How does a band like Stereophonics follow up five studio albums and four consecutive number one albums in the UK? They release a live package that showcases their career in a way that few bands can. On April 18, Stereophonics are set to release Live From Dakota on their own imprint label, Vox Populi Records. After reaching a crossroads in North America, Stereophonics have jumped at the chance to go it alone with a DIY approach. Live From Dakota is a 2-disc compilation featuring 20 tracks spanning all five of the bands albums and captures the best of their 2005 world tour.
Their fifth album, ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other…’, heralded a fantastic return to form, sending them out on tour in front of sell-out crowds all over the world, including over 200, 000 fans in the UK alone. The last year has been so successful, the band felt the need to celebrate it in a special way: their first live album.
“We didn’t want to do a greatest hits package or anything like that,” says Kelly. “We wanted to do a live album because it feels like a celebration of the year we’ve had and also of the ten years that this band has been going. I wanted to put this out as a souvenir, for the fans and for ourselves, because I wanted to capture the moment where we’re all really into the band again. To not share that would be silly. The feeling and excitement in the band hasn’t ever been as strong as this which is why we’ve never done anything like this before.”
The energy and raw feel of Stereophonics live has been perfectly captured on these recordings. “Even just when we were rehearsing it felt really energetic, gritty and in your face. As soon as we started playing with Javier it felt so natural. We felt like a unit onstage – it was like the old gang mentality,” adds Richard. “The shows last year were among the best we’ve ever played.”
“If you’ve never been to one of our gigs before, then this will make you want to come. If the only perception you have of us is from a few singles on the radio, then this will totally change your mind.”
-Kelly Jones
Track listing:
Disc One:
1. Superman
2. Doorman
3. A Thousand Trees
4. Devil
5. Mr. Writer
6. Pedalpusher
7. Deadhead
8. Maybe Tomorrow
9. The Bartender and The Thief
10. Local Boy In The Photograph
Disk Two:
1. Hurry Up and Wait
2. Madame Helga
3. Vegas Two Times
4. Carrot Cake and Wine
5. I’m Alright
6. Jayne
7. Too Many Sandwiches
8. Traffic
9. Just Looking
10. Dakota
