GruNge

Grunge music was originated in the Pacific Northwest, mainly Seattle Washington, and is sometimes referred to as the "Seattle Sound". It started around the late 1980's, and gained popularity in the early 1990's. Early musicians of this sound tended to be young and aggressive. They used music as a way to express their dissatisfaction, and sometimes anger, with society. The sound of Grunge blossomed mainly out of Alternative Rock, Heavy Metal, and Punk, with heavy guitar distortion, slower tempos, and intense percussion. Lyrics were usually raw with emotion, speaking of sex, drugs, depression, politics, or any part of everyday life. This was a very different sound than the dance-pop glam artists that had become so popular in the early 1980's, such as Debbie Gibson and Madonna.

A great example of this sound is the band Nirvana. Although Nirvana was not the first band to play this new type of musical genre, they were one of the first to become huge on MTV, and are still remembered when speaking of Grunge. Flannels and long, seemingly unwashed hair soon swept the nation. Then, as media pressure ensued, so did Cobain's drug addiction, and in April of '94 he committed suicide. Nirvana will always be remembered in the Grunge musical genre, as we send our respects to Kurt.

Soon after his death the genre became less popular, though it may not be due to his death alone, as time always changes fads in music, fashion, and technology.

Grunge music history. (2003). Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://www.silver-dragon-records.com/grunge.htm

Ruben, Joey. (2008). What is grunge music? A genre profile. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://altmusic.about.com/od/genresstyles/p/Grunge.htm

Some Devil

Dave Matthews, of the Dave Matthews band, released his first solo album through RCA Records on September 23, 2003. Although Dave Matthews is the singer/songwriter for the band, this album has a different feeling to it than previous albums. As many fans may know, Dave went through a time of introspection and heavy drinking. This took a toll on the band, as well as Dave. However, it also helped him grow as a person and an artist, and brought the band to a new level.

The album is very eclectic, displaying African-type percussion which the band has been recognized previously for, however it is used in a very dark manner in this ablum. This is especially heard in songs such as Gravedigger and Grey Blue Eyes.

The lyrics in the album range from story-telling, as heard in So Damn Lucky and Baby, to less obvious in meaning, with very murky text. Lyrics such as "too drunk and still drinking, it's just the way I feel" and "feel heavy, like floating at the bottom of the sea" give the listener a clue into the mood he must have felt while writing.

His vocal telents are paralelled with his ability as a true lyricist/songwriter, as heard in An' Another Thing. In this song he sings in a higher key, accompanied with light percussion and guitar picking that set the stage for his contemplative text.

The sound of this album has a different feel from earlier recordings such as Two Step, in which he sings "celebrate we will, 'cause life is short but sweet for certain". Although Two Step is a favorite among "Dave-heads", and continually played at concerts, Dave has been known to have the ability to write songs with deeper, darker meaning, such a Don't Drink The Water. In this way Some Devil was not too shocking to true fans, who have well received the album.

Dave Matthews' talent for expressing his extensive musical ability and constant growth is apparent in this album. It may leave the listener somewhat pensive and calm, but also appreciative to have an artist such as this in the Alternative Rock genre.

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