One of the greatest bands to rock the Earth is undoubtedly Matchbox Twenty.
Fronted by songwriter Rob Thomas, these guys are one of the only bands today
who will bare their souls to you with from-the-heart lyrics and intimate
guitar-based melodies. Anything that I write - or try to write - will probably
never bring justice to the talent and heart of Matchbox Twenty but here
goes...
Last year - 2000 - saw the release of their
hungrily-awaited second album "Mad Season". Fans couldn't get enough and
critics were waiting to see if they could write off the Floridan band as
a one-album-wonder after the hugely successful debut, "Yourself Or Someone
Like You" which shifted numerous millions of units around the world and
hit number one on the album charts. "Mad Season" was a huge hit - a record
that gave birth to a more mature, united Matchbox Twenty, which comprised
of more polished material, but still had that heart and soul of Matchbox
as the fans knew and loved.
What is it about Matchbox Twenty that sets
it apart from other rock bands and puts them in a league of their own? You
probably couldn't pinpoint it, but it's probably that old intimacy and revealing,
heartfelt lyrics that I mentioned earlier. They do write their own music
- penned personally by Rob and the music is a collaboration of the boys,
so you know that what-they-sing-is-what-they-feel. Maybe that's a part of
the appeal - the fact that fans can relate to and learn emotionally from
them.
Matchbox Twenty LIVE: never judge the credibility
or ability of these guys without seeing them in action! Either go and buy
a ticket right now to their next gig in a town (or country) near you or
race to the nearest good record store/internet site to get your grimy hands
on a copy of their video "Matchbox Twenty: Live From Australia".
In the VHS, Rob is armed with a black, Elvis
printed guitar and opens the show with "Argue". Fast-paced and powerful,
he offers, "If you want you can get to know me, well we belong so we shouldn't
argue yeah". In this live Sydney gig, the Matchbox babies also throw their
rendition of some golden oldies. Do not fast forward - I know you're probably
groaning, but Matchbox Twenty do the best cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Time
After Time" believe it or not! Lead guitarist, the pretty Kyle Cook gives
it his all in the Beatles' classic "Don't Let Me Down". Also included are
Tabitha's Secret tunes "(Just Plain) Tired" and "You And I And I". The video
also features behind-the-scene footage of the boys rehearsing, travelling
(do not miss Kyle and Adam Gaynor 'duetting' on the plane!!), meeting their
fans, on their tour bus, goofing off ('the star shot') and chattering.
After the credits and craving for more things matchbox, there are five videos
of the singles from "Yourself Or Someone Like You" - "Push", "3AM", "Real
World", "Back 2 Good" and "Long Day".
Written by Christelle Tan
Sunday 14th October 2001 [14.10.01]
Production of RockStarCowgirl
