Never having a problem dazzling live audiences, the Dave Matthews Band has
struggled lately to consistently satisfy their fans with their studio releases.
After taking some time away to record 2003’s Some Devil, Matthews
reunited with the group for their latest release, Stand Up. There are
some good songs on the album, but it’s still a better value to see the band
perform live.
It’s obvious that the group didn’t try to write a pop album, as it takes a few
listens for most of the songs to really sink in. The first two tracks, “Dream
Girl” and “Old Dirt Hill,” fall into this category. Next, the album’s title
track tries to be classic DMB, but just misses the mark. However, it does
feature a complex arrangement that the band is famous for. Overall, the first
half of the album is pretty good, but not particularly catchy. “American Baby”
and “Smooth Rider” are pretty subtle, especially considering the band’s usual
work.
Arguably the best song on the album is “Everybody Wake Up (Our Finest Hour
Arrives),” which has obvious political overtones – “everybody wake up / if
you’re living with your eyes closed / see the man with the bomb in his hand.”
The next track, the haunting “Out Of My Hands,” continues “see the pig dressed
in his finest fine / and all the believers stand behind him and smile / and the
day lights up with fire.” It’s apparent in these two tracks that Matthews is not
particularly happy with the outcome of last November’s election.
The only real standout song among the final six is the moody ballad “Steady As
We Go,” which features a nice cascading piano melody. In the end, fans will find
a few good tunes to hold them over until the next concert, but Stand Up
just isn’t essential Dave Matthews Band.
Key tracks: “Everybody Wake Up (Our Finest Hour Arrives),” “Out Of My Hands,” “Stand
Up (For It),” “Steady As We Go”
~John Paulsen
jpaulsen@bullz-eye.com
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