The Dave Matthews Band brought on a heavy hitting producer whose past hits run the gamut from Aerosmith to Alanis. Even more surprising is that Ballard and Matthews wrote the entire record together! So I couldn’t wait for what was sure to surprise and befuddle me as the new Dave Matthews Band record, Everyday, got its first spin.
What does this diamond duo give us? The surefire hit “I Did It”, that’s what. “When The World Ends” might be bring us back to arena rock alongside “So Right”. I can’t help but wonder if Ballard is Mutt Lange reincarnated. The choruses seem too big to fit into any one room and that is the mark of a Mutt production. With Ballard in the house, Matthews has taken on a serious Eddie Vedder tin to his voice, especially in the track “Dreams Of Our Fathers”. It’s a dark punch in the belly.
That wasn’t even the most obvious change to the shiny new Dave Matthews. With Ballard’s hand, they have taken away the many jams of the various instruments that often dance off and around with their own partners. Here Ballard has cinched up the crew and put them together as one unifying force. Those of us who avoid Matthews’ sound because of its uncertainty will now find solace in its structure like in “The Space Between”.
My biggest question is how will the diehard Matthews fans find this album? I have to admit to be just a casual listener. I’m aware of the allure, but it never hooked me like some I know. The votes aren’t in, but it’ll be interesting to see how this all comes out in the end.
+ rae gun
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