Good question, and the answer really depends a lot on what you are targeting for. Exact match domains often times are easier to find, considering that most TLDs are already taken.
That said, here are some great articles about the subject matter:
Do brands need an exact match domain? | Search Engine Journal
www.searchenginejournal.com11/10/11
Planning a start-up? You may need to think about SEO and exact match domains before picking a brand name. If you're about to begin an internet business then.
The Power of Exact Match Domains
www.incomediary.com8/9/11
One of the most powerful tactics that Tom and I use in our business is leveraging exact match domains. Using exact match domains to rank for for high search volume keywords quickly is a huge opportunity (though, I will say …
SEO tasks keyword and exact match domain names.
What is SEO. The value of keyword domains that are exact match and how they are valuable for a SEO campagn.
