Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -super Deluxe- Rem... -
For the casual fan: The remastered album alone is worth the digital download. The bass has more thud, the cymbals less fizz.
For the diehard: Discs 2 and 3 are essential. The Paramount live show captures STP as a volatile, untamable club band—right before they became arena stars. The "Only Dying" demo will floor you.
For the completist: The box set packaging is beautiful, but the real gold is hearing Purple without the 1990s brickwall limiting. It breathes like Memphis humidity.
A complete, previously unmixed soundboard recording from the height of the Purple tour. The band is lean, coked, and dangerous.
The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) is a comprehensive 25th-anniversary reissue celebrating the band’s second multi-platinum album. Released by Rhino Records in late 2019, this set expands the original 1994 masterpiece with a massive collection of unreleased demos, rarities, and live recordings. 💿 What’s in the Box?
The Super Deluxe Edition is a 3-CD/1-LP collection housed in an LP-sized rigid book, featuring:
Newly Remastered Audio: The original 11-track album, including hits like "Interstate Love Song" and "Vasoline".
180-Gram Vinyl: A high-fidelity pressing of the remastered studio album.
Rarities & Demos: Previously unreleased early versions of nearly every song, including an acoustic "Big Empty" and a rare demo cover of The Beach Boys' "She Knows Me Too Well".
Unreleased Live Concert: A full 17-song performance from New Haven, CT (August 23, 1994). 🎸 Disc Breakdown Disc 1: The Original Album (2019 Remaster)
The core tracks that cemented STP as rock giants, now with enhanced clarity.
Key tracks: "Meatplow," "Still Remains," and "Silvergun Superman". Disc 2: Early Versions, Demos & Acoustic
This disc provides a "behind the curtain" look at the creative process, featuring early takes of songs like "Meat Plow" and "Interstate Love Song," along with acoustic versions of "Pretty Penny" and "Kitchenware & Candybars".
The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) is a 25th-anniversary reissue released in October 2019 to celebrate the band's massive 1994 sophomore album. This expanded set includes a newly remastered version of the original multi-platinum record alongside nearly 30 bonus tracks. Core Contents & Configuration
The Super Deluxe package is typically a 3-CD and 1-LP set, often housed in a foil-finished hardcover book.
Disc 1 / 180g Vinyl: The full 11-track original album, featuring hits like "Interstate Love Song," "Vasoline," and "Big Empty," all freshly remastered.
Disc 2 (Early Versions & Demos): A collection of unreleased studio material, including early incarnations of "Meat Plow" and "Interstate Love Song," plus a rare demo of the Beach Boys' "She Knows Me Too Well".
Disc 3 (Live at New Haven 1994): A full, previously unreleased 17-song concert from August 23, 1994, capturing the band at the height of their success. Bonus Highlights
In the pantheon of 1990s rock, few albums capture the chaotic transition from the raw grunge explosion to the polished, genre-bending excess of the late '90s quite like Purple. Released in 1994, Stone Temple Pilots’ sophomore effort shattered the "sophomore slump" curse, proving that the band was more than just MTV darlings. They were craftsmen.
Fast forward thirty years, and the release of Stone Temple Pilots - Purple - Super Deluxe - Remastered offers fans more than just a volume bump. It is an archaeological dive into a band at the peak of their chemical and creative powers. This isn't just a reissue; it is a time capsule, a remastering miracle, and a treasure trove for collectors.
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." Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -Super Deluxe- Rem...
Key Tracks:
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.
To understand the value of this Super Deluxe edition, one must first acknowledge the weight of the original album. Purple is a sonic outlier. While Core (1992) was a blunt force instrument of post-grunge aggression, Purple showcased evolution. Tracks like "Vasoline" featured a droning, hypnotic riff; "Interstate Love Song" became the defining ode to tour burnout; and "Big Empty" hinted at the cinematic storytelling Scott Weiland would perfect.
However, the original 1994 mixes always felt slightly constrained by the era's "loudness war" limitations. The new remastered audio in this Super Deluxe set rectifies that. Brendan O’Brien’s original production now breathes with a wider stereo field. The low-end on Robert DeLeo’s bass—particularly on "Pretty Penny"—is finally given the vinyl warmth it deserves, while Dean DeLeo’s treble-heavy jangle cuts through without harshness.
The Purple era was the beginning of the end of the classic STP lineup, but listening to this Super Deluxe Edition, you aren't hearing a band about to implode. You are hearing a band at the absolute height of their powers.
This collection does exactly what a great reissue should do: it makes you listen to a classic album with fresh ears. It transforms Purple from a nostalgia trip into a living, breathing document of rock and roll ambition. For anyone who ever air-drummed to Eric Kretz or got lost in Dean DeLeo’s spiraling solos, this is an essential piece of history.
Rating: ★★★★½
Key Tracks on the Reissue:
Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) is a definitive 25th-anniversary celebration of the band's 1994 sophomore masterpiece. Released through Rhino Entertainment
in 2019, this expansive collection serves as a deep dive into the era when STP moved beyond their "grunge" roots to embrace a more psychedelic, bluesy, and melodic rock identity. Comprehensive Package Contents The Super Deluxe Edition is a 3-CD/1-LP set that includes the following:
We got some Stone Temple Pilots in! Core - $30 MTV Unplugged 1993
Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -Super Deluxe- Remastered: A Timeless Rock Masterpiece Reborn
The year was 1994, and the music world was on the cusp of a revolution. Alternative rock was emerging as a force to be reckoned with, and Stone Temple Pilots were at the forefront of this movement. Their second studio album, Purple, released on June 7, 1994, would go on to become a defining record of the decade, cementing the band's status as one of the most iconic and influential rock acts of the 1990s. Fast-forward to 2017, and the album has been reborn in a spectacular fashion with the release of Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -Super Deluxe- Remastered.
The Original Purple : A Critical and Commercial Breakthrough
Purple was a game-changer for Stone Temple Pilots. The album marked a significant departure from their debut album, Core, which had been released to critical acclaim in 1992. While Core had established the band's sound, Purple refined and expanded upon it, showcasing a more mature and experimental approach to songwriting. The album's lead single, "Vasoline," was a breakout hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, while the album itself peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album's success can be attributed to the band's ability to craft catchy, memorable hooks, paired with Scott Weiland's distinctive vocals and lyrics that explored themes of love, addiction, and social commentary. Tracks like "Interstate Love Song" and "Big Empty" have become staples of '90s alternative rock, with their anthemic choruses and guitar-driven melodies.
The Super Deluxe Treatment: A New Generation of Sound
The Super Deluxe reissue of Purple is a comprehensive package that celebrates the album's 20th anniversary. The remastered edition features the original album, plus a slew of bonus tracks, live recordings, and unreleased material. The album has been remastered by engineer Dave Pensado, who worked closely with the band to create a fresh, yet faithful, rendering of the original recordings.
The Super Deluxe set includes:
Bonus Tracks and Live Recordings: A Treasure Trove for Fans For the casual fan: The remastered album alone
The bonus tracks on the Super Deluxe edition offer a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process. Included are early versions of songs like "Big Empty" and "Interstate Love Song," as well as covers of artists like The Rolling Stones and The Velvet Underground. Fans will also appreciate the live recordings, which capture the band's energetic performances on tracks like "Vasoline" and "Hang in the Balance."
The Legacy of Purple : Influence and Impact
Purple has had a lasting impact on the music world. The album's blend of grunge, alternative, and hard rock influences has inspired a generation of musicians, from Foo Fighters to Queens of the Stone Age. The album's success also helped pave the way for other '90s alternative rock acts, like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains.
Conclusion
The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple -Super Deluxe- Remastered edition is a must-have for fans of the band and the album. This comprehensive package offers a fresh perspective on a timeless rock masterpiece, with superior sound quality, bonus tracks, and live recordings. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, this reissue is an opportunity to experience one of the defining albums of the 1990s in a whole new way.
Key Tracks:
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommended For: Fans of Stone Temple Pilots, alternative rock, grunge, and '90s music.
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Label: Rhino Entertainment
Catalog Number: R2 552958
The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple - Super Deluxe Edition is a comprehensive 25th-anniversary celebration of the band’s second studio masterpiece, originally released in June 1994. Released by Rhino Records on October 18, 2019, this expansive set includes a newly remastered version of the multi-platinum album, unreleased studio demos, and a previously unheard live concert. Overview of the Super Deluxe Content
The physical edition is a 3-CD/1-LP set that pairs the high-fidelity remaster with a deep dive into the band's creative process and live energy during their commercial peak.
The Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) is a 25th-anniversary celebration of the band's 1994 sophomore masterpiece. This comprehensive set, released by Rhino Records in late 2019, expands the original triple-platinum album with a wealth of rare and previously unreleased material. What's in the Box?
The Super Deluxe package is a 4-disc set (3 CDs and 1 LP) housed in a foil-finished, hardback book-style case.
Disc 1 (CD/LP): A 2019 remaster of the original 11-track album, including hits like "Interstate Love Song," "Vasoline," and "Big Empty".
Disc 2: A collection of unreleased demos and early versions, featuring: Early takes of "Meat Plow" and "Interstate Love Song". Acoustic versions of "Big Empty" and "Pretty Penny".
A previously unreleased demo of The Beach Boys' "She Knows Me Too Well".
Live acoustic tracks from the 1994 KROQ Acoustic Christmas show, including a cover of "Christmastime Is Here".
Disc 3: A full, previously unreleased concert recording from August 23, 1994, in New Haven, Connecticut. This 17-song set captures the band at their peak, mixing Purple tracks with Core staples like "Plush" and "Sex Type Thing". Interstate Love Song A complete, previously unmixed soundboard recording from the
Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) Review
The Super Deluxe Edition of Stone Temple Pilots' iconic album "Purple" is a comprehensive reissue that celebrates the 20th anniversary of this beloved record. Released on June 7, 2019, via Rhino/Atlantic Records, this expanded edition offers a treasure trove of unreleased tracks, live recordings, and insightful liner notes that provide a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process.
The Original Album
For those who may be unfamiliar, "Purple" is the second studio album by Stone Temple Pilots, released on June 7, 1999. The album marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, as they transitioned from their grunge roots to a more refined, hard rock sound. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, "Purple" boasts a rich, polished production that brings out the best in the band's musicianship.
The album's tracklist is a masterclass in songcraft, with hits like "Big Empty," "Vasoline," and "Interstate Love Song" showcasing the band's ability to craft catchy, anthemic choruses and verses. However, "Purple" also explores darker themes, with songs like "Jagger," "Pineapple Head," and "Swamp Song" delving into more experimental and introspective territory.
The Bonus Tracks
The Super Deluxe Edition of "Purple" includes an impressive 26 bonus tracks, which provide a fascinating insight into the band's creative process. These tracks include:
The Booklet and Packaging
The Super Deluxe Edition comes with a beautifully designed booklet featuring liner notes from Scott Weiland's estate, as well as comments from the band members. The booklet includes rare photos, handwritten lyrics, and other memorabilia that provide a visceral connection to the album's creation.
The packaging itself is equally impressive, with the deluxe edition housed in a sturdy box set that includes:
The Verdict
The Super Deluxe Edition of Stone Temple Pilots' "Purple" is a must-have for fans of the band and 90s rock in general. The bonus tracks, liner notes, and packaging create a comprehensive package that provides a rich, immersive experience for listeners. Whether you're a longtime STP fan or just discovering their music, this reissue offers a compelling reason to revisit or explore the band's iconic discography.
The reissue also serves as a poignant reminder of Scott Weiland's incredible talent and legacy. As a vocalist, songwriter, and performer, Weiland was a true original, and his passing in 2015 left a void in the music world. The Super Deluxe Edition of "Purple" is a fitting tribute to his memory, celebrating his artistry and the enduring power of Stone Temple Pilots' music.
Recommendation
If you're a fan of Stone Temple Pilots or 90s rock, do yourself a favor and pick up the Super Deluxe Edition of "Purple." This reissue is a masterclass in deluxe edition packaging and a testament to the band's enduring legacy. Even 20 years after its initial release, "Purple" remains a timeless classic, and this reissue offers a compelling reason to revisit or discover the album anew.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Tracklisting:
Original Album:
Bonus Tracks:
Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (Super Deluxe Edition) a comprehensive 25th-anniversary reissue of the band's multi-platinum 1994 album, released on October 18, 2019
. This expansive set includes a newly remastered version of the original studio album along with unreleased demos, rarities, and a full live concert recording. Physical Package Contents The Super Deluxe Edition is typically presented as a 3-CD/1-LP set www.rhino.com