Political Beats: Episode 141 – Mary Chastain on Stone Temple Pilots

Overview

In Episode 141 of Political Beats, hosted by Scot Bertram and Jeff Blair from National Review, the conversation delves deep into the musical legacy of Stone Temple Pilots (STP) with special guest Mary Chastain. Mary, a writer and editor at Legal Insurrection, brings her extensive knowledge and passion for music to explore STP's evolution, dissecting their albums, standout tracks, and the intricate dynamics within the band.

**1. Introduction to Stone Temple Pilots and Mary Chastain

The episode kicks off with Scot introducing Mary Chastain, highlighting her role at Legal Insurrection and her contributions to various publications like The Hill, Washington Examiner, and Reason. Mary’s deep-seated love for music, particularly Stone Temple Pilots, sets the stage for an insightful discussion.

Notable Quote:

[02:07] Scott Bertram: "Jeff is on X at Esoteric CD and our guest for today's program is a writer editor at Legal Insurrection, legalinsurrection.com..."

**2. Origins and Formation of Stone Temple Pilots

Mary recounts how she first became enamored with STP, likely through Chicago's radio station Q101 during the early ‘90s grunge movement. She emphasizes her immediate connection not just to Scott Weiland's distinctive voice but also to the band's overall musicianship, particularly praising Dean DeLeo's guitar work and Robert DiLeo's bass lines.

Notable Quote:

[03:45] Mary Chastain: "I just absolutely fell in love, not just because of Scott Weiland's voice, but also because of the band itself."

**3. Comparisons with Grunge Contemporaries

Scot and Jeff address common criticisms of STP being mere imitators of grunge icons like Pearl Jam. Mary vehemently disagrees, highlighting the unique vocal versatility of Scott Weiland compared to Eddie Vedder’s more static vocal style.

Notable Quotes:

[02:05] Scott Bertram: "I'm just tired of people saying we're just second and third rate imitators of better podcasts."

[26:12] Mary Chastain: "Eddie Vedder's voice is kind of stagnant... Scott Weiland... you can tell that he has his own voice."

**4. In-Depth Album Analysis: "Core" and "Purple"

The discussion transitions to STP's debut album "Core" (1992) and its reception. Mary critiques the initial comparisons to Pearl Jam, arguing that STP brought a fresh perspective with tracks like "Plush" and "Creep." The hosts elaborate on "Plush," praising its delayed chorus and memorable riffs, while Mary contrasts Weiland’s dynamic vocal range with Vedder’s consistency.

Notable Quotes:

[03:45] Mary Chastain: "I think Dean DeLeo is an underrated guitarist. Robert's definitely an underrated bass player."

[36:58] Jeff Blair: "But the plush cause just like, you know, you beautifully say that they delay the chorus is fine... it still gets to the chorus."

**5. Evolution Through "Tiny Music"

Mary introduces "Tiny Music for Tiny People" (1996), a pivotal album that showcased STP’s diversification beyond grunge. Despite its mixed initial reception, Mary and the hosts laud its experimentation with genres like glam rock, psychedelic elements, and more intricate songwriting.

Notable Quotes:

[73:30] Scott Bertram: "Tiny Music is the album that convinced me I was 100% wrong about STP."

[76:33] Jeff Blair: "This album is a magnificent discovery, a rediscovery for me."

**6. Navigating "Number Four" and Internal Struggles

The conversation moves to "No. 4" (1999), where Mary and the hosts critique its reception and the band's internal struggles, particularly Scott Weiland’s escalating drug issues. They discuss how the album attempted to blend harder rock elements with STP’s signature sound but ultimately faced backlash and diminished enthusiasm for touring.

Notable Quotes:

[105:10] Scott Bertram: "They had two weeks of material. They just scrap it, essentially. And after that, Weiland gets arrested..."

[116:55] Mary Chastain: "I love it. I love that song. That's like... a wonderful moment."

**7. Reunion and Legacy

Despite legal battles and hiatuses, STP reunited in 2010 to release a self-titled album, incorporating diverse influences from classic rock to country. Mary emphasizes the matured sound and continued musical prowess of the band, though acknowledging the indelible impact of Weiland’s absence following his tragic passing in 2015.

Notable Quotes:

[137:32] Jeff Blair: "It's a great way to go out, really kind of as their final legacy."

[152:04] Mary Chastain: "Scott Weiland... he was an important part of the group and why they were really never the same without him."

**8. Final Recommendations: Must-Have Albums and Tracks

As the episode draws to a close, Mary and the hosts provide their top recommendations for STP enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Mary Chastain’s Recommendations:

• Must-Have Albums:

  1. "No. 4"
  2. "Tiny Music for Tiny People"

• Essential Tracks:

  1. "Interstate Love Song"
  2. "Big Bang Baby"
  3. "Lady Picture Show"
  4. "Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart"
  5. "Between the Lines" (from the 2010 self-titled album)

Scott Bertram’s Recommendations:

• Must-Have Albums:

  1. "Purple"
  2. "Tiny Music for Tiny People"

• Essential Tracks:

  1. "Lounge Fly"
  2. "Still Remains"
  3. "Sour Girl"
  4. "Black Again"
  5. "Between the Lines" (from the 2010 self-titled album)

Notable Quotes:

[159:58] Mary Chastain: "Interstate Love Song is like that's impossible not to have..."

[163:38] Jeff Blair: "Sour Girl from number four, which is the one that really recaptures that tiny music ethos."

**9. Conclusion and Acknowledgments

Scot and Jeff express their gratitude to Mary Chastain for her invaluable insights into Stone Temple Pilots' discography. They reflect on the band's intricate blend of musical talents and the enduring impact of Scott Weiland’s artistry. The episode underscores STP's significance beyond the grunge label, celebrating their musical versatility and the deep connections they fostered with listeners.

Notable Quote:

[165:51] Scott Bertram: "Mary, thank you for joining us for our Stone Temple Pilots episode of Political Beats."

Final Thoughts

Episode 141 of Political Beats offers a comprehensive and passionate exploration of Stone Temple Pilots, shedding light on their musical journey, the complexities within the band, and their lasting legacy in the rock landscape. Mary Chastain's expertise enriches the discussion, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of STP's contributions and the challenges they faced.