building the intensity, mirroring the emotional conflict between the two figures.

While the biblical narrative is central to the song’s themes, U2’s treatment of it is anything but conventional. The lyrics suggest a moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between villain and victim, sinner and savior. It’s a meditation on betrayal, forgiveness, and the human struggle with guilt and redemption. 

Tommorrow

A classic earnest lyric from Bono. The October album was definitely Bono on 'God Watch' -  exploring his thoughts around his mother's death and the spectre of meeting Jesus.

A classic earnest lyric from Bono,  October is album where U2's frontman is perhaps at his most introspective and spiritually searching. This album marked a period of deep personal reflection for Bono, especially regarding themes of faith, loss, and the afterlife. October feels like a diary of Bono’s thoughts as he navigates the complex emotions surrounding his mother Iris's death—an event that left an indelible mark on his life. 

The lyrics on this album are drenched in the raw vulnerability of someone grappling with grief, yet also wrestling with questions of faith and the possibility of divine connection. Bono's exploration of the afterlife and the idea of encountering Jesus himself seems to echo his struggle with the uncertainty and mystery of existence, amplified by the pain of personal loss.

In songs like Gloria and the title track October, Bono is deeply immersed in a spiritual quest, seeking solace in the notion of a higher power while confronting the reality of mortality. The specter of his mother’s passing looms large, shaping his worldview and fueling his contemplation of both the Christian faith and the existential questions that accompany such profound grief. 

Stranger in a Strange Land

"Stranger in a Strange Land" seems to be deeply rooted in the biblical allusion to the Emmaus  story found in Luke 24, where the resurrected Jesus, appearing as a stranger, walks alongside two disciples without them recognizing him. 

The disciples, disheartened and confused by the recent events of Jesus' crucifixion, do not immediately see the truth standing before them. They engage in conversation with this stranger, who offers insights and reflections about the recent events, yet their eyes are closed to his true identity. It’s only when the stranger, who is eventually revealed to be Jesus, breaks bread with them that their eyes are opened, and they recognize him. 

This miraculous recognition is triggered not by any physical transformation or revelation, but by the intimate, almost humble act of sharing a meal—an act that symbolizes communion and connection.

In "Stranger in a Strange Land", Bono taps into the essence of this moment, using it as a metaphor for the journey of spiritual or personal revelation. The idea of a "stranger" in a "strange land" speaks to the experience of encountering the unfamiliar—whether it’s a stranger walking among us, or a deeper truth that seems elusive until the right moment. 

If God Will Send His Angels

The message of this song can be difficult to fully grasp, but the lyrics seem to convey a character who finds themselves in a world that feels overwhelming, where they desperately need help—perhaps in the form of angels—to make sense of it all and set things right.

The line "where is the hope, and where is the faith, and the love?" suggests a lost soul, searching for direction in a chaotic and troubling world. The reference to a world where the "cartoon network leads into the news" and the "blind lead the blondes" paints a picture of societal confusion and moral disorientation, highlighting the sense of disillusionment that the character feels.

This track, which featured on the City of Angels soundtrack, became a notable single from U2's op album. It captured the band’s signature mix of existential concern and social commentary, resonating with listeners who were grappling with similar questions about hope, faith, and the state of the world.

Salome

Shake it, shake it...

Salome draws inspiration from the biblical tale of the death of John the Baptist, as recounted in the Gospel of Mark. In the story, Salome, a dancer whose sensual movements 'sway' the King, is granted a wish for her performance. She requests, rather ominously, the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

It’s a strange and somewhat macabre story, one that almost feels like it could have been a mix-up in translation over the centuries. Nonetheless, it has all the elements of a dramatic, dark legend—seduction, power, and tragic consequences—making it a compelling, if bizarre, narrative to inspire a song.

It's either that or Oscar Wilde had an over active imagination.

"I'll see you on the scrap pile first, Optimus Prime!"

A great Bumblebee costume

Botcon 2011 saw lots of Transformer cosplay, I think this version of Bumblebee is pretty epic! Who's ready for Dark of the Moon?

Awesome Card Board Optimus Prime Cosplay

I had to post this awesome home made Optimus Prime cosplay costume.

 It's faithful to the original version of Prime and just smacks of fan boy love.

I think that's Starscream to the left.... great stuff lads.