Stand Up is the sixth studio album by the American rock band
Dave Matthews Band. It was released on May 10, 2005 through
RCA Records. The album was primarily recorded at Haunted Hollow Studio in
Charlottesville, Virginia and was the band's first album to be produced by
Mark Batson. it is the band's last album to feature full participation from saxophonist
LeRoi Moore before his death in 2008.
Stand Up was a commercial success, becoming the band's fourth consecutive album to reach number one on the
Billboard 200.[8] Four songs from the album—"
American Baby", "
Dreamgirl", "
Everybody Wake Up (Our Finest Hour Arrives)", and "Smooth Rider"—were released as promotional singles, with the former becoming their highest-charting song, peaking at number 16 on the
Billboard Hot 100.[8] Critical reception was positive, with many praising the band's ability to update its sound with elements of soul and funk.
Background
In late 2004, Dave Matthews Band returned to their studio in Charlottesville, Virginia. Having decided they wanted to take some chances and pursue a funkier side to their music, A&R Bruce Flohr had tracked down a new producer in
Mark Batson.[9] According to Flohr in an interview with
HitQuarters, "When the band and him got together it was instant creative karma. Things took off like a bat out of hell."[9]
Release and promotion
Prior to the album's release, Dave Matthews Band published a
website showcasing video clips from the production of the album with commentary by producer Mark Batson. Additionally,
VH1streamed the album in its entirety before the official release.
The album was in CD format,
DualDisc format (one side CD, one side DVD-Video), and as a digital download from the band's website or
iTunes Music Store.
Butch Taylor – piano (1, 2), Fender Rhodes piano (7, 11),
Wurlitzer electric piano (2, 10), organ (7, 9, 14), keyboards (1), background vocals (12, 14)