Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -super Deluxe- Rem... Now

Stone Temple Pilots — Purple (Super Deluxe Edition): Overview

Stone Temple Pilots’ Purple (1994) is one of the band’s landmark albums, blending grunge, hard rock, and alternative influences. The Super Deluxe edition is a comprehensive reissue that expands the original album with demos, B-sides, alternate mixes, live recordings, and rarities, giving listeners a fuller view of the band’s creative process during the Purple era.

A Vinyl Component & Packaging

The set also includes a 108-page hardcover book with unreleased photos from the Purple photoshoot (featuring the band in their signature “inside the album art” red backdrop), liner notes by Rolling Stone’s David Fricke, and a new interview with the surviving members—Robert and Dean DeLeo—reflecting on the sessions.

For those uninterested in the full box, Rhino will also issue a standalone 2-LP Purple (Remastered) on 180-gram purple-and-red swirl vinyl, as well as a single CD of just the original album remastered.

Final Verdict

Purple was the sound of a band refusing to be a grunge casualty. The Super Deluxe Edition proves that STP’s second album wasn't a follow-up—it was a re-up. Weiland’s lyrics (alienation, addiction, transcendence) feel prophetic. The DeLeo brothers’ riffs sound tectonic. And the whole thing, warts and all, stands as one of the great American rock records of the ‘90s.

Rating: ★★★★½ (Essential for ‘90s rock collectors)

Pre-order includes: Exclusive 7-inch of "Interstate Love Song" (live from MTV Unplugged 1993 – previously unreleased).

Report: Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) Review

Introduction

Stone Temple Pilots' debut album, "Purple", released in 1994, is a landmark record in the history of alternative rock. The Super Deluxe Edition, released in 2020, offers a comprehensive reissue of the album, featuring remastered audio, bonus tracks, and extensive liner notes. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the reissue, exploring its significance, musical themes, and sonic enhancements.

Background

Stone Temple Pilots (STP) emerged in the early 1990s as one of the prominent bands in the alternative rock movement. Their debut album, "Core", achieved significant commercial success, but it was "Purple" that showcased the band's maturity and depth. Recorded at East West Studios in Hollywood, California, "Purple" was produced by Brendan O'Brien and STP, and its release coincided with the grunge and alternative rock explosion.

Music and Themes

"Purple" is characterized by its blend of catchy hooks, guitar-driven melodies, and distinctive vocal performances from Scott Weiland. The album's lyrics explore themes of love, relationships, rebellion, and social commentary. Standout tracks like "Vasoline", "Big Empty", and "Interstate Love Song" demonstrate the band's ability to craft memorable songs with substance.

The album's musical style is marked by:

1. Guitar-driven soundscapes: Dean DeLeo's innovative guitar work, often employing unusual tunings and effects, adds a rich texture to the album.
2. Vocal range and expression: Scott Weiland's impressive vocal range and emotive delivery bring depth and intensity to the lyrics.
3. Rhythmic foundation: The rhythm section, comprising bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Avery, provides a solid foundation for the band's musical explorations.

Super Deluxe Edition

The Super Deluxe Edition of "Purple" offers a comprehensive reissue of the album, featuring:

1. Remastered audio: The album has been remastered from the original analog tapes by Tom Coyne, providing a refreshed and detailed sound.
2. Bonus tracks: The reissue includes 11 bonus tracks, featuring B-sides, demos, and live recordings, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process.
3. Liner notes and photography: The package includes extensive liner notes, featuring interviews with the band, and rare photography from the album's recording sessions.

Sonic Enhancements

The remastered audio presents a significant upgrade over the original release. The sound is now more detailed, with a clearer definition of instruments and vocals. The bass lines are more pronounced, and the guitar textures are more nuanced. The overall effect is a more immersive listening experience.

Impact and Legacy

"Purple" has had a lasting impact on the alternative rock genre, influencing a range of bands and artists. The album's success helped establish STP as one of the leading bands of the 1990s, and its themes and musical styles continue to resonate with listeners today.

Conclusion

The Super Deluxe Edition of "Purple" is a must-have for fans of Stone Temple Pilots and alternative rock. The remastered audio, bonus tracks, and extensive liner notes provide a comprehensive and engaging listening experience. This reissue serves as a testament to the band's creative vision and enduring legacy.

Rating: 5/5

Recommendation

If you're a fan of alternative rock, 1990s music, or Stone Temple Pilots, the Super Deluxe Edition of "Purple" is an essential addition to your music collection. Even 25 years after its initial release, "Purple" remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners with its memorable songs, musical innovation, and emotional depth.

The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) is a comprehensive 25th-anniversary reissue of the band's 1994 multi-platinum sophomore album. Released on October 18, 2019, by Rhino Records, this collection provides a deep dive into the creative evolution of the band during their commercial peak. Physical Package & Formats

The Super Deluxe Edition is primarily available as a 3-CD/1-LP bundle housed in a rigid, foil-embossed hardback book case. Vinyl: Includes a 180g black vinyl LP of the 2019 remaster.

Booklet: Features an LP-sized booklet with rare band photos and detailed liner notes.

Exclusive Extras: A limited-edition version (1,000 units) from the official band store included a replica 7-inch purple vinyl of "Interstate Love Song" b/w "Lounge Fly".

The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple: Super Deluxe Edition is a comprehensive 25th-anniversary reissue of the band's multi-platinum 1994 sophomore album. Released via Rhino Records in October 2019, this set expands the original 11-track album with 29 bonus tracks, including unreleased demos, rarities, and a full live concert. Physical & Format Details

The Super Deluxe package is typically presented as a 3-CD/1-LP set:

CD 1 & Vinyl LP: Feature a newly remastered version of the original studio album.

CD 2: Contains early versions, demos, and acoustic recordings.

CD 3: Features a previously unreleased full concert recording from 1994. Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -Super Deluxe- Rem...

Packaging: Housed in a foil-finished, hardback book-style case.

Bonus 7-inch: Some limited-edition bundles included a replica 7-inch vinyl of "Interstate Love Song". Expanded Tracklist Highlights Disc 1: 2019 Remaster

Includes the original chart-topping hits that defined the album's sound, blending grunge with psychedelic and country influences:

Why the Super Deluxe edition matters

• Historical context: captures a high point in 1990s alternative rock and shows STP moving beyond their debut’s sound.
• Creative insight: demos and alternate takes reveal songwriting choices, arrangement changes, and production decisions.
• For collectors/fans: expanded packaging, unreleased material, and memorabilia elements increase archival value.
• Improved audio: remastering can provide clearer, fuller sound compared with older pressings.

The "Thank You" Moment

For the die-hard fans, the crown jewel of this box set is the inclusion of the previously unreleased show from the Fox Theatre in Stockton, California. This was STP at their most feral.

Hearing "Vasoline" live in this fidelity reminds you that while the DeLeo brothers were studio perfectionists, on stage, they were a lethal weapon. The late, great Scott Weiland is in rare form here—swaggering, crooning, and snarling. The inclusion of the hidden track "Second Album" (a biting, sarcastic response to their critics) played live is a wonderful piece of history restored.

The Album (Disc 1: Remastered)

Originally recorded in just over a month at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis (with producer Brendan O’Brien), Purple was a deliberate left turn. Gone was the straight-ahead "plod-rock" of Core. In its place? The sitar-drenched stomp of "Vasoline," the Zep-esque gallop of "Silvergun Superman," and the haunting, lounge-core of "Pretty Penny."

Key Tracks:

• "Interstate Love Song" – The centerpiece. A jangle-pop masterpiece about life on the road and emotional evasion. The remaster highlights Robert DeLeo’s 12-string Rickenbacker and Scott Weiland’s effortless croon.
• "Vasoline" – That slinky, distorted guitar riff. The new mix pulls Dean DeLeo’s wah-pedal work into sharp relief.
• "Unglued" – Two minutes of pure, coked-up punk fury. A blueprint for the band’s later aggression.
• "Kitchenware & Candybars" – The hidden track. A piano-led, Beatlesque outro that proved STP could be fragile.

Why it matters: Purple debuted at #1, knocking out The Crow soundtrack. It sold 6+ million copies, but critics called them "derivative." The Super Deluxe argues the opposite: Purple is where they invented their own language.

How the "Purple" Super Deluxe Compares to Streaming

You might ask: Why buy the physical or high-res digital version when the album is on Spotify?

The answer lies in dynamic range. Streaming services compress the life out of "Unglued." The remastered Super Deluxe release allows the song to actually be unglued—the clipping is gone, the distortion feels intentional, and the silence between notes (specifically the drop in "Vasoline") hits like a gut punch. Furthermore, the box set includes a 60-page hardcover book featuring unpublished photos by David LaChapelle and liner notes from surviving members Robert and Dean DeLeo reflecting on the loss of Weiland.