Solid is the earliest available album from the Virginia-based jam band
Everything. (The band recorded a record while in college at James Madison University called Play, but it is currently unavailable.) The band earned a huge college-based following in the South because of this record and its studio follow-up,
Labrador. The first four tracks were recorded in the studio, while eight of the final nine are live songs from either the Bayou (Washington, D.C.) or Scandals (Ocean City, MD). The last song, "Woodville," was actually recorded in the band's living room.
Solid is a well-recorded album, considering it is a self-produced debut.
Everything has had a rabid following and this CD demonstrates why. Their formula has what most jam bands lack: memorable melodies, singable lyrics, and infectious grooves.
Solid showcases one of the best live bands of the early '90s. Highly recomended if you like the Dave Matthews Band,
Blues Traveler, or Train. Highlights include the spicy, ska-influenced "I Don't Care," the
Bob Marley-inspired ballad "Be Gone," the roof-raising, conga thrasher "South of the Border," and the sexy "S.L.W.B. (Skinny Little White Butt)," which was their early crowd's favorite singalong. It is a shame that
Everything has not had more success. (If you discovered the band from their breakthrough
Super Natural and "Hooch," this is a must-own.)