Exile On Mainstream

Performer: Matchbox Twenty
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: 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. 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.

Anyone who couldn't relate to the agitated sounds of late-'90s/early-'00s alt-rock but still wanted to hear something new found solace in such "mature" alternative acts as Matchbox 20. Taking the anthemic rock and balladry of Pearl Jam and smoothing out the edges, the band (led by pretty boy Rob Thomas) hit paydirt right off the bat with their monster-selling debut album, 1996's YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU. Thomas's guest vocal on the Santana smash "Smooth" didn't hurt Matchbox 20's profile either.

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