As I was preparing to post this edition of Pick Your Poison, the news broke that Scott Weiland had died. There are very few details available as I’m writing this, except that his management confirmed he passed away in his sleep while on tour in Minnesota. He was 48 years old. Weiland’s struggles with drug addiction have been well-known since the mid-90s. He was arrested several times for drug possession, and his often cavalier attitude about using caused the initial break-up of Stone Temple Pilots in 2002, among other things. While drugs have not been identified as a cause of death at this time, it’s hard not to think they may have played a factor given his past. But I’d like to take a brief moment to recognize Weiland for the incredible music he helped create over the last few decades. His early albums with STP, specifically 1992’s Core and 1994’s Purple, meant and continue to mean quite a lot to me. They’re right up there with grunge-era classics from Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. From there things get a little more checkered, but I could always find a few songs to like on every album Weiland attached his name to over the years. His work as frontman of supergroup Velvet Revolver was interesting, if imperfect, and his early solo recordings, particularly 1998’s 12 Bar Blues showcased a different side of his personality. The point being, music lost another great talent today. Like so many before him, his raw potential may have been squandered due to personal issues, but it’s essential to appreciate and respect the many contributions he made and lives he changed in the process. You will be missed, Scott. Condolences to your family, friends and bandmates past and present.
Now please enjoy this selection of new music. There are some quality downloads in this set from Ben Millburn, Bethlehem Casuals, Loframes and Pleasant Grove. In the Soundcloud section after the jump, stream songs from Bailiff, Escapists, Jack Tatum, KING, Memoryhouse, NZCA Lines, Prins Thomas, Youth Lagoon and more.
Bethlehem Casuals – Run Run Run
Maria Kelly – Before It Has Begun
Origami Horses – The King of Happenstance
Plajia – Playa Del Rock (Girl One)
SOUNDCLOUD
Bailiff – Enemy Lines
Escapists – Pyramid Scheme
Jack Tatum – Above
KING – Hey (Extended Mix)
The Kooks – Forgive & Forget (Atlas Genius Remix)
Memoryhouse – Arizona
NZCA Lines – Two Hearts
Prins Thomas – B
Youth Lagoon – I’ve Seen
