Dave Matthews Band - Stand Up (14 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Pretty disappointing

Pen Name | Fairbanks, Alaska | 05/11/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've been listening to Dave Matthews Band for 15 years now. For awhile there, every album they put out got better and better. And then came "Everyday." They moved past their traditional acoustic folk/rock success with a new producer and an edgier sound. I initially hated that album, but grew to like it. With their last album, "Busted Stuff," they began to move back to their roots, only to drift again with the release of "Stand Up."

I don't know where they were going with this album, but it's a much different sound than we've heard in the past. If I didn't recognize (somewhat) the vocals of Dave Matthews, I might even think it's from a different band. Hopefully I'll grow into this album as well, but after several listens since it's release, I've grown tired of trying to find anything worth listening to.

This album sounds like it is filled with tracks that didn't make the cut for "Everyday." It has that over processed feel but lacks the 4 or 5 great tracks that made "Everyday" a decent album. So far I've found two tracks that I don't mind listening to: "Old Dirt Hill" and "American Baby," and even those aren't very good. The problem with the songs on this album is that they're too repetitive and they lack the great lyrics and instrumental riffs that make Dave Matthews Band's music so great. You hear the same chords and lyrics over and over and over. It's almost as if they took the first minute of each song and looped it several more times. I don't even recall hearing Boyd Tinsley's violin at all on this album. They even put two lame "throwaway" tracks on this album so you're only getting 12 songs. They did that on "Before These Crowded Streets" as well but at least that song was decent. These two just sound like a bunch of noise.

The other big failure with this album are the vocals. Dave's voice sounds way too gravely and hoarse during the entire album. He's always had somewhat rough vocals but this has always been part of his charm. His voice on this album sounds like he's been smoking cigarettes for twenty years.

I'd like to give this album 2.5 stars if I could, because I think I'll come to enjoy a few of the songs after several more listens, but it just really lacks the intensity and enjoyment that the band's past albums have had."

Not a music CD - more of a computer virus (not iPod compatib

sporkdude | San Jose, Ca United States | 05/24/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Yep, I bought all major Dave Matthews Band CDs releases. Why? Because I like them. Because they're CDs are usually worth it. Now they decided to implement DRM. First off, they sell well. Secondly, they are a touring band. So why implement DRM?

I guess this is the digital equivalent of human waste from a tour bus, and consumers are the boat passengers. Basically, to play this on a PC machine, you need to install a product. The product has been known to crash machines. Gee, am I going to install it?

If you have autorun on, it actually tries to install itself automatically. If I'm not mistaken, isn't that Spyware?

Now I like to listen to CDs in my office on my windows machine. Am I going to install an unverified outside product on my machine connected to my employer's internal network? No, I'm not an idiot. Nor should you. Nor should anyone. It's dangerous. If it's not open source nor made by a reputable software organization, it may contain exploits or bugs that can open up your system, and your internal network to hackers. So unless your name is Paris Hilton and don't mind being hacked, don't do it.

So, basically, it is unplayable, legally, on a normal PCs legally without compromising your system. Yep, I can now officially state that it is officially easier to download it illegally and burn it to a CD, than be a sucker like me and pay retail price. It shows the music industry has a little bit of greed, mixed with a whole lot of stupidity. I guess people like me, who respect copyrights, actually have to become hackers to enjoy legitimately paid music.

Thanks Dave Matthews Band!

Oh yeah, I've heard, though cannot confirm, that if you have a windows machine, and have an iPod, they are not compatible either. Hmmm, only 90% of all iPod users are like that. Another brilliant move there.

This is basically trickery to install a pseudo-virus on your system. If your technically naive, you probably never disabled autorun for your CD, and it exploits that. So there is your warning, placing this CD with autorun enabled will install a hidden device manager without your permission. You have been warned. If you didn't understand what I said, then you've fell into the trap that DMB set out for you - annoyance by obfuscation.

So, the bottom line is this. If the Dave Matthews Band doesn't want you to listen to their music, don't bother buying this "CD"."

BEWARE

I. Bell | 08/15/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This CD does not play on all CD-players!!! It doesn't work on my car stereo and I can't even upload the songs onto my iPod. Amazon's description is very misleading, this is NOT an Audio-CD (it does not obey the Red-Book specifications). I am selling my copy on Ebay now and I will not buy a copy protected CD again."

In a word: Lazy

Matt | Orange County, CA | 08/10/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to DMB for a long time now, and have always loved their creativity, chemistry and groove. This band works together like few others do, and they have clearly mastered the art of jamming. Each member of the band has their own unique talents, and most are at or near the very top of their craft. What has always made DMB exceptional was that the songwriting took advantage of that fact by allowing each member to shine in their own way and painting all the pieces together into a beautiful tapestry of artistic expression. If you've got it, flaunt it -- and they do and did, extremely well. The music was complex and contained unmatched depth and texture.

However, after many many listens and an honest attempt to really like this album, I just can't. It is a total waste of their talents (to say nothing of the fans' time and money). The songwriting is lazy and uninspired, and the lyrics are thoughtless and sung without passion. Every song on this album could be performed by a four-piece band without really trying. The sweeping sonic vistas that used to fill the bridges of their songs have been replaced by routine arrangements of simple melody that feel like they're waiting for something. There is no unique instrumentation, and each song is structured exactly the same as the next. Nobody gets a chance to shine. The closest this record gets to groove is during "Stand Up", and even that sounds like Dave made it on his Mac. I have actually found myself wondering if Carter performed on this album at all, or if the plasticky drum loops were created on a synth in someone's spare time.

I was also very disappointed that DMB made a political album, regardless of the stance it takes. "American Baby" (my least favorite track) clearly dominates the record and gives the only sense of direction to be found, because it is the only song that makes an attempt at content or substance. DMB used to transcend "current issues" and hit the core of the human condition with timeless songs about love, pain, loss, confusion and elation. With this album they've given up on all that and chosen instead to hitch themselves to thoughts rather than emotions. (Ironically, though this song is my least favorite it is also the album's saving grace, because it is the only one that shows that any real effort went into it.)

Yes, Dave's voice sounds like crap. Yes, the record is overproduced and glossy. But the problems go much deeper than that. It's as if DMB has lost their will to create the original works of beauty that in the past made them such a thing to behold. Stand up? Get out."

JUST TERRIBLE!

I. Bell | Charlotte, NC | 05/10/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I used to love DMB, but their last couple of CD's have really been terrible. "Stand Up" is probably the worst of the bunch. Gone are the long jams you grew used to with DMB. Instead we get slick, polished tunes that last 4 minutes. I'm also tired of Dave making political statements on his CD's.

I won't buy another DMB disc until Steve Lilywhite returns as producer.

Save your money and don't bother with "Stand Up"."

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