Some Devil

Some Devil is the debut solo album by musician Dave Matthews. It was released on September 23, 2003 on RCA Records. It has been certified platinum by the RIAA, signifying over a million copies sold. The album features several guest musicians, including long-time Dave Matthews Band collaborator guitarist Tim Reynolds and Phish frontman and guitarist Trey Anastasio. The album's first single, "Gravedigger", won a Grammy Award in 2004. Some Devil was recorded at Studio Litho in Seattle, Washington and produced by Stephen Harris, who had previously worked with Dave Matthews Band on their 2002 album Busted Stuff.

Of the album, Matthews said:^[3]

"I hadn't really been thinking about doing a solo album until I had a handful of songs that didn't really fit with the band, so I started with those and it just grew into a full record," Matthews said. "I kind of thought it'd be fun to put it out."

Critics have said that the album is darker than Matthews' past albums with his band.^[4] Many fans, while at first skeptical of Matthews' desire to release a solo album, quickly praised his efforts. The album is noted for its moodier tone and the fresh direction shown in Matthews' songwriting.^[5]

Since 2003, Matthews has performed Some Devil material in concert with a group coined Dave Matthews & Friends, which consisted mainly of musicians that appear on the album. He has also played album material solo and with long-time acoustic duo partner Tim Reynolds. During the 2008 summer tour, Dave Matthews Band played "Gravedigger" and "So Damn Lucky" regularly, with "Stay or Leave" following suit during the 2009 summer tour.

The song "Some Devil" featured in the film "21 Grams" (2003), and the House MD. episode "Love Hurts"

Track listing

All songs by Dave J. Matthews unless noted.

1. "Dodo" – 4:57
2. "So Damn Lucky" (Matthews/Harris) – 4:34
3. "Gravedigger" – 3:53
4. "Some Devil" – 4:04
5. "Trouble" (Matthews/Harris) – 5:44
6. "Grey Blue Eyes" (Matthews/Anastasio/Harris) – 3:01
7. "Save Me" – 4:33
8. "Stay or Leave" – 4:02
9. "An' Another Thing" – 5:30
10. "Oh" – 2:48
11. "Baby" – 2:19
12. "Up and Away" – 4:19
13. "Too High" – 5:38
14. "Gravedigger (acoustic)" – 3:52

Also recorded but cut from the album is "Cigarette Lit".

Personnel

• Dave Matthews — Guitar, vocals
  with:
• Tim Reynolds — Guitar
• Trey Anastasio — Guitar, piano
• Tony Hall — Bass
• Brady Blade, Jr. — Percussion, drums
• Stephen Harris — Producer, keyboards
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band — Horns
• Alex Veley — Hammond Organ

References