In biblical text, the Second Coming (of Jesus) is preceded by a host of
false prophets that are concerned mostly with deception and stealing your
well-earned money. This "Second Coming" has been no different. Other
bands from the U.K. tried to ride the coattails of the Stone Roses debut
album and have succeeded in some part to convince people of the relevance
(Oasis and The Adorable come to mind). Well, Ian Brown and Co. have
handedly overcome their foes with their second release in what has been an
eternity. The first track, "Breaking into Heaven", lulls you into thinking
that the entrance into heaven will be a peaceful journey into the
eternities. This ends abruptly after the initial four and one-half minutes
when you realize that entering the pearly gates will be accomplished with a
battering ram of sorts. The Roses more than make up for the long awaited
sophomoric effort with two very different pieces of music. "Your Star Will
Shine" reminds one of a plissed-out hootenanny while just two t-out hootenanny while just two tracks later
the Roses will make even the most awkward, two-left footed listener run to
the nearest open space to dance and frolic. Of course, the Stone Roses are
not sin-free, as they have included a ninetieth track that is preceded by
prolonged silence. Though irritating, the Stone Roses make it worth the
wait with an unexpected pleasant tune. It is time for those who have been
lead astray to ask the Stone Roses for forgiveness and make themselves
worthy of the Second Coming.
