THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

764-Stereophonics-Local Boy in the Photograph.

1997-Number 51 single. When reissued in 1998 it peaked at Number 14.

Best Bit-At 1.28. Stereophonics are a Welsh band from the village of Cwmaman, as far as I know they are ‘the only band in the village.’

Stereophonics (see also best songs 38) were formed in 1992 by Kelly Jones (lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboards,) Stuart Cable (1970-2010) (drums,) and Richard Jones (bass guitar.) Kelly Jones, and Stuart Cable had lived on the same street as children, and played in other groups previously to forming Stereophonics. In 2003 Cable was sacked by the band, with the official statement saying he had other commitments he wanted to pursue, but there was also personnel problems. Cable suffered from drug, and alcohol problems, and on June 7th, 2010 choked to death on his own vomit while sleeping.Between 2004-2012 drumming duties were taken over by Javier Weyler, and when he left the band, current drummer Jamie Morrison took over.

‘Local Boy in the Photograph’ was the bands first single, taken from their debut Album ‘Word Gets Round,’all of the lyrics for the 12 tracks were written by Kelly Jones, with the music by Stereophonics. Most of the Album’s songs were about Jones’ personal experiences while growing up in Cwmaman.

This song originated from a newspaper article about a local boy called Paul Boggis who committed suicide by standing in front of a moving train. Kelly Jones had known him from their youth, and it affected him.Kelly has said of the song,’It was more about celebrating his life, than his death.’

‘He’ll always be twenty three, yet the train runs on and on, past the place they found his clothing.