Word Gets Around
The cultural significance of Stereophonics’ debut album
Ever since the success of their debut album, Stereophonics have been closely associated with Welsh culture. When it was released — and for at least a decade afterwards — Word Gets Around was something of an ubiquitous album throughout much of south Wales.
For years, in pubs and clubs from Bargoed to Carmarthen, the evening would culminate with “A Thousand Trees” to signal kicking-out time, patrons bellowing the chorus as they staggered out onto the street. It — and they — became something of a cliché.
In the intervening years, the band have drifted away from their roots, and I haven’t been able to call myself a “fan” since the mid-naughties. For many, their music has gradually taken on a more generic appeal.
But nostalgia recently led me to playing the whole of their debut album for the first time in years. It’s amazing how long forgotten lyrics come rushing back with a single opening chord — as I drove through the Cynon Valley, it wasn’t long before I was ruining Kelly Jones’ incredible vocals with my own pitchy renditions.
When albums find their way into almost every home or bar or shop you visit, they become a soundtrack to your life. Inevitably, memories came flooding back of a particular time and place, but I…
