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Some Devil (by Dave Matthews Band, Rock)

common sense media says

Cheer up, Dave!

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's a lot of dark musing and poetic angst on display here. Sensitive artist types will love it.

Positive messages: If your teenager needs whining lessons, call Dave!
Violence: "Gravedigger" references death, though it's not clear if violence is involved.
Sex: Everyone on this CD seems too depressed to be thinking about sex.
Language: Language is tame; poetic imagery is dark and creepy at times.
Consumerism: Well, there was that AOL event, promoted for weeks when the CD was released...but the CD itself doesn't seem to want to participate.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: No drugs or alcohol references of note.
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what emotions the songs are intended to spark. How does this music make you feel? Why? How do you think the musicians felt when they wrote/recorded it?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Dave Matthews' SOME DEVIL album features intelligent poetry and well-performed whining. Matthews uses his amazing vocal range effectively and dramatically, but he seems like a pretty miserable guy. The lyrics deliver a bit of poetry and a lot of angst: "Gravedigger, when you dig my grave/can you make it shallow/so that I can see the rain," and "I love you oh so well/Like a kid loves candy and fresh snow/I love you oh so well/Enough to fill up heaven overflow and fill hell."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Sensitive types will no doubt appreciate Matthews' angst-filled lyrics. But for the others of us, there are some lovely moments. "Stay or Leave" is a well-constructed and beautifully arranged song. "Save Me" has real energy and offers one of the shining moments on the CD. But mostly, the songs are rambling and whiny, and don't do justice to the talents of the singer.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 8, 2003
Label: RCA
Genre: Rock
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

chrissymitch
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Dave is love! He has really deep, and much more meaningful messages than the current artists. Sure, he wines a bit, but what artists dont?! It is true art, and I would recommended it to any dave fan.
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Flip-flop
adult
 
A great album with a minimum of whining
This is an excellent album by one of my favorite performers. Although not as good as his other albums, (Under the Table and Dreaming, Before These Crowded Streets, ect.) this album is worth purchacing if you are a true fan.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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