About
The roots of the Stone Roses go back to 1980, when John Squire and Ian Brown took a turn playing Mod rock in the band English Rose (named after a Jam song), which by 1985 had morphed into the Stone Roses. The Manchester band released two dark, Goth-leaning singles to underwhelming response, but did manage to get signed by Silvertone in the process. Thanks in part to producer John Leckie, the third single was the charm for the Stone Roses; "Elephant Stone," a lighter, jangly pop song, set the wheels in motion for what would be called the "Madchester" craze. The band's near-flawless debut, released in May 1989, showcased John Squire's love for '60s hooks set to House-inspired beats that defined the "baggy" sound. At least four singles were culled from the band's debut album, and by the end of the summer, the sun was shining on the quartet. Legal troubles with Silvertone meant a five year delay for their follow-up, and when Second Coming was finally released in late 1994, the world was in the throes of Grungemania. The Stone Roses limped along as member after member left, until finally packing it in late 1996.
- Linda Ryan
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