Matchbox Twenty Album: “Exile On Mainstream [MVI]”

Description :

Matchbox Twenty: Paul Doucette, Rob Thomas, Kyle Cook (acoustic guitar); Brian Yale (background vocals). <p>Additional personnel: Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar); Enrico DiCecco, Barry Finclair, Donna Tecco, Maura Giannini, Carol Webb, Jan Mullen, Ricky Sortomme, Jonathan Dinklage (violin); Sue Pray, Crystal Garner, Sarah Adams, Vincent Lionti (viola); Stevie Blacke, Nashville String Machine (strings); Amy Porter (flute); Ted Gurch (clarinet); Douglas Smith (bass clarinet); Yvonne Powers (oboe); Elizabeth Burkhardt (bassoon); Eric Ralske, Jerome Ashby (French horn); Matt Beck (organ); Matt Serletic (keyboards); Ryan MacMillan (drums); Adam Gaynor, Lydia Mann-Jaime, Vaneese Thomas (background vocals); Carl Gordetzky, Chris McDonald. <p>The title of Matchbox Twenty's best-of collection, EXILE ON MAINSTREAM, seems to be an acknowledgement, ironic or not, of the band's entrenched status as kings of commercial pop-rock. As the 11 mega-hits compiled here prove, though, the band has a right to be proud. The disc plays like a trip down the main drag of radio-friendly alt rock in the 1990s, with such ubiquitous classics as "Push," "3 a.m.," and "Real World" included. <p>But the real treat is the EP that comes with the package. These six songs represent the first new Matchbox Twenty material in the five years since 2002's MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE was released, and find the band more energized, focused, and compelling than at any point in their career. Produced by super-producer Steve Lilywhite, the EXILE EP is a polished stream of well-constructed modern rock with an adult contemporary slant, matching the highlights on the best-of disc for catchy hooks and melodic songcraft. Taken together, the discs offer a perfect summation of the band's past and present glories.

Matchbox Twenty's lyrics on Exile on Mainstream's six new tracks are universally felt. The music is upbeat for most of the tracks, and the lyrics are dark in true MB20 fashion. The themes of Exile all have to do with relationships and seem to be discontent, uncertainty, regret and the inability to make amends. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. Kind of like waking up one day and thinking, `What is my life all about?' And then trying to make peace with what you've created. "These Hard Times" has the classic MB20 sound and is sure to please. "How Far We've Come" and "I'll Believe You When" are played in part during Monday Night Football.

Front man Rob Thomas performs outstanding vocals, and drummer Paul Doucette moved to guitar and does a superb job. Another fabulous album from a legendary band. This devoted fan is super satisfied.

If you're one of the few that haven't experienced Matchbox Twenty, you must buy this album. It's a great place to start.

This version is worth the extra cash because it includes two videos of the band talking about the making of the album, which includes clips of music videos. It also has a great photo collection and interactive features such as making your own remix and creating ringtones from any song. Also, if you register you will receive updated features when you insert the disc into your computer. MVI is on one disc and all 17 tracks are on the other.

This album is awesome ! ! ! I bought it at a local retailer this morning and all 6 new songs are awesome. Matchbox Twenty, Tabitha's Secret, & Rob Thomas' solo album are in my opinion the most innovative and timeless recordings on the market. A week doesn't go by that I don't at least listen to one of their cd's or watch one of the dvd's. I'm hoping they will put out a dvd edition of their Live In Australia VHS concert. I saw Matchbox Twenty live a few years back @ STAR 98.7's Not So Silent Night. And I saw Rob Thomas live in Houston last year. They are awesome live with incredible stage presence, they have put on the best shows I have ever seen. If you don't have an opportunity to see them live, this album in the next best thing. It has several of their hits from all of their albums except Rob Thomas' solo album. I bought the MVI version that came with the bonus dvd and it has some great interviews and original music videos the group put out in their early days. What an awesome dvd ! ! ! The cd has all 17 songs on one disc in the mvi package. Also, there is only one store where you can buy the Exile On Mainstream MVI edition that comes with a special code that let's you sign up to purchase presale tickets for Matchbox Twenty's 2008 Tour. If you are interested in finding awesome seating then it will be worth it for you to do your research as to which store sells it. You definitely want to buy this album ! ! !