NASHVILLE |FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/LYNSIE CAMPBELL
MATCHBOX TWENTY TO RELEASE SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION ENHANCED “EP” ON ATLANTIC RECORDS NOVEMBER 11
As they tour North America on a headlining arena trek in support of their double platinum MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE album, matchbox twenty have announced they’ll release a special limited edition enhanced EP simply titled EP November 11 on Atlantic Records. This specially priced EP is geared to the band’s loyal fan base.
Its six tracks are a mix of various live songs from each of the band’s three multi-platinum albums, plus a never-before-released studio song: “Suffer Me,” penned by lead singer Rob Thomas and recorded at the sessions for their second album Mad Season. The visual element of the EP consists of five live songs–“You’re So Real,” “Hand Me Down,” “Long Day,” “Push” and “If You’re Gone”–filmed April 16, 2003 at a special sold-out club show at the historic Troubadour in Los Angeles. Titled “Live at the Troubadour,” it was produced and directed by award-winning Gillian Grisman (11th Hour Productions & Entertainment, Inc.) and the footage includes band interviews along with documentary scenes of the event. Grisman won the Newport International Film Festival for Best Documentary for “Grateful Dawg,” a Sony Pictures Classic release, portraying the deeply rooted musical friendship between Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.
matchbox twenty fans–who recently turned an exclusive acoustic version of the band’s current hit “Unwell” into one of the best-selling singles at the Apple iTunes Music Store–will find a treasure trove of alternate versions on EP, which provides a unique look at–and listen to–matchbox twenty:
? “Disease,” a studio solo acoustic version, with Rob on guitar, of the band’s #1 hit from their current album MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE. Rob penned the song with Mick Jagger.
? “All I Need,” a live version of the song (also from MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE).
? “If You’re Gone,” a stripped down live version–with Rob and lead guitarist Kyle Cook–of their #1 hit from their second album MAD SEASON.
? “Crutch,” a uniquely arranged, unreleased version of the MAD SEASON song that was taped but not aired on VH1’s “Storytellers.”
? “Push,” a never-before-heard live version of this #1 hit from their debut album YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU. The band will be seen performing this same live version November 24 on MTV’s “Hard Rock Live” show.
The release of EP comes at a time when matchbox twenty–who’ve already sold over 22 million albums–are building tremendous new momentum in their career. This week, the band has two singles in the top seven of Billboard’s BDS charts (Modern Adult, Adult Top 40): “Unwell” (which vaulted to the top ten of Billboard’s pop singles chart) and the newly released “Bright Lights.”
matchbox twenty’s success is also being recognized by the American Music Awards and the Radio Music Awards. The band–ROB THOMAS (vocals), KYLE COOK (lead guitar, background vocals), ADAM GAYNOR (rhythm guitar, background vocals),BRIAN YALE (bass) and PAUL DOUCETTE (drums, percussion)–is nominated in two categories at the AMA’s, airing November 16 on ABC: “Favorite Band, Duo or Group/Pop or Rock ‘n Roll Music” and “The Fan’s Choice Award.” matchbox twenty also have two nominations–“Artist of the Year/Modern Adult Contemporary Radio” and “Song of the Year/Modern Adult Contemporary Radio” for “Unwell”–at the Radio Music Awards, airing October 27 on NBC.
Known as much for their recordings as their live performances, matchbox twenty are earning substantial praise while out on the road.
“Matchbox Twenty’s members are unapologetic rockers…Thomas has a knack for anthems that have propelled his band to arena headliner status–and the fans were on their feet throughout the show, singing along.”
–Steve Baltin, Los Angeles Times, 6/16/2003
“Matchbox gave an utterly radiant performance…Band members relaxed during old favorites such as ‘3 a.m.’ and ‘Mad Season,’ like stepping into an old pair of dancing shoes and realizing they’ll still carry you across the floor. But during songs from their latest album, ‘More Than You Think You Are,’ Matchbox showed that it’s the passionate rock band it claims to be, not just nice guys with a knack for catchy tunes.”
–Jamie Gumbrecht, Atlanta Journal/Constitution, 6/30/2003
“The band made good on the promise to create an uplifting, emotional experience. Thomas clutched the mike and wailed in his, at times, tortured way. His distinctive voice, which soaked into the microphone for “Disease,” moved the crowd to side with him…Matchbox Twenty, playing a mix of hits from old and new albums, dismissed theatrics and appealed to people’s emotions entirely through their musicianship. Quieter songs like drummer Paul Doucette’s ‘Could I Be You,’ and the huge hit ‘If You’re Gone’ resonated with sincerity and impact.”
–Young Chang, Seattle Times, 6/4/2003
For up-to-the-minute information and tour dates, visit the group’s website at www.matchboxtwenty.com.
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