Old Article Written by Lillywhite in 2000 During The LWS

[jellyfish]

I remember when it leaked and the song Busted Stuff was labeled "She's my Bitch'

[briguy945]

hah....remember when dmb made good music?

hahaha... ohhh yeah... way back last summer.

Ahhh back when it was Dave writing the songs like it should be.

[Nitro1515]

I'm probably going to catch hell for this - but I am so tired of the criticism that the band gets these days. Let them be! Let them play their music - it is expression - and if they enjoy doing it than that is what matters the most to me. Are the tunes from the last few years different than before? Of course. But, change is constant in this world, and to hold on to something or someone and expect them to stay the same way forever..

All I'm saying is that the band perfoms what is in their heart. Do you honestly believe that ANY outside influence (producer, critic, whatever) is going to change that? Do you really believe that one guy can come in and 'ruin' their music?

DMB, like any of us, is a creation is progress. We aren't always going to love their music - but the constant criticism and complaining about them these days is a real downer, and it seems like that sentiment has really taken over at times among fans here. I'd just like to see people get back to what they enjoy - and not worry as much about what they don't.

Josh

Thats the problem, I don't believe they are playing what is in their heart. Since 2001 they are playing what will make them the most money. Remember the day Everyday came out and they went and performed on TRL. Why do you think they did that? Well it was because they wanted to appeal to the demographic of 12-14 year old girls which was what was selling at the time thanks to all the boy bands and Britney Spears. The music on that album, which is pure pop trash is exactly the kind of music that demographic listens to and they cashed in big time. Skip ahead 4 years and they are doing the same thing only with a different demographic. Guess what is selling now? Rap. So what do they go ahead and do, yep bring in a Hip Hop producer to appeal to that base. And lastly the only reason they went back and made Busted Stuff was to appease the hardcore fan base so that they didn't lose them in their process of selling out. I got to say Coran and the whole marketing team has done an amazing job because they kept the hardcore fans around knowing that they will buy anything in hopes that it will be remniscent of their older sound, while continuing to attract a new fanbase. This combination really rakes in the cash for them. I just miss the days when this band made real, honest music that didn't have some kind of alterior motive to make as much money as possible. I want that band back and thats why I've been bitching as much as I have been lately because I see why they are continuing to make music and its not to create the best music they can, its to make money, plain and simple.

[jellyfish]

I'm probably going to catch hell for this - but I am so tired of the criticism that the band gets these days. Let them be! Let them play their music - it is expression - and if they enjoy doing it than that is what matters the most to me. Are the tunes from the last few years different than before? Of course. But, change is constant in this world, and to hold on to something or someone and expect them to stay the same way forever..

All I'm saying is that the band perfoms what is in their heart. Do you honestly believe that ANY outside influence (producer, critic, whatever) is going to change that? Do you really believe that one guy can come in and 'ruin' their music?

DMB, like any of us, is a creation is progress. We aren't always going to love their music - but the constant criticism and complaining about them these days is a real downer, and it seems like that sentiment has really taken over at times among fans here. I'd just like to see people get back to what they enjoy - and not worry as much about what they don't.

Josh

Thats the problem, I don't believe they are playing what is in their heart. Since 2001 they are playing what will make them the most money. Remember the day Everyday came out and they went and performed on TRL. Why do you think they did that? Well it was because they wanted to appeal to the demographic of 12-14 year old girls which was what was selling at the time thanks to all the boy bands and Britney Spears. The music on that album, which is pure pop trash is exactly the kind of music that demographic listens to and they cashed in big time. Skip ahead 4 years and they are doing the same thing only with a different demographic. Guess what is selling now? Rap. So what do they go ahead and do, yep bring in a Hip Hop producer to appeal to that base. And lastly the only reason they went back and made Busted Stuff was to appease the hardcore fan base so that they didn't lose them in their process of selling out. I got to say Coran and the whole marketing team has done an amazing job because they kept the hardcore fans around knowing that they will buy anything in hopes that it will be remniscent of their older sound, while continuing to attract a new fanbase. This combination really rakes in the cash for them. I just miss the days when this band made real, honest music that didn't have some kind of alterior motive to make as much money as possible. I want that band back and thats why I've been bitching as much as I have been lately because I see why they are continuing to make music and its not to create the best music they can, its to make money, plain and simple.

We were separated at birth.

[briguy945]

I'm probably going to catch hell for this - but I am so tired of the criticism that the band gets these days. Let them be! Let them play their music - it is expression - and if they enjoy doing it than that is what matters the most to me. Are the tunes from the last few years different than before? Of course. But, change is constant in this world, and to hold on to something or someone and expect them to stay the same way forever..

All I'm saying is that the band perfoms what is in their heart. Do you honestly believe that ANY outside influence (producer, critic, whatever) is going to change that? Do you really believe that one guy can come in and 'ruin' their music?

DMB, like any of us, is a creation is progress. We aren't always going to love their music - but the constant criticism and complaining about them these days is a real downer, and it seems like that sentiment has really taken over at times among fans here. I'd just like to see people get back to what they enjoy - and not worry as much about what they don't.

Josh

Thats the problem, I don't believe they are playing what is in their heart. Since 2001 they are playing what will make them the most money. Remember the day Everyday came out and they went and performed on TRL. Why do you think they did that? Well it was because they wanted to appeal to the demographic of 12-14 year old girls which was what was selling at the time thanks to all the boy bands and Britney Spears. The music on that album, which is pure pop trash is exactly the kind of music that demographic listens to and they cashed in big time. Skip ahead 4 years and they are doing the same thing only with a different demographic. Guess what is selling now? Rap. So what do they go ahead and do, yep bring in a Hip Hop producer to appeal to that base. And lastly the only reason they went back and made Busted Stuff was to appease the hardcore fan base so that they didn't lose them in their process of selling out. I got to say Coran and the whole marketing team has done an amazing job because they kept the hardcore fans around knowing that they will buy anything in hopes that it will be remniscent of their older sound, while continuing to attract a new fanbase. This combination really rakes in the cash for them. I just miss the days when this band made real, honest music that didn't have some kind of alterior motive to make as much money as possible. I want that band back and thats why I've been bitching as much as I have been lately because I see why they are continuing to make music and its not to create the best music they can, its to make money, plain and simple.

Your points are well made. I think that success has an impact on a band's material after a certain amount of time. Especially with all the different individuals involved outside of the actual band itself. It would be interesting to see how many people the Dave Matthews Band employs. But to say that they only want to make money is a bit harsh. It's hard to fake the kind of energy and passion these guys have on stage (maybe they're just so pumped on all the money they're gonna make after the tour ). But either way that statement is a little bold to make based on speculation. However, I do see where you are coming from with this.

[jsgksu]

It just pisses me off because you know they still have it, they come out with GGT, Joyride, Crazy/Easy, Hello Again and Sugar Will, then they record the new album and its Stand Up.

And a produce might not be able to greatly influence them, but I guarantee Stand Up as an album would have sounded much better with Lillywhite behind the helm then with Batson.

I dont really think the band is thinking, we need to make as much money as possible, lets make a pop album, ok, now lets get a hip hop producer. Maybe theyre just trying to branch out and play more of the music of the time or something. I just cant think that money is what is fueling them, theyre all rolling in it at this point and Dave doesnt seem to concerned with wealth.

[littlefriend]

I'm probably going to catch hell for this - but I am so tired of the criticism that the band gets these days. Let them be! Let them play their music - it is expression - and if they enjoy doing it than that is what matters the most to me. Are the tunes from the last few years different than before? Of course. But, change is constant in this world, and to hold on to something or someone and expect them to stay the same way forever..

All I'm saying is that the band perfoms what is in their heart. Do you honestly believe that ANY outside influence (producer, critic, whatever) is going to change that? Do you really believe that one guy can come in and 'ruin' their music?

DMB, like any of us, is a creation is progress. We aren't always going to love their music - but the constant criticism and complaining about them these days is a real downer, and it seems like that sentiment has really taken over at times among fans here. I'd just like to see people get back to what they enjoy - and not worry as much about what they don't.

Josh

Thats the problem, I don't believe they are playing what is in their heart. Since 2001 they are playing what will make them the most money. Remember the day Everyday came out and they went and performed on TRL. Why do you think they did that? Well it was because they wanted to appeal to the demographic of 12-14 year old girls which was what was selling at the time thanks to all the boy bands and Britney Spears. The music on that album, which is pure pop trash is exactly the kind of music that demographic listens to and they cashed in big time. Skip ahead 4 years and they are doing the same thing only with a different demographic. Guess what is selling now? Rap. So what do they go ahead and do, yep bring in a Hip Hop producer to appeal to that base. And lastly the only reason they went back and made Busted Stuff was to appease the hardcore fan base so that they didn't lose them in their process of selling out. I got to say Coran and the whole marketing team has done an amazing job because they kept the hardcore fans around knowing that they will buy anything in hopes that it will be remniscent of their older sound, while continuing to attract a new fanbase. This combination really rakes in the cash for them. I just miss the days when this band made real, honest music that didn't have some kind of alterior motive to make as much money as possible. I want that band back and thats why I've been bitching as much as I have been lately because I see why they are continuing to make music and its not to create the best music they can, its to make money, plain and simple.

I think you hit the nail squarely on the head here, Nitro. As much as we so-called hardcore fans hate to admit it, I believe this is exactly what's happened. The Dave Matthews Band has sold out, plain and simple. Denial will serve you no good. Accept it and move on.

As far as my relationship with their music is concerned, I will continue to buy their albums, to see what direction they are going in, and go to the concerts because it's become a summer ritual. But I will refuse to keep getting my hopes up that the next album will wash away the shit of the last 5 years. If it does, great. If not, I'm prepared to not let it disappoint me. I certainly will not love it just because it's DMB. That's just how it has to be.

[a1075dd63aa12]

I'm probably going to catch hell for this - but I am so tired of the criticism that the band gets these days. Let them be! Let them play their music - it is expression - and if they enjoy doing it than that is what matters the most to me. Are the tunes from the last few years different than before? Of course. But, change is constant in this world, and to hold on to something or someone and expect them to stay the same way forever..

All I'm saying is that the band perfoms what is in their heart. Do you honestly believe that ANY outside influence (producer, critic, whatever) is going to change that? Do you really believe that one guy can come in and 'ruin' their music?

DMB, like any of us, is a creation is progress. We aren't always going to love their music - but the constant criticism and complaining about them these days is a real downer, and it seems like that sentiment has really taken over at times among fans here. I'd just like to see people get back to what they enjoy - and not worry as much about what they don't.

Josh

youre on a dmb message board, criticism comes along with praise.

[Davy28]

the band is still human, and all humans make mistakes. As Dave said himself, if you aim for success you do invite the risk of failure. I have never thought any less of the band after they made SU, but I think they did make a poor choice in deciding to work with Batson.

[mbgreen]

The big red flag for me is the time they spend creating an album now vs. the time they used to spend. Crapping out a song per day isn't doing your best. It takes hard work and a long time to make a good album. Sometimes you need a kick in the ass to make you pull through. Instead, dmb has gone through a bunch of 10 cent producers who cater to their desire to be lazy.

This issue has been pounded to death on these boards, yet I still participate. Gah.

[HumbleMonkey]

i think Lillywhite made them work hard for a good album, the way they talked about him making them replay stuff over and over to get it perfect. i think they just got lazy in a way and dont want to work as much. so they go into the studio barefoot and record whatever

[bassman462]

i still think there playing with there hearts, but the thing is the start. batson just makes them take anything and run with it, then they try to work it in and u notice that the songs evolve on tour too. i think it has alot to do with the producer, because like someone said earlier, they made great songs that one summer, come into the studio, and come out with less superior music. i dont think it sucks cause i like most of it, but deffiniatly not there best.

[DreaminBassMunky]

It just pisses me off because you know they still have it, they come out with GGT, Joyride, Crazy/Easy, Hello Again and Sugar Will, then they record the new album and its Stand Up.

And a produce might not be able to greatly influence them, but I guarantee Stand Up as an album would have sounded much better with Lillywhite behind the helm then with Batson.

I dont really think the band is thinking, we need to make as much money as possible, lets make a pop album, ok, now lets get a hip hop producer. Maybe theyre just trying to branch out and play more of the music of the time or something. I just cant think that money is what is fueling them, theyre all rolling in it at this point and Dave doesnt seem to concerned with wealth.

To be honest I thought Crazy Easy and Sugar Will were boring songs. But on the topic of producers, I personally think this is DMB's most polished and sophisticated sounding album. Is laden with harmony, something my dad pointed out to me that I had taken for granted, and is very textured. It is well put together, and admittly extremely well produced. I love Steve Lillywhite, I think he did amazing work with the band, but it's not really fair to shit on Batson because he produced an album that isn't comparable to BTCS or The Lillywhite Sessions. To be honest I feel like a lot people like Steve Lillywhite just because he produced songs that fans enjoy.

[Kahn]

To be honest I feel like a lot people like Steve Lillywhite just because he produced songs that fans enjoy.

Isn't that the point?

[Mikey]

I wouldn't mind to see Steve Harris come back. His work on Busted Stuff (You Never Know in particular) is pretty damn good.