DMB releases first studio album in three years -- Everyday not for everybody
Laura Rompf
Scene Music Critic
Last Thursday night, six Notre Dame students piled into my Jeep and we began our trip to a restaurant about 15 minutes away. I pulled out a mix tape to add some lively music to our journey, and within minutes, I was happily singing to Ja Rule's latest single, "Put It On Me."
The boy in the passenger seat quickly turned his head and with a laugh said, "Is this what you listen to in Kentucky?" He had never heard the song, and I assume by the tone in his voice, he didn't care to hear it again.
Sometimes I forget that my choice of music isn't normal at Notre Dame, since my friends are now used to my selections. They tolerate my Tupac poster, they know I will insist on watching the newest video on BET, MTV or Country Music Television, and they aren't surprised I purchased the latest album from Jagged Edge — an R&B group.
Other people simply laugh when they thumb through my CD collection. I own rap, ranging from E-40 to JayZ; country, ranging from Deana Carter to Clay Walker; and R&B/Hip Hop, ranging from K-Ci & JoJo to Keith Sweat.
Despite this wide range, there is one artist I don't own, and since I can borrow any of my friends' copies, probably never will own — The Dave Matthews Band.
Last Tuesday, the new album was released and I knew the frenzy was about to begin. I watched the television shows preview the release. I received my mid-March edition of Rolling Stone and the band was on the cover.
In a short amount of time, I knew I would be on the outside of several conversations revolving the new album and how great Dave Matthews is. It would be the topic of conversation at the dining halls, LaFortune and parties over the weekend.
I cringed — how could I think so different from the rest of the Notre Dame population? Why am I not rushing out to buy this CD?
Perhaps I have no room to talk — being a fan of pop music and even boy bands, I shouldn't complain about obsessive fans — but it seems that Dave Matthews' fans assume people are ignorant if they don't like the band's music. If I complained that no one appreciates Ja Rule or Jagged Edge, people would laugh right in my face.
I do think Dave Matthews is talented. He truly is gifted with the guitar, he seems to have mastered the instrument. It's not that I don't like his songs, the ones I've listened to have very intriguing lyrics. I just wish others would give my music the same respect I give to Dave Matthews.
I must admit, I'm a little scared for my future. I'm not sure if I can rap along with the newest Lil' Bow Wow track when I'm 45 years old. Can a Mom watch TRL and not be made fun of? Come to think of it, can a 21-year-old watch TRL without being made fun of?
When I was in Chicago a few weekends ago, I went to trendy bar down town full of 20-somethings and Dave Matthews was blasting over the loudspeaker. No 'Nsync. No Brittany. No Backstreet. "How will I ever fit in to the mature, adult music world?" I thought to myself. Ah well, I've never molded to the Notre Dame world, so why try to fit in now?
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, March 6, 2001
