Album Review: Stan Bowles by Johnny Others
Alright, let’s talk about Stan Bowles, the quirky little album from Johnny Others that dropped back in 2004. If you’re into rock with a pop twist and love stuff that feels like it came straight outta the UK & Europe scene, this one might just hit the spot. Released under label 986 852-2, it’s got some charm, even if it doesn’t scream “mainstream hit.” Plus, shoutout to Paul (or should I say Schroeder?) for mixing things up on certain tracks. Dude deserves props.
So, there are two tracks here that really stuck with me: "Stan Bowles (BBC Radio Live Session)" and "This Is For The Poor (BBC Radio Live Session)." Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
First off, "Stan Bowles (BBC Radio Live Session)." Man, this track is raw energy bottled up in three-ish minutes. It’s kinda wild how they capture that live vibe—you can almost picture the studio setup, microphones everywhere, maybe someone spilling coffee while trying not to miss their cue. The guitar riffs? Solid as hell. They don’t overdo it; instead, they keep it punchy and fun. Feels like something you’d blast in your car when you need an instant mood boost. And honestly, isn’t that what good music’s all about?
Then there’s "This Is For The Poor (BBC Radio Live Session)." Now, this one hits different. There’s a grittier tone to it, like it’s giving you a peek into someone’s unfiltered thoughts. Lyrically, it’s sharp—like, “oh snap” level sharp. You know those songs where you catch yourself nodding along because the words just get you? Yeah, that’s this track. It’s catchy without being cheesy, which is always a win in my book.
What makes these tracks stand out is how genuine they feel. Like, you can tell Johnny Others didn’t sit around brainstorming how to make a chart-topper. Instead, it’s more like he was just vibin’, letting the music happen naturally. That’s refreshing, especially coming from a time when everything seemed so polished and calculated.
Looking back at this album now, it’s kinda funny how underrated it still feels. Sure, it won’t change your life or anything, but it’s got character. Like that friend who shows up late to parties but ends up being the most memorable part of the night. Honestly, I reckon Stan Bowles deserves another listen, even if it’s been collecting digital dust somewhere since 2004.
Oh, and random thought: whoever decided to name both the album AND the first track after Stan Bowles must’ve had a laugh about it. Or maybe it’s deep symbolism? Who knows. Either way, it works.
