Believe me, I did not want to like Dave Matthews’ debut solo effort, Some Devil. Dave knows we all know that the DMB juggernaut exists based on the efforts of the Band as a cohesive unit and not on the awkward-dancing, always-toking lead singer.
The Dave Matthews Band came out with a unique hybrid of funk, rock, neo-soul and world in a musically vapid time: the mid-90s. Attempting to, but knowing he would never capture such energy and uniqueness sans band, Matthews sought the help of Phishhead Trey Anastasio and guitar virtuoso Tim Reynolds, among others, to add texture to his worn vocals. It’s like the artist formerly known as the Dave Matthews Band trading one talented set for another.
That said, there are some high (pun intended) points on the record. Whereas DMB standards such as ‘Jimi Thing’ would be out of place in this song list, Matthews does play on his strength the sexed-up, soulful ballad. ‘Stay or Leave’ is a grown-up version of REM’s ‘Nightswimming,’ as Matthews breathlessly croons, ‘In the river / swims at midnight / shiver cold/ touch the bottom/ starry night / with muddy toes.’ Hey Dave, any room in the hot tub you got there?
Final note: I feared this album would stray into adult contemporary, but it actually lands somewhere slightly cooler, perfect for those uncomplicated moods.
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