Matchbox Twenty finds renewal
In a way, the dilemma confronting Matchbox Twenty could be lifted from the encyclopedia of rock band cliches: Band enjoys a succession of hit songs, band takes a break to allow starry-eyed lead singer to pursue solo career, band waits longer than expected, singer returns, band releases a farewell edition of greatest hits and breaks up.
That was where things were heading until Matchbox Twenty assembled what became "Exile On Mainstream" (Atlantic), a two-disc hits collection released last fall that features six new songs. Even as the band headed into the studio, the new album looked like it was meant to cap the band's 12-year run.
At the end of touring in 2003, "we decided to take a break … and not have the weight of Matchbox to carry anymore," said drummer-guitarist Paul Doucette, 35. "When we got back together we didn't know what we were."
Matchbox Twenty was one in a legion of commercial pop/rock bands that emerged in the mid-1990s as an alternative to the rap-metal and boy bands that dominated mainstream radio at the time. Fronted by doe-eyed lead singer and primary songwriter Rob Thomas, the Orlando band released a string of successive pop hits that were polished, conservative but always melodic.
"We write pop songs … We come much more from Tom Petty than we do The Clash," said Doucette. "Although we love The Clash, when we sit down to write, that's not what comes out."
"Yourself Or Someone Like You" (Atlantic), the band's 1996 debut, sold more than 15 million albums. After two more albums, Thomas entered a solo career, thanks to the unexpected success of the smash hit "Smooth," recorded with Carlos Santana.
The downtime allowed his band mates to pursue side projects and a break-up seemed imminent. "At the end of the day, Rob's solo record kept him on the road longer than we anticipated," said Doucette, who in the interim married Moon Zappa, the 40-year-old daughter of Frank and who had the Top 40 hit "Valley Girl" in 1982. "We get it, he's the singer and of course everyone goes out. That's the way the world works."
But when the band reconvened five years after its last album, there were signs of unfinished business. The firing of bassist Adam Gaynor became a catalyst, allowing the rest of the band to switch instruments. Doucette gave up his drumsticks and switched to guitar. He and Kyle Cook also assumed songwriting duties, a job that had primarily been filled by Thomas.
"Rob had that feeling he was responsible for every song, every time. He also became a fan of other people's songwriting in the band," Doucette said.
Ditching long-time producer Matt Serletic in favor of Steve Lillywhite, a studio veteran who primarily works with U2, was the final step in shaking up dynamics so that writing sessions could commence. The resulting six songs are rougher and noisier than the band's earlier songs, with lyrics that are less tied up in romantic clichés than dark humor and disturbing undertones.
Now, Doucette says, the band plans to keep writing on its new tour -- which includes a date tonight at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates with Alanis Morrisette and New Orleans band MUTEMATH.
"We're more solid as a band now than back in the early days," said Doucette. "Now, there's way more unity."
Matchbox Twenty with Alanis Morissette and MUTEMATH
When: 7 p.m. tonight
Where: Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
Tickets: $40-$75 (888) 732-7784