The 'Devil' made him do it

Members of Dave Matthews Band: Dave Matthews, Stefan Lessard, Leroi Moore, Boyd Tinsley, Carter Beauford. Members of Dave Matthews: Dave Matthews. Now that we've cleared that up…\nDave's first solo project, Some Devil, proves to the world that, although he doesn't seem to be considering it, Dave could leave the rest of the band behind and do just fine without them. At least, he's managed it the first time around.\nCollaborating with Busted Stuff producer Stephan Harris, Matthews recruits the talents of Tim Reynolds and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, among others, to create a unique album. Although the traditional DMB sound can be heard, the music contains shocking new additions (an electric sitar, anyone?) that somehow combine to make an incredibly deep yet understated album.\nMatthews' songwriting ability is the highlight of this album, with detailed layers combining to make an original and obviously personal sound. It doesn't seem Matthews was looking for the great commercial success with this one -- it's no Crash -- but was wanting to create art for art's sake. And that's what he's done. It was risky, but successful.\nDave the storyteller once again shines on this project. With the first single "Gravedigger," he reminds us just what he's capable of in terms of writing timeless ballads. The haunting title track "Some Devil" reinforces this, featuring just Dave, his raspy falsetto voice and a guitar.\nThe only problem with the incredibly personal lyrics, however, is they're incredible melancholy. "Oh," the most upbeat track, reassures "The world is blowing up/ The world is caving in/ The world has lost her way again/ But you are here with me/ Makes it okay." Way to make the best of it, Dave! \nUnfortunately, the major disappointment of the album is "Grey Blue Eyes," the track co-written with Anastasio. Playing with a native-type sound, the track never seems to go anywhere. It repeats itself for three minutes before fading away, leaving you wondering, "Is that it?" But, despite this short-coming, Trey's sound truly does help to define this album.\nFans from the jam band days of DMB may crawl out of the woodwork with their cries of "sellout" once again, like they did with the release of Everyday. But I thought we established this -- it's Dave Matthews this time, not Dave Matthews Band. Remember this and you'll realize Dave hasn't exactly dug his grave with this album.