Note This

Dave Matthews: Some Devil (RCA, 2003)

Sting: Sacred Love (A&M Records, 2003)

For thousands of years, individuals around the globe have expressed their views through word, drama, visual arts, dance, and music. And the topics of these pieces are simple and everyday, like life, death, love, war, celebration, God, gods, devils, etc. From the Anasazi petroglyphs to the ancient music of India still heard today, we see remnants of the need and desire to express ourselves as well as further explore our relationships to each other and the world around us.

Often in our spiritual journeys while searching for "ourselves," we look only to resources considered spiritual by societal standards. Authors Joseph Campbell, Caroline Myss, and Wayne Dyer are big hits right now as we all search during these trying sociopolitical times. Perhaps we listen for Godās voice in the Faure Requiem or the hymn we sing on Sunday. Possibly we sit listening to the rabbi intently on Friday evening, trusting that the grain of truth that we have been so diligently seeking will magically become known to us, and life will be infinitely better.

I suggest another avenue÷check out current pop culture. Nothing really reflects whatās going on in society better than secular trends. Will you find God or gods or insights or answers there? You never know. The Buddha said that fools listen only to wise men, while wise men listen to all. Grains of truth can pop out when they are least expected.

Dave Matthews and Sting are both extremely well-known musicians. Both have recently released solo CDs dealing with life, death, love, war, celebration, God, gods, devils, etc. I admit right up front that I totally dig Dave Matthewsā recording Some Devil, but Iām torn regarding the Sting recording. So letās start with Stingās CD Sacred Love.

The first time I really listened to Sacred Love was at the gym, and it is a great workout CD. I found myself pushing pretty hard on the treadmill, much to my pleasure. As the participants of old used to say on American Bandstand, "Itās got a good beat. I can dance to it." Sacred Love has an excellent technopop feel, fused with just enough quirky acoustic (classical guitar, sitar) to make it appear not completely electronic. However, the lyrics and the music donāt strike me as consonant.

Stingās songs, such as "Stolen Car," "This War," and "Forget About the Future," are statements on things occuring in the world today÷crime, political misreprensentation of the people, careless habits we practice that can destroy the future, etc. Yet, despite the gravity of these topics, the musical setting is very upbeat techno. Now Iām all for mixing styles of music together for effect, but the overall feel of this CD comes off as a poppy lighthearted dance club recording. The meaning of the lyrics is lost in electronic drums and bass. Plus, when I sat down to read the lyrics, they truly read like bad iambic pentameter written by a moderately talented high school student. "I know we got some history, we got some issues that we need to solve; But is it really a mystery? Itās just the way the world evolves."

Dave Matthewsā Some Devil takes almost the opposite approach. This recording is much more acoustic and focuses on more complex arrangments, melodies, and harmonies. His experiementation with recording styles also is evident. This CD is not at all like the Dave Matthews Band, though his songwriting is always identifiable, both in his band as well as in his solo work. My favorite tune, "Stranger," tells the story of our narrator meeting a man in the desert who has been wandering for 20 days and was going to wander for 20 more. When offered food or drink, he passes, saying his faith is all he needs. The storyteller has encountered his Savior, and asks him for redemption. He even pleads that this stranger neednāt turn water into wine or heal the sick÷he continually pleads, "Save me, save me, Mr. Walkinā Man, if you can." Finally, the Stranger in frustration asks, "Why try saving yourself?" Indeed, why try saving ourselves?

Mr. Matthews explores the devil within each of us, both in societal and personal matters. One song explores how the American political body, during the 30ās, supported the German leader Hitlerās ideas and politics, only to obviously recant that view in the next decade. The song "Ship in a Bottle" discusses how we dream our dreams, but often come back to our drab, sad reality. "Grave Digger," the most poignant tune on the disc and with two different versions recorded, looks at life, its brevity, and how we wish to be remembered. "Grave digger, when you dig my grave, could you make it shallow, so that I can feel the rain."

In closing, I see Stingās recording as an attempt to reinvent tired, old, New Agey sentiments. His lyrics are stale and contrived, though the music is lively and fresh. This recording feels much more commercial in nature, produced to appeal to young clubsters eager to rediscover a musician that has influenced our ears for decades now. However, thereās not much sacred about this recording. However, Mr. Matthewsā disc is much rawer and more visceral, both in sentiment and recording, providing a more authentic and honest view on life. He goes places and says things that other musicians avoid, and he goes there fearlessly, facing his devils brilliantly.÷r. beth hicks

R. Beth Hicks has been a freelance flutist in Ohio since 1987, and currently plays with the Celtic band Knot Fibbān. Beth is also a Licensed Massage Therapist practicing at Medical Massage Clinic in Upper Arlington, Ohio.