I’d like to clarify a few things and take a second stab at some of the earlier comments I made.
First, I can agree that we all share the sentiment that Scott is missed. I certainly am someone who wishes that things could have gone differently and I doubt others would disagree. My point in interjecting Scott into these current songs was nothing more than a curiosity as to what Scott would have done melody-wise with this music and this is because Scott shined on the ballads and slower material. Even when I think of his solo work, Killing Me Sweetly and Divider are my personal favorites. Jeff is good, but a healthy Jeff is no comparison to a healthy Scott Weiland and I attribute this to lyrics, stage presence, live performance style, and just the general way he fit with the music and the rest of the band. However, in no way do I ignore that Scott was the most troublesome of the group and was the cause of their delays, cancelled tours, and late appearances. If people are saying to take this new formation of STP without Scott ever being in the picture, then I still see Jeff as slightly above average. I have seen STP with Jeff twice and found his stage presence to be somewhat lacking.
It seems on this website a person is either glad the old STP disbanded (prior to Scot’s death) or they get labeled as a “Scott Weiland apologist.” We all know Scott had major problems and that his final few years and live performances were a nightmare. It was sad seeing him propped on stage each night while watching him deteriorate into an unrecognizable front man. However, many comments on STP’s Youtube page on the “Three Wishes” video say the same thing: “I miss Scott.” This song certainly makes a person think about Scott, miss him, and wish that things had been different. Unfortunately, this might take away from Jeff a little bit or inadvertently focus the attention not on Jeff or the Deleos who are inspiring these feelings with their great music, but it makes us think about Scott. In that respect, I guess I certainly owe Jeff and the Deleos more credit. To return me mentally to the nostalgic times of discovering STP in the first place and falling in love with their ballads is something these songs are inspiring. This acoustic album is very somber and tranquil and thinking about Scott, just as people did with “Finest Hour,” seems completely expected.
The music we are hearing is very good and I think Jeff is doing a good job. However, I am still waiting and hoping for the next Atlanta, And So I Know, Wonderful, Hello It’s Late, or Kitchenware and Candybars. Again, Jeff is doing a fine job. However, I am still feeling that he is yet to fully find his true groove with STP and this is somewhat obvious in many areas. I certainly hope he finds his way, for his benefit and for ours.
