Review Summary: Although “Busted Stuff” was a huge improvement from blunder “Everyday,” there just appears to be something missing from their earlier work.
So here we are in 2002. After growing with each release in the 1990’s, Dave Matthews Band recorded their first blunder in 2000 with “Everyday.” “Everyday” failed for several reasons; it lacked the emotion and instrumentation of their previous albums, and virtually did not have standout tracks. The band retained their popularity with massive touring, but for the first time in the band’s career the fans were skeptical about how good this new record could be. Dave Matthews Band was definitely challenged to return to form with “Busted Stuff,” something that they did not entirely achieve.
“Busted Stuff” is like the 6th man on a basketball team. Sure, he is a very good player and does some things as well as the starters, but at the end of the game, the player will not receive the glory and prestige that the starters get. In this particular instance, “Under the Table and Dreaming,” “Crash,” and “Before These Crowded Streets” are the starters that are getting all the acclaim. It’s not to say “Busted Stuff” is forgettable however, for while this album has its flaws, it is a solid release throughout. From Carter’s opening fills in the title track to the flute outro in
Bartender, the instrumentation is purely superb. Leroi’s Saxophone solos are top-notch, Boyd’s violins are flying higher than ever, Lessard’s bass accentuates the music beautifully, and Carter is well, still playing the drums as if he has six arms. Dave Matthews Band seems to be having fun again, you can picture Carter on the stage with his wide grin as he hammers on his drum set. Much of this record’s success is due to single
Where Are You Going, which was a very popular song at the time.
The tremendous instrumentation is just an indication that Dave Matthews Band did everything right on this record, even if it doesn’t compare to their earlier work. Closer
Bartender stresses this, its build-up is tremendous and Dave’s vocals are emotional and powerful.
Bartender is one of the most intricately developed songs on the record, highlighted by Carter’s spectacular drumming in the outro as well. Much like its predecessors, “Busted Stuff” does serve along the diversity factor,
Big Eyed Fish is one of the most original and unordinary tracks the band has composed. Finger-picked violins create a very eerie atmosphere, and the chorus is massive and catchy. “But, oh God, under the weight of life, things seem brighter on the other side... Lighter on the other side...”
You Never Know may be the album’s most overlooked track, its structure seems quite simple, yet the instrumentation is complex and truly outstanding. The chorus is uplifting, Dave annunciates, “There’s not a moment to lose in the game, don’t let the troubles in your head, steal too much time you’ll soon be dead, So play.”
“Busted Stuff” wouldn’t be a Dave Matthews Band album without a passionate ballad, in which in this case is
Grace is Gone. Dave’s lyrics are absolutely tormented over losing someone, “I could never love again as much as I loved you.” The track accentuates the theme of resorting to alcohol for problems, “Excuse me please, one more drink. Could you make it strong ‘cause I need to think. She broke my heart, my grace is gone. Another drink and I’ll move on.” Following track
Kit Kat Jam offers an excellent contrast to
Grace is Gone, and is basically a return to roots song for the band. This three and a half minute peace is a jam with each band member proving why they are experts at their respective instruments.
Grey Street is the most acclaimed and popular track from this record, and rightfully so. The chorus, “When all the colors mixed together, to grey” is unforgettable and Dave is passionate as he’s ever been. The climax of the track is especially powerful, Leroi is ripping on his sax and Dave is utilizing his growl-like yell.
Although “Busted Stuff” was a huge improvement from blunder “Everyday,” there just appears to be something missing from their earlier work. Unfortunately, the band has not reached the heights of “Before These Crowded Streets” this decade. On the contrary though, “Busted Stuff” is truly a solid record, from the chilled atmosphere of
Busted Stuff to the flashes of epic proportions in
Bartender.
Recommended Tracks:
Grey Street
You Never Know
Grace is Gone
Big Eyed Fish
Bartender
