Fantastic considering they didn't know what they were doing

No one can deny that the popularity of Matchbox Twenty is what gave Tabitha's Secret any audience at all. If you aren't sure why Tabitha's Secret was popular when it is existed, it is because they sound like an amateur garage band. What makes it cool is that you can hear the beginnings of what will eventually become Matchbox Twenty (Imagine what it would be like if you could hear Axl and Slash in a high school band before Guns N'Roses).



This isn't to take credit away from Jay Stanley and John Goff (the two members who didn't later become part of Matchbox Twenty), because they had a really good start here. The sound quality is lacking and there is no complexity to speak of, but the lyrics are as intriguing as any Matchbox Twenty. The best I can say is that it would have helped if they had Kyle Cook and Adam Gaynor on guitar, but even Brian Yale (Bass) and Paul Doucette (Percussion) don't have the same level of skill yet that they will in Matchbox Twenty.



These songs will never win any awards, but they sound like a band that maybe someday will be something. If you like Matchbox Twenty and can overlook some elementary technical anmd lyrical flaws, you will love this album.

Not the Track Listings listed!!

Being a huge Matchbox 20 fan I had to see where it all began so I bought "Don't Play with Matches" thinking I was getting different songs from the other "Tabitha's Secret" CD (the non-live one). Hasn't anyone noticed that the songs under "Track Listings" are not the same as on the CD? Basically it is the same playlist as on the other "Tabitha's Secret" CD minus a few and plus "Jesus Was An Alien". The music is great but less polished than the other release. There is also the Bonus Song "Dizzy" on the CD but it doesn't start until nearly 12 minutes after the last song, "Forever December" ends! So nearly 12 minutes of the 70 plus running time listed is empty CD! So BUYER BEWARE!! The music is fantastic but it is not the songs listed and not as long as it appears.

Pleasantly Surprised!!

Ok, so, yes, I'm a BIG Matchbox20 fan! And, I have to admit that I would never have looked up Tabitha's Secret had it not been for MB20! But I LOVE this CD! I think it is probably my all time favorite MB20/TS recording! It's real and a little bit raw. Songs like "Here Come Horses"...Oh, and "Forever December". Awh! (listen to 'em loud, it's the best!!!) And yes, wait for dizzy! Perfection!! Really, lots a good stuff!!! Be sure to check out other slices like "Paint Me Blue", and "Dear Joan", "High", and "Tired"! All in all...I am VERY HAPPY with this purchase!!! These guys rock!! These guys rule!