A review I had published...

[Rob]

It's for a more casual DMB fan audience, but I wanted to share it here as well.

Stand Up

The obvious thing, for most negative reviewers, is to open an album discussion with a witty line twisting some aspect of the work, be it the name, lyrics, musicians, or color of the cover. “Stand Up? No! Sit down!” would be a classic opening. That’s best left to the “professionals” of the industry who, in general, have no musical inkling in the slightest, but are paid to weave words into sentences their simple minds deem coherent and eloquent.

Stand Up is not the best work of the Dave Matthews Band. It won’t be considered such on its release day, a month, year, or even ten years forward. After the tease of in-progress songs over the summer of 2004, the band has pulled a startlingly Everyday-like about-face to generic, radio-friendly pop. Gone is the artistry of Dave’s guitar work in “Sugar Will,” the playful meander of “Good Good Time,” and the political “Joyride.” In its place, overproduced anthems such as “Stand Up,” “Everybody Wake Up,” and the first single, “American Baby.”

What is this album? Unlike Everyday, which was missing any sense of musical nuance or mastery, Stand Up does show musical promise (with the exception of Carter’s departure to “drum machine” mode on several tracks). After hearing the interviews on the album’s teaser site, this album beings to come into focus. This was a trial for the band- what could they do outside of their comfort boxes?

Instruments are exchanged, risks are taken, and the album suffers musically. Stefan Lessard is the perfect example from this album. For some time, Lessard’s work on the bass has progressed toward a beautiful mastery. With this comes the risk of overplaying (an oft-heard accusation of drummer Carter Beauford). Whereas Beauford is seasoned and secure enough in his playing to tone things down in the right spots, Lessard grasps at the spotlight in inappropriate places. His work on “Out of My Hands” stands out in this regard: the staccato bass line in the second half of the song is inappropriate and overdrives what would otherwise be a pleasant and mellow tune (and a great debut for Matthews on the piano).

The beacon of light in the mire of this album is the piano-driven ballad “Steady as We Go.” This track is immediately identifiable as the Dave Matthews Band, both lyrically and musically. Each band member takes a bow in a subtle and beautiful light, taking the band to the level they had reached over the summer with the tracks now relegated to B-Side status.

This album was regarded by many as a make-or-break album for the band, and unfortunately, it’s a break. The band is capable of simple and beautiful music without the overproduced, overplayed, and generic lines. With hope, “Steady as We Go” will prove to be an apt track, and the band will cruise back into their niche, away from the rut they’ve found in this studio session.

[il bacio dolce]

I wish everyone could be as eloquent in expressing their opinions of the album... Of course, you were writing to be published, but, you have a lot more sense than those that run around screaming "OHMYGODTHISSUUUXX!" :rolleyes

Anyway. Very, very good.

[Nitro1515]

Excellent read. That is pretty much the way I feel about the album, it shows promise in some places but on the whole it is quite average.

[Whootman]

I wish everyone could be as eloquent in expressing their opinions of the album... Of course, you were writing to be published, but, you have a lot more sense than those that run around screaming "OHMYGODTHISSUUUXX!" :rolleyes

Anyway. Very, very good.

My sentiments exactly! :thumbsup

[loogs91]

Well put. One spelling error, i believe you meant to say 'begins' and not 'beings' in paragraph 3. (just pointing it out since you're looking to be published, i know i'm a terrible speller/typer)

[fujihanashi]

I agree. The review is very well-written, and you argument will be hard to disprove.

[giddy]

I'm the Editor-in-Chief for my student newspaper and I'm writing my review for our Arts and Entertainment section now. I have very very very similar sentiments

[chrisandiego]

I think there are many beacons of light on this album.

[il bacio dolce]

I wouldn't even go that far.

[Orpheus]

Unlike Everyday, which was missing any sense of musical nuance or mastery...

Can't keep my mouth shut about this.

You've got to be kidding, Rob. I don't listen to Everyday much, but I can't deny that for what those songs are, they are extremely well done.

I hope no one takes your little agenda seriously.

[bluegirl617]

The obvious thing, for most negative reviewers, is to open an album discussion with a witty line twisting some aspect of the work, be it the name, lyrics, musicians, or color of the cover. “Stand Up? No! Sit down!” would be a classic opening. That’s best left to the “professionals” of the industry who, in general, have no musical inkling in the slightest, but are paid to weave words into sentences their simple minds deem coherent and eloquent.


This is the best paragraph in the entire review. :D

bluegirl617

[greg87lax]

It's for a more casual DMB fan audience, but I wanted to share it here as well.

Stand Up

The obvious thing, for most negative reviewers, is to open an album discussion with a witty line twisting some aspect of the work, be it the name, lyrics, musicians, or color of the cover. “Stand Up? No! Sit down!” would be a classic opening. That’s best left to the “professionals” of the industry who, in general, have no musical inkling in the slightest, but are paid to weave words into sentences their simple minds deem coherent and eloquent.

Stand Up is not the best work of the Dave Matthews Band. It won’t be considered such on its release day, a month, year, or even ten years forward. After the tease of in-progress songs over the summer of 2004, the band has pulled a startlingly Everyday-like about-face to generic, radio-friendly pop. Gone is the artistry of Dave’s guitar work in “Sugar Will,” the playful meander of “Good Good Time,” and the political “Joyride.” In its place, overproduced anthems such as “Stand Up,” “Everybody Wake Up,” and the first single, “American Baby.”

What is this album? Unlike Everyday, which was missing any sense of musical nuance or mastery, Stand Up does show musical promise (with the exception of Carter’s departure to “drum machine” mode on several tracks). After hearing the interviews on the album’s teaser site, this album beings to come into focus. This was a trial for the band- what could they do outside of their comfort boxes?

Instruments are exchanged, risks are taken, and the album suffers musically. Stefan Lessard is the perfect example from this album. For some time, Lessard’s work on the bass has progressed toward a beautiful mastery. With this comes the risk of overplaying (an oft-heard accusation of drummer Carter Beauford). Whereas Beauford is seasoned and secure enough in his playing to tone things down in the right spots, Lessard grasps at the spotlight in inappropriate places. His work on “Out of My Hands” stands out in this regard: the staccato bass line in the second half of the song is inappropriate and overdrives what would otherwise be a pleasant and mellow tune (and a great debut for Matthews on the piano).

The beacon of light in the mire of this album is the piano-driven ballad “Steady as We Go.” This track is immediately identifiable as the Dave Matthews Band, both lyrically and musically. Each band member takes a bow in a subtle and beautiful light, taking the band to the level they had reached over the summer with the tracks now relegated to B-Side status.

This album was regarded by many as a make-or-break album for the band, and unfortunately, it’s a break. The band is capable of simple and beautiful music without the overproduced, overplayed, and generic lines. With hope, “Steady as We Go” will prove to be an apt track, and the band will cruise back into their niche, away from the rut they’ve found in this studio session.


you are a hero and a half. that pretty much sums up how i feel about the whole thing. rep point for that!

[yankeesguy86]

Very well written, but I have to disagree with your overall review. I for one think this new sound is refreshing and finally has brought DMB out of the doldrums of the Everyday-Busted Stuff era.

I wrote a review for my school newspaper which I'll put up on this thread Tuesday when I can grab a copy from school.

[Rob]

I appreciate the fact that not everyone will agree with me. That's part of the beauty of music.

On the other hand, I've been "doing" DMB for a very, very long time. I've continued to go to shows, I've continued to purchase albums... This just about does it for me, however. There is enough music out there that I don't have to support a band that isn't doing something I like, just for the sake of the name on the album. Where I sit, there is better music being produced right now. Back in '94 and '95, that wasn't the case.

I do confess that I am bitterly disappointed with the music industry right now, as the two releases I had been anticipating for quite some time (this along with Ben Folds' Songs for Silverman) have been duds.

[PilotC150]

His work on “Out of My Hands” stands out in this regard: the staccato bass line in the second half of the song is inappropriate and overdrives what would otherwise be a pleasant and mellow tune (and a great debut for Matthews on the piano).
Nice writing. I agree with it, pretty much, except for this part.

I think his work on Out of My Hands is soulful and very necessary. It adds a much needed depth to the song that doesn't exist with the painfully simple piano part (although it fits the song) and the high chatter of the snare drum.

[ncdude2k3]

Its a horrible review. Not for the writing..but for what perspective you wrote it from. You're writing it as a huge old school type DMB fan. You shouldnt do that. You have to take the album on it's own and without bias if you want to truly be giving a good review. When someone reads that review they're going to think you have an agenda and already had you mind made up about the record.

[nonewdirections]

Its a horrible review. Not for the writing..but for what perspective you wrote it from. You're writing it as a huge old school type DMB fan. You shouldnt do that. You have to take the album on it's own and without bias if you want to truly be giving a good review. When someone reads that review they're going to think you have an agenda and already had you mind made up about the record.

A good music review takes into account the history of an artist, their influences, and music in general.

[Rob]

Sorry you feel that way. Yes, I'm an old school DMB fan. However, I find that you're the one that's mistaken. If we take each album on its own, we don't do the band any justice. We know what they're capable of musically, and we know what they've done in the past.

Carter Beauford is a far better drummer than is displayed on that album. I'm not sure that's even debated between hardcore Stand Up enthusiasts and lamenters. If I were to listen to this album, on its own, I would say that DMB either had a studio drummer or a weak drummer. Is that a fair review of DMB? No. Is it fair to say of the album? Unfortunately, yes.

I listened to the album as a DMB fan, came up with an opinion, and presented it. Why don't you do the same, rather than simply spouting tired rhetoric?

[nonewdirections]

Hey Rob, [Carter] forbid that you actually put the album in context. :lol

[timescaper]

:thumbsup Good job - I agree 100%

[winterscold]

It really shouldn't be this hard for DMB to put out a good album. They just need to tone it down a bit and just stick to what they know. They really need to make a self produced album later on in their career.

[Matt1838]

They aren't stupid. If Stand Up turns out to be another Everyday in terms of sales and fan appeal, they will get the message. We know they are capable of things that appease all, such that we saw over the summer. The problem is, it seems that DMB needs a producer to keep them focused, otherwise, they would just dick around in the studio all day like the normal guys they are :)

[MistreatedLewis]

It really shouldn't be this hard for DMB to put out a good album. They just need to tone it down a bit and just stick to what they know. They really need to make a self produced album later on in their career.

They already did that. It's called Busted Stuff. Harris didn't do anything to do those except hit the controls. And it sucked.

[Panoramical]

I've listened to it once, and I haven't digged any of the tracks except American Baby. The rest are soulless power pop, with very little emotion compared to previous DMB albums. There are simply no potential classics at all here, and the only one that even comes close is Dreamgirl, in my opinion, one of the two good tracks. The rest are ones that I would expect to be b-sides, and none have stuck in my head. I could tell with all previous DMB albums that they would be great, and there were clear standout songs from the very first listen. There are none on this album, I don't think.

[winterscold]

They already did that. It's called Busted Stuff. Harris didn't do anything to do those except hit the controls. And it sucked.

Busted Stuff has a whole differnet story behind it, so we just won't count that. And even though, Busted Stuff isn't bad, there was just a lot of fighting over it cause of the Lillywhite Sessions. If they just did what they wanted to do, and go off on anyone elses ideas, I'm sure it would awesome.

[cbsauder]

i really think they should have left all of the "summer songs" (there were five i believe) on the album.

[BeQuietAndDrive]

It really shouldn't be this hard for DMB to put out a good album. They just need to tone it down a bit and just stick to what they know. They really need to make a self produced album later on in their career.

I think each member of the band is so talented that a self-produced album would be almost impossible. Each would have too much input with nobody to make decisions with tough calls. They need that arbitrator.

Now, that doesn't mean they need a producer with his fingerprints all over the CD.

[OCMarsh]

You are dead wrong on Out Of My Hands, but it's a nice review.

I also think it's very narrow on your part to label this a "break-it" album, considering that all previous albums have also been labeled that by DMB's fans yet they continue to thrive.

[Rob]

Marshall, please don't tell me I'm dead wrong. You can have your opinion, give me mine. I am sick and tired of people saying things like that on opinion issues.

[nonewdirections]

I've listened to it once, and I haven't digged any of the tracks except American Baby. The rest are soulless power pop, with very little emotion compared to previous DMB albums. There are simply no potential classics at all here, and the only one that even comes close is Dreamgirl, in my opinion, one of the two good tracks. The rest are ones that I would expect to be b-sides, and none have stuck in my head. I could tell with all previous DMB albums that they would be great, and there were clear standout songs from the very first listen. There are none on this album, I don't think.

I wouldn't call it power pop. Some of it is pretty mainstream-styled pop rock, some of it is that with a bit more eclectic influences. I don't hear any power pop, though.

[ncdude2k3]

Um..a band's career should have NO effect on your review of an album. You take each album individually. If you judge an album on a bands career..youre not really judging the album fairly. Each album is different and it shouldnt be judged based on previous albums or even time periods. You judge the album based on the current era and times. Define being a "better" drummer..sure its not as complex some of the previous stuff..but does more complex really mean better? IMO No. Some of the best music is just very simple.

[nonewdirections]

Um..a band's career should have NO effect on your review of an album. You take each album individually. If you judge an album on a bands career..youre not really judging the album fairly. Each album is different and it shouldnt be judged based on previous albums or even time periods. You judge the album based on the current era and times. Define being a "better" drummer..sure its not as complex some of the previous stuff..but does more complex really mean better? IMO No. Some of the best music is just very simple.

You should read some more music reviews. What you are referring to is a type of a listener's perspective, not a critical perspective.

[RememberTwo]

i dont understand how you can say "Steady as you Go" is the song most like the old DMB. i think that song in particular sound NOTHING like the DMB i love. show me one other piano driven ballad? point me in the direction of the band members in that song... roi (except at the end), boyd?

on the other hand, Hello Again gives us a good glimpse at what this album could have been like. how great it could have been.

[kyfbb]

Since when has DMB been about the albums anyway? Before we pass judgment on all of these tracks wait until they're road tested. I'm disappointed that Joyride, Crazy Easy and the like didn't make it to the album, but I also have to say that listening to Hello Again live is a totally different experience than the album version, which to me is slow and without feeling. The album is different and it was a way for each band member to have a more equal part in the making of it. Give it some time to breath before we start bashing it. By the way the original review was well written and for the most part on point, but again I believe the tracks need the time to grow while the band is on the road this summer.

[Noles20]

If this is a "break-it" album, then this begins the demise of DMB??? Or was it a break-it for you, which means the end of your following them???

[2stepp41]

If all of you people keep bitching, write your own review and lets see what we all think of it, Rob is so right this album being average, it does not compare with uttad, crash, btcs, and lillywhites. You cannot criticize Rob for looking at Stand Up from an "old school DMB fan," perspective, because by using his perspective he is putting forth his opinion. If you are saying it is a bad review because you do not agree with his opinion, then you are looking at it from a certain perspective. Therefore you cannot criticize for looking at it from a certain perspective. Perspective goes into an album review. Listen to old school DMB and you may understand his perspective, because that was when the band just played and did not give a fuck. And please, Rob give them one more album just because they have fallen off give them on more chance, this is the band that you have liked for a long time, maybe they will realize finally what they need to do to keep their fans that care about what they used to be.

[Npys3]

Since when has DMB been about the albums anyway? Before we pass judgment on all of these tracks wait until they're road tested. I'm disappointed that Joyride, Crazy Easy and the like didn't make it to the album, but I also have to say that listening to Hello Again live is a totally different experience than the album version, which to me is slow and without feeling. The album is different and it was a way for each band member to have a more equal part in the making of it. Give it some time to breath before we start bashing it. By the way the original review was well written and for the most part on point, but again I believe the tracks need the time to grow while the band is on the road this summer.
i think that BTCS was so well done that after that it became about the albums.

[Rob]

I appreciate the support.

People mature. It happens to most (certainly not all, however, as we look around society today). In the 90's, I was in sync with DMB in many ways. Today, however, as the band has taken a new direction, I have as well. Those directions don't seem to match.

They have put out some good music recently. "You Never Know" was a beautiful piece. The much maligned "Sugar Will" represented some of Dave's best guitar work and understanding to date. However, as a whole, the musical progression no longer matches what I enjoy. This doesn't say the music today isn't "good," but I don't believe they are truly flexing their musical muscles and challenging themselves. Strapping on a new instrument for an album is a challenge, but it's more in line with a hobby. A true challenge would be for them to expand and create a new sound within their niche, rather than finding a producer to artificially create change.

I miss "old school" DMB, but I'm not bitching about them. For my money, I can now see 5 fringe artists for the price of one DMB ticket, and I will enjoy myself more. I can allow an up and coming, rabid DMB fan my seat in the ampitheater, and we're all happy. In the coming years, maybe DMB will return to what they do best and beautifully, and I can tag along for the ride. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the community, the music that got me hooked, and enjoy searching for hints of a return to the stuff I love.

[bubba40]

The much maligned "Sugar Will" represented some of Dave's best guitar work and understanding to date.

It's about damn time somebody said this.:thumbsup

[Rob]

I said it all along ;)

I feel the lyrics and melody needed work, but the guitar (and drums) were spot-on.

[OCMarsh]

Marshall, please don't tell me I'm dead wrong. You can have your opinion, give me mine. I am sick and tired of people saying things like that on opinion issues.


I was just making sure you heard my opinion too.;)


Did I miss something, where was this published?

[Rob]

A paper that wasn't published in Oregon ;) The school paper needed a review, I provided.

[OCMarsh]

Ah, that's very cool. It's a great write up, but as a close-minded fanboy I have to disagree with some of the opinions.

[Erich]

I cant say I disagree with the review at all.

And in regards to your first paragraph, had Sugar Will been on the album, i bet you a bunch of negative reviews would say "sugar wont"

[PilotC150]

I've listened to it once, and I haven't digged any of the tracks except American Baby. The rest are soulless power pop, with very little emotion compared to previous DMB albums.
You must have entirely missed Out of My Hands and Steady As We Go, in that case.

[Rob]

There is definitly emotion on the album. I was hoping for something of an emotional journey, actually, where the album picks you up in one place and leaves you in another, but I haven't gotten anything substantial out of it.

[Sniper15]

Where was this published?

[Rob]

Read up a bit.

[sonicdmb41]

I think there are many beacons of light on this album.
__________________

Whats that you say, Spotlight should be on the next album .....i totally agree....lol.

[chevman]

Your opening paragraph is dripping with so much arrogance, it's hard to take the rest of the review seriously. That being said, I'm still curious to hear the album this week...

[Baker1185]

After listening to the album, the huge problem I have is that nothing sticks out. It shouldn't take 10 listens, as some suggest. I picked up NiN's "with teeth" last week, and immediately found a few tracks I loved on the first listen.
Second, the lyrics, are void of any real meaning or direction. Is this the same man who wrote two step, you never know, or any of the other greats the fans have come to love? I can't even find a catchy lyric to get stuck in my head. It seems that lyrics were another dimension on the other albums (minus everyday of course) and that anything somewhat deep is absent on this one, leaving it ever so bland in the 2d.
Third, one of the greatest drummers in the world should not be replaced by a machine.
Fourth, being an artist, I feel I can say more about this part than any other. This album lacks direction, from beginning to end. Sometimes that works, going into a piece with raw materials and taking your feelings and just running with it. Other times, it doesn't, and you get Stand Up.
And lastly, the length of the tracks really scare me. Sure, I'm gonna get the "they'll be jammed out live" but, what if I want to just pop in a studio album every once in a while? It seems that the band just wants to turn pop, turn away from their free-loving festival playing selves and just make songs that are radio-friendly. Meh, this is useless.
The band needs to take some time, and figure out where they're going. And maybe have Dave spend a little time writing some lyrics out so we don't get this "spur of the moment" improv crap on an album. I'm done.

[SpecialAgent007]

wow, I echo so many of your sentiments...in my review I even used much of the same language and examples...and I agree, Steady As We Go is the one great track on the album...

[IlliniDave]

Very nicely done review, although I am disappointed that you feel that this album is a "break it" album. Maybe it's just me but it seems like DMB has reached the point where their fanbase is so diverse that it's getting increasingly difficult to keep everyone happy. I completely agree with all of you who say that this album isn't their strongest work, and I think you're probably kidding yourself if you say it is, but I really feel good about their future. It could be that I'm being hopelessly optimistic, but I think they will actually come around. What sucks is that these guys tried desperately to change the way they approach music to give the spark to make a loveable album, but instead it seems to have fallen flat before the album's even been released.

Personally I think it would help a great deal if they could just find a producer and stick with him or just try to do something on their own. It's nice when they take their live songs and release them on a studio album, but after making music for a little more than a decade I would like it if they could show that they are able to make up an album just in the studio. For me what made BTCS one of my favorite albums was that there was more of a genuine jazz influence than many of their other albums (and this was one of the reasons why Good, Good Time was one of my favorites of the summer songs, as I felt it had the same type of potential), and I think that's an area that they could explore fully (especially given their background) and be successful in, while maintaining a majority of their fanbase.

Sorry for straying off topic, but it seems that with every DMB release there are more questions than answers, and this one isn't any different, and I believe you address that nicely in your review.