i hear your angel voice... it makes me feel so nice

[summertrain]

I really like "Cool", the new Gwen Stefani single. It's catchy in a late '80's pop song kind of way and doesn't wear old quickly like a genuine '80's pop song does, because it lacks the cheesy sound that was inherent in the recording process during the time. The lyrics aren't that bad either. On the polar opposite side of the musical spectrum,

Comments

[bananip]

System's got hard rock down to a science and I like how the middle eastern influences are a more toned down and subtle on this album, it just sounds so good this way.

And Gwen Stefani, I've been so used to hearing No Doubt stuff that it took me forever to get used to this solo album, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it.

New DMB though...

[summertrain]

To your last point, yeah. I've never been one of those rabid fanboys, but I do like their stuff. However, I think Stand Up is kinda banal. Perhaps this is an experimental or inventive cd for them, but I can't really say because I don't know. I have somewhat of a critical freedom in analyzing this cd as an individual piece of work, though.

First off, I don't think that anyone can deny that they're one of the most musically talented band out there. However, I think this cd lacks zest musically and lyrically. "Stand Up (For It)"? Come on. That's a little too corny for me. I don't like "Louisiana Bayou" either. The way he accentuates bayou annoys me and although this is obviously supposed to be a catchy song, it fails to get my feet tapping. A constant in the cd that bothers me is the sound of his voice. The grittiness doesn't suit him well. I think where this cd works the best is in its more simplistic songs. I like "Stolen Away On 55th and 3rd" and "Steady As We Go". The cd gets off to a promising start with "Dreamgirl" too, but... I

[bananip]

You see, for me, not only is the album a little bland, but it seems to be more of a Dave Matthews solo album than a group effort. Ever since the release of "Everyday", they've become more and more like that. Everyday was produced with some pop producer and they totally left their old style of songwriting where everyone had their turn on the album to do something incredible, which made me sad. Granted, every group needs growth, but if anything, their creativity has been stifled. There's some good songs off of "Busted Stuff" though.

[jazzyjellybean]

I agree with a lot of what you both are saying, except Grant's last comment. I've heard in interviews with the band that "Everyday" was the low point in terms of Dave's solo mission coming through in the band's music, and that "Busted Stuff" and particularly "Stand Up" were indications of the band's work as a whole. If you go to the Dave Matthews Band website you can see some interview-type clips of the making of the album and they seem pretty big on getting each member in on the production

[jazzyjellybean]

This round of postsecrets is amazing.