The Stone Roses – Fools Gold

• 29th Jul 2009

Having already tempted us with re-releases of the likes of the mystical classic, ‘Made Of Stone’ and the uplifting anthemic trot of ‘She Bangs The Drums’. However, it is this single, representing another airing of the catchy, downbeat spiralling, ‘Fools Gold’ that achieves best the task of reminding us of the importance of Da Roses.

Reni’s down-tempo funk and hint of calypso drum beats as well as Brown’s stern, focused whispering vocals melt into Squire’s twisting guitar turns. This particular version weighs in at a miniscule four minutes (compared to the marathon version saved for the album) and, as a result, lends more focus to the vocals and percussion.

This is going to reignite a debate that continues to swirl around indie bars like a Shed Seven song; how far should The Stone Roses go to remind us of their impact? ‘Fools Gold’, in particular, gives weight to the arguments of those who are against a reformation. Could they ever recapture the magic of this song in a live setting again and, would they ever be able to match its impact in any new material?