Barnes
and Noble.com Reviews EverydayFor much
of the past decade, Dave Matthews and his perpetual
touring machine have wowed an ever-growing audience
with boundless musical dexterity and an unparalleled
vibe-building panache. It would be simple enough for
Matthews and company to simply coast along from
stadium to stadium on that reputation, but on this
long-awaited collection, the DMB prove themselves
willing to take some chances, rattle some cages, and
branch out into directions that may surprise some
devotees. From the first spin, Everyday
strikes a different note from the band's previous
studio outings: The songs are a bit more tightly
wound and somewhat slicker, traits attributable in
part to producer Glen Ballard (known for his work
with Alanis Morissette and Aerosmith). Perhaps
because of Ballard's guidance, Matthews sounds
hellbent on exploring new territory, pumping up the
volume -- and the electricity -- and reining in the
jamming (all the album's songs clock in under five
minutes). Surprisingly straightforward, stripped-down
tunes like "So Right" and the good-timey
boogie "I Did It" are missing any signature
Matthews quirk other than his voice. But dont
panic! There are still forays down roads less
traveled, like the heady Middle Eastern tones of
"What You Are" and the sunny island bounce
of the reggae-tinged "Angel," although such
side trips are invariably cut short as the band
return to a rock-paved highway. Special guest Carlos
Santana helps make that trip a bit easier by turning
in some scintillating (even by his high standards)
guitar work on "Mother Father" -- a nice
bookend to Dave's work on Santana's blockbuster Supernatural.
While the lack of extended solos -- saxophonist LeRoi
Moore is noticeably quieter than on earlier albums --
may irk some diehards, the tight ensemble playing
that guides tunes like the lustily rolling,
organ-drenched "When the World Ends" will
turn shaking heads into bobbing ones in a hurry.
Matthews's will to evolve is certainly impressive,
and as long as he keeps zigging when folks expect him
to zag, his spot in rock's pantheon is secure.
-David
Sprague
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