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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: jfwund on May 27, 2009, 08:19:00 AM
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I used to like them back in high school/college (Remember 2 Things/Under the Table/Crash/Crowded Streets) and am only now rediscovering them. Anyone else like these guys?
Their new album comes out next week, and can be listened to in its entirety on Pandora today. Not sure I'm a fan of the electric guitar, but I've only heard the first few songs...
https://www.pandora.com/davematthewsband
Any recommendations for a progressive music listener for where to go with DMB after their first four albums?
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yes. DMB are great, put on wonderful live shows, and most people don't realize just how talented and meaningful this band is.
RIP LeRoi.
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Any recommendations for a progressive music listener for where to go with DMB after their first four albums?
Busted Stuff. It is not as good as their early stuff, but is still very good, nonetheless.
Everyday has a few good songs, but is pretty meh overall. Stand Up is atrocious.
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Any recommendations for a progressive music listener for where to go with DMB after their first four albums?
Busted Stuff. It is not as good as their early stuff, but is still very good, nonetheless.
Everyday has a few good songs, but is pretty meh overall. Stand Up is atrocious.
BS is the best of the post BTCS albums for sure, but everything DMB up to BTCS is amazing.
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I have Busted Stuff, that was pretty good. My only problem with DMB is that they get really old really fast. I start listening and think "oh this is kinda cool/chill/good" and then after three songs I get sick of it and everybody thinks I'm crazier for it. Still, I heard they covered "Sledgehammer" when they came to Raleigh, so that gives them some points.
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I really like them, but mostly live. Busted stuff is the only studio album I like to listen to, the rest is far better live. I saw them at the Central Park, which was where I should have stopped. Randall's Island show was very boring, mellow, and pretty much intended for pot heads I assume. I don't think I'll see them again but that one concert at Central park was my favorite concert ever.
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I have Busted Stuff, that was pretty good. My only problem with DMB is that they get really old really fast. I start listening and think "oh this is kinda cool/chill/good" and then after three songs I get sick of it and everybody thinks I'm crazier for it. Still, I heard they covered "Sledgehammer" when they came to Raleigh, so that gives them some points.
If you get sick of the recordings, check out the bootlegs, particularly with songs with long jams in them, like #41 and Seek Up.
And I still stand by my statement that nothing will ever beat a DMB concert at Alpine Valley. Went in 06 and 07, and will be going this year as well.
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I can only listen to so much of DMB at a time, but I do like them. I'm gonna be seeing two of their concerts cause my friend bought me tickets as a grad present when they come to Hartford in 2 weeks. However, everything up to BTCS = amazing. And Busted Stuff is awesome too. I've listened to the new album once through and its ok, but I gotta listen to it more before I make a defined opinion on it.
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@OP: Do you have any live albums? If not, I'd be headed there pretty quick. My favourites are Live in Chicago and Live Trax Vol. 1, though most people love Central Park. Their Best Of, Best of What's Around, also has a LOT of really good live stuff, especially if you dig up a copy with the Encore disc.
If you're going studio, I'd take Lillywhite Sessions over Busted Stuff, although IMO either disc has better versions of some songs, so it's best to have both and make your own version of the album. If that sounds weird, look up how the album came about.
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Their Best Of, Best of What's Around, also has a LOT of really good live stuff, especially if you dig up a copy with the Encore disc.
holy hell yes, the #41 on the encore disc with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is nothing short of inspiring, and I was at the show where that discs Warehouse comes from, which was one of my favorite live DMB moments.
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I'll look into some of their live stuff. I saw them play on the Crash tour, and I wasn't all that impressed, but it was a short concert, (1.5 hours) and Soul Coughing was such a great opener, that may have skewed my impressions.
I didn't know that they released the Lillywhite sessions. Where can I find it (online store?).
Cheers
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I'll look into some of their live stuff. I saw them play on the Crash tour, and I wasn't all that impressed, but it was a short concert, (1.5 hours) and Soul Coughing was such a great opener, that may have skewed my impressions.
I didn't know that they released the Lillywhite sessions. Where can I find it (online store?).
Cheers
it never has been released officially, but the internet is your friend.
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Their post BTCS stuff isn't that great but their first four are godly, best stoner music ever. Busted Stuff is very good too. I saw them live two out of their three nights here and both nights were two of the best shows I've ever seen. They're such a fun band.
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I love DMB, but Stand Up sucked, I really didn't enjoy the album at all. Great live show, I've seen them a few times.
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Their post BTCS stuff isn't that great but their first four are godly, best stoner music ever. Busted Stuff is very good too. I saw them live two out of their three nights here and both nights were two of the best shows I've ever seen. They're such a fun band.
:facepalm:
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Holy crap dude will you open your eyes for just a minute? If you go to a DMB concert or even look at a video of them playing you'll see a blanket of smoke over the crowd. You can't deny that DMB is stoner music.
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Holy crap dude will you open your eyes for just a minute? If you go to a DMB concert or even look at a video of them playing you'll see a blanket of smoke over the crowd. You can't deny that DMB is stoner music.
actually yes i can. just because other people choose to think of it as stoner music doesn't make it so. they make great music that blends a lot of very distinct genres, and can be very creative while doing that. not something i think of as stoner music.
If your "blanket of smoke" at a concert makes a band stoner music then i suppose Dream Theater is stoner music? at two of their concerts I have ben in a blanket of ganj. Also at Matchbox 20 and Britney Spears. definitely stoner music...
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I'd say DMB is definitely music a lot of stoners listen to, but I don't think that DEFINES their music. And why does it matter either way? :P
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Yeah, I was gonna say, what exactly is stoner music anyway? Just music people get stoned to? Cos people will get stoned to whatever they like. I knew a guy at uni who was nuts about specifically lighting up to Gabriel-era Genesis and King Crimson, which I thought was awesome. Every time I found him at a party, he'd rave about those two bands and how they were great for getting stoned to. I always loved that guy.
Their Best Of, Best of What's Around, also has a LOT of really good live stuff, especially if you dig up a copy with the Encore disc.
holy hell yes, the #41 on the encore disc with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is nothing short of inspiring, and I was at the show where that discs Warehouse comes from, which was one of my favorite live DMB moments.
Wow, you were at that Warehouse? That's by far my favourite Warehouse. That album also has my favourite Minarets, Say Goodbye, Everyday, What You Are and good contenders for favourite Last Stop, Two Step, and, as you said, #41.
I'll look into some of their live stuff. I saw them play on the Crash tour, and I wasn't all that impressed, but it was a short concert, (1.5 hours) and Soul Coughing was such a great opener, that may have skewed my impressions.
I didn't know that they released the Lillywhite sessions. Where can I find it (online store?).
Cheers
it never has been released officially, but the internet is your friend.
Yeah, just Google it, it's all over the place.
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I need DMB in small dosages, and usually prefer it to be his older stuff. I see him every summer though as an excuse to get fucked up all day.
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Their Best Of, Best of What's Around, also has a LOT of really good live stuff, especially if you dig up a copy with the Encore disc.
holy hell yes, the #41 on the encore disc with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is nothing short of inspiring, and I was at the show where that discs Warehouse comes from, which was one of my favorite live DMB moments.
Wow, you were at that Warehouse? That's by far my favourite Warehouse. That album also has my favourite Minarets, Say Goodbye, Everyday, What You Are and good contenders for favourite Last Stop, Two Step, and, as you said, #41.
yep! i must say it was definitely the coolest Warehouse I have seen, which is only like 2 I think, hahaha. But of all the version I have that's the one I listen to most, especially since it brings back memories from the best weekend of the year! (I must say Alpine is the way to see DMB for anyone)
and #41 on that disc is also my fav, and I love to just pick up my guitar and improv over it. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are amazing.
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I saw DMB two nights in a row in '00, when Bela Fleck and the Flecktones opened up for them and then came and jammed with them at the end of their sets. I remember them all performing "Ants Marching," "41" and "Two Step" together over the course of those two nights. I still have the bootlegs of those performances. It was pretty rad. :coolio :coolio :coolio
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Their Best Of, Best of What's Around, also has a LOT of really good live stuff, especially if you dig up a copy with the Encore disc.
holy hell yes, the #41 on the encore disc with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is nothing short of inspiring, and I was at the show where that discs Warehouse comes from, which was one of my favorite live DMB moments.
Saw them in 96 with Bela opening and they were great. Also saw Bela with the original harp player Howard Levy at Berkley Perf. arts center in boston in 1992 or 93.
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I live in NZ, I haven't seen them HAHAHA LOL
:(
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FYI, their new album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, is terrific. "Squirm" is easily one of their best songs ever, and others like "Spaceman," "Lying in the Hands of God," "Seven," "Why I Am" and "Time Bomb" are great, as well. The rest are all also good. If you are a fan of old school DMB, then you will dig this record. :coolio
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I saw them Friday and Saturday night... AMAZING!!! Pig, Dancing Nancies, Dreaming Tree, Time Bomb... I was in heaven.
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God yes, Big Wishkey is a great return to form. Shake Me Like a Monkey is seriously one of my favorite songs since the BTCS era, the damn thing blew me away.
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Grux pulls at my heartstrings a bit when i put it on. I miss my LeRoi... :(
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Probably buying this this week.
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Great band. Carter Beauford is amazing :hefdaddy .
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I have Before These Crowded Streets and I just can't find what's good in it. I prefer Crash.
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I have Before These Crowded Streets and I just can't find what's good in it. I prefer Crash.
I'm the opposite way :P I feel the first half of Crash is good but the second half doesn't so anything for me.
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Great band. Carter Beauford is amazing :hefdaddy .
I'm just getting into DMB, and seriously, Carter could give MP a run for his money.
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I have Before These Crowded Streets and I just can't find what's good in it.
"Rapunzel" and "The Last Stop" are a little out there, and being the first two full-length songs, they can make the album as a whole difficult to get into at first, but once you get over that hurdle, the true greatness of it really shines through. For my money, BTCS is one of the best rock albums ever; a 5-star masterpiece in every way.
Maybe, for now, try just listening to:
"The Stone"
"Crush"
"The Dreaming Tree"
That is one of the best 3-song runs on any album I own. Those are the three songs that got me into DMB back in '99, and I always recommend others starting with them.
I'm just getting into DMB, and seriously, Carter could give MP a run for his money.
Both are great, but I think Beauford is better. In fact, he is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite drummer. His cymbal work on "The Stone" is just sick.
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Maybe, for now, try just listening to:
"The Stone"
"Crush"
"The Dreaming Tree"
That is one of the best 3-song runs on any album I own.
definitely not an overstatement those 3 songs are nothing short of magnificent. and they all rock live (though i haven't gotten to see the Stone yet, but hopefully that might change this year.
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I have seen DMB five times (considering seeing them for a sixth time here in a few weeks), and the first time I saw them, the first song they played was "The Stone." :coolio :coolio :coolio
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I have Before These Crowded Streets and I just can't find what's good in it.
"Rapunzel" and "The Last Stop" are a little out there, and being the first two full-length songs, they can make the album as a whole difficult to get into at first, but once you get over that hurdle, the true greatness of it really shines through. For my money, BTCS is one of the best rock albums ever; a 5-star masterpiece in every way.
Maybe, for now, try just listening to:
"The Stone"
"Crush"
"The Dreaming Tree"
That is one of the best 3-song runs on any album I own. Those are the three songs that got me into DMB back in '99, and I always recommend others starting with them.
I'm just getting into DMB, and seriously, Carter could give MP a run for his money.
Both are great, but I think Beauford is better. In fact, he is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite drummer. His cymbal work on "The Stone" is just sick.
I agree with you. The Stone has an amazing atmosphere, that intro is beautiful. Crush is awesome in all ways and The Dreaming Tree has always been one of my favorites. Stay is my happy song. No matter what mood I'm in, how sad or depressed I am, that intro will always make me happier than ever. I love it soooo much.
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"Makes ya, makes ya, makes ya wanna...stay!" Yep, great song.
And how awesome is "Halloween," too? Very few rock songs have managed to bottle as much fury and anger as Matthews did in that song. The song is basically an FU to his ex. I swear, I have sang myself hoarse several times before, when singing along to that song in the car.
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I have seen DMB five times (considering seeing them for a sixth time here in a few weeks), and the first time I saw them, the first song they played was "The Stone." :coolio :coolio :coolio
jerk!
i have 5 under the belt as well, and should be making it 7 in july. my first DMB show was pure shit though, it was the first show of their 05 winter tour, dave was smashed, and they just weren't tight yet.
though the years i have gone to Alpine Valley, the shows have been worth every penny and mile driven. that place is nothing short of angelic.
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I hadn't listened to DMB in years, but I caught them live from the Beacon Theatre last night on Fuse. It was completely awesome! Did anyone catch any of that? It is my understanding that most of what was performed was from the new album. I have to get that thing.
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I hadn't listened to DMB in years, but I caught them live from the Beacon Theatre last night on Fuse. It was completely awesome! Did anyone catch any of that? It is my understanding that most of what was performed was from the new album. I have to get that thing.
Yup! That was a great show! They were wicked tight, but the announcer guy really started annoying me during the encore break :laugh:
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That Beacon show sounded great, making me all the more pumped for next month! Did Dave have a cold or something of the sort though? Never heard him sound "bad" going for high notes. Though he still puts all he's got into it, that's why I love him.
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And how awesome is "Halloween," too? Very few rock songs have managed to bottle as much fury and anger as Matthews did in that song. The song is basically an FU to his ex. I swear, I have sang myself hoarse several times before, when singing along to that song in the car.
Dave's vocal performance in that song is incredible.
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That Beacon show sounded great, making me all the more pumped for next month! Did Dave have a cold or something of the sort though? Never heard him sound "bad" going for high notes. Though he still puts all he's got into it, that's why I love him.
Yup. He had a cold for the two Fenway shows and the Beacon show... I saw his next show in Hartford though and his voice was back to normal, sounded great on the falsetto!
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I hadn't listened to DMB in years, but I caught them live from the Beacon Theatre last night on Fuse. It was completely awesome! Did anyone catch any of that? It is my understanding that most of what was performed was from the new album. I have to get that thing.
Get it. :biggrin:
And how awesome is "Halloween," too? Very few rock songs have managed to bottle as much fury and anger as Matthews did in that song. The song is basically an FU to his ex. I swear, I have sang myself hoarse several times before, when singing along to that song in the car.
Dave's vocal performance in that song is incredible.
Indeed. :hat
I have seen DMB five times (considering seeing them for a sixth time here in a few weeks), and the first time I saw them, the first song they played was "The Stone." :coolio :coolio :coolio
jerk!
:coolio :coolio
i have 5 under the belt as well, and should be making it 7 in july. my first DMB show was pure shit though, it was the first show of their 05 winter tour, dave was smashed, and they just weren't tight yet.
Bummer about that first show, but when they are on, they are absolute money. They were awesome the first, second and four times I saw them. The third time was okay, and the fifth time, I had such bad seats (in the middle, but literally the second to last row before the lawn), and my g/f at the time was having issues, that it was difficult for me to really enjoy it at all.
Of note, the fourth time I saw them, my brother and I had 5th row right in front of Dave, and I still remember how beet red his face when screaming the vocals to the "All Along the Watchtower" during the encore. That was awesome.
Also, it is also interesting to note that I saw them with someone different all five times: two different girlfriends, a friend, my younger brother, and my cousin. I might go see them next Wednesday (still trying to decide if I want to suffer with lawn seats), and if I do, it will be with a buddy and his wife, so it will be six times with six different people. :lol
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man i love lawn seats, its just so unique, especially at Alpine Valley, and it has legendary tailgating that is worth the drive alone. i have been at the front of the lawn two of the nights i have been there, which is an awesome view, and great for sound, otherwise i stay towards the back, especially when i saw Rage Against The Machine there in the pouring rain, no mud for me thanks, and Dave was the next two nights, and it was still a disaster zone.
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The two DMB I saw this weekend I was on the lawn for both. Night 1 I was at the front of the lawn kinda seperated from the crowd and it was awesome... very clear sound and the screen was right in front of me. Second night I was with my friend and we moved around the lawn a lot, kinda in the middle. Much more annoying because all you can hear sometimes is people chatting.
I realized a lot of people treat DMB shows like a party. They aren't there for the music, they are there to socialize. Like a party, there is music, but it is more of a background thing then the focus of your night. It makes me mad when I'm surrounded by people who bought tickets and don't even pay attention to the show when there are a ton of real fans who would love to be there.
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I realized a lot of people treat DMB shows like a party. They aren't there for the music, they are there to socialize. Like a party, there is music, but it is more of a background thing then the focus of your night. It makes me mad when I'm surrounded by people who bought tickets and don't even pay attention to the show when there are a ton of real fans who would love to be there.
absolutely. non musicians think im stupid when i say i listen to DMB because they are amazing musicians and great songwriters. and then i punch them in the face.
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Yeah, I don't give a crap about going to the a concert for the party on the lawn, which is why I never enjoy getting lawn tickets. You can't hear that well, you can't see anything (except on the two big screens), and everyone around you is getting drunk. Considering I barely drink anymore, it is easy to see why lawn tickets almost never interest me. The few times I went to a concert with lawn tickets, I did not enjoy the concerts at all.
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Just saw this today. New video for "Funny the Way It Is." Dave must be smoking the ganja again. :lol It's good, corny fun, either way!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew8hmVIGKcM&feature=fvst
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No reaction from the DMB fans here to that video? Boooooooooo! :biggrin:
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i like it, its strange, like dave.
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Oh yeah Dave's definitely blazing again. Only pot can create a beautiful video like that.
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Indeed. :lol
Also, the new album is just tremendous, and will probably make a strong run for album of the year for me (I'd say it is neck and neck with Ki right now). Every song is at least very good, and many of them are great. I am still astonished at this comeback, considering two of their last three albums were pretty forgettable and the other one was merely good. They really hit it out of the park with this one.
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i just recently got into DMB this past month.
The Dreaming Tree is my favorite DMB tune, I get such a porcupine tree vibe from it.
I'm really liking DMB, I have the Crush, BTCS,ITBAD, and groogrux king albums, and love them all
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Indeed. :lol
Also, the new album is just tremendous, and will probably make a strong run for album of the year for me (I'd say it is neck and neck with Ki right now). Every song is at least very good, and many of them are great. I am still astonished at this comeback, considering two of their last three albums were pretty forgettable and the other one was merely good. They really hit it out of the park with this one.
Yeah their past few albums have been boring. Busted Stuff was okay but nothing tooo special. Big Whiskey is definitely a huge return to form. Songs like Funny How It Is, Squirm, Why I Am, SHAKE ME LIKE A MONKEY, and You And Me are some of their all time best imo.
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Indeed. :lol
Also, the new album is just tremendous, and will probably make a strong run for album of the year for me (I'd say it is neck and neck with Ki right now). Every song is at least very good, and many of them are great. I am still astonished at this comeback, considering two of their last three albums were pretty forgettable and the other one was merely good. They really hit it out of the park with this one.
No kidding. This new album is fantastic.
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Yeah Groogrux is pretty great.
Dive In hit me like a bastard walking to work the other day. In particular, the bit in the first verse that talks about the polar bears dying out cos of the melting ice caps. There is a section in the Planet Earth documentary series that covers this, and it crushed me when I saw it, so when I heard the lyrics to that verse, I just went "aaaaw fuck" all over again.
I'm still not really liking the last two tracks, but that still leaves a stretch of 11 strong songs, plus Corn Bread. And the first half of the album is amazing.
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Bump.
I saw DMB in Frankfurt Thursday night, it was spectacular. A friend of mine who plays violin and had no idea who the band was came along and was like, "a black guy playing violin? With those arms?" She seemed to enjoy it a bit though, and grabbed Big Whiskey off me when we got back to her house.
Our setlist was quite something too.
1. Granny
2. Bartender - I'd struggle to think of a better starting one-two punch by this band. Both of these are among my favourite songs of theirs, so right from go, I was blown away.
3. Funny the Way It Is
4. Seven
5. Shake Me Like a Monkey
6. The Stone - a fair bit of a cheer went out as soon as Dave played the opening riff.
7. Why I Am
8. Loving Wings - this was another highlight for me, I LOVE this song, and the end jam was monstrous, including Carter drum solo.
9. You Might Die Trying
10. Spaceman
11. Cornbread - this was more Tim/electric guitar-oriented since there were no banjoes, and it brought out another whole side of the track.
12. Lying in the Hands of God
13. You and Me
14. Ants Marching - Boyd's solo after the last chorus was about two minutes longer than any recording of this I've ever heard (and I must have about 10-12 of them)
15. Time Bomb
16. So Damn Lucky - this actually made a really nice closer, especially with the Thank You ending.
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17. Sister
18. All Along the Watchtower
EDIT: Oh, and this was my first DMB show, so to get a handful of gems like that (I'd checked out their recent setlists before the show and most were far less inspiring than this; Granny, The Stone, Loving Wings and Time Bomb were all tour debuts, and this apparently was the first full-band Loving Wings in two and a half years :omg:) was so amazing. Can't wait for the next.
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:coolio Great set! And I'm pretty sure the last time they played Loving Wings before that was when I saw them back in 08. :D
I'm going to the two opening night shows in Hartford, and then I'm staying over my friend's house in PA for a few days and we're going to hit up the two Camden shows. Gonna be a great time! I guess theyre gonna be pulling out a lot more of the jam songs this summer, too.
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Loving Wings was last played 9.7.08, so you could be right. I'd have to say that was probably the best song o the night for me, it was a riot.
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Glad you enjoyed the show! :)
But I gotta say, that is a weird-looking set list. I love seeing all of those Big Whiskey... songs, as well as "The Stone," but only one song from Under that Table and Dreaming and NOTHING from Crash? Wow. They usually hammer those records pretty good, so that is quite surprising.
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Bump for justice. I've just got Crash very recently and I looooove it, it's everything I want in music for this summer really, but I'm not really sure where to go next. Any tips?
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need to give DMB a good listen to. a friend recommended "the dreaming tree" a few months back, and i must say, it's a fucking brilliant song!
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In case it hasn't been said in this thread already, Before These Crowded Streets is soon to be your god.
Otherwise, Big Whiskey. It's the latest, it's arguably the loudest, it's damn good.
And in terms of live albums:
My favourites are Live in Chicago and Live Trax Vol. 1, though most people love Central Park. Their Best Of, Best of What's Around, also has a LOT of really good live stuff, especially if you dig up a copy with the Encore disc.
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Bump for justice. I've just got Crash very recently and I looooove it, it's everything I want in music for this summer really, but I'm not really sure where to go next. Any tips?
Before These Crowded Streets
Under the Table and Dreaming
Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
You pretty much can't go wrong with any of those. Busted Stuff is quite good, too, but not quite up to the level of the others. Don't bother with Stand Up (ever) and save Everyday for a while...like years from now. :lol
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I'm glad to see Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King get lots of love. It's a great album.
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DMB is very much of a summer band for me, and I gave all of Big Whiskey... a few spins a few weeks back for the first time in a while, and it still sounded terrific. Great record. :coolio
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Busted Stuff is great, and they've been playing a bit of that stuff lately. :hat
I was going to go to Camden this week for DMB but my job training got in the way so I cant go now. :\
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For me, DMB is a group where I typically really like what I hear whenever one of their songs is playing, but I couldn't name one of their songs.
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For me, DMB is a group where I typically really like what I hear whenever one of their songs is playing, but I couldn't name one of their songs.
This, except Gravedigger. That song is beyond amazing imo.
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For me, DMB is a group where I typically really like what I hear whenever one of their songs is playing, but I couldn't name one of their songs.
This, except Gravedigger. That song is beyond amazing imo.
Yet Gravedigger is a solo song from Dave. So I guess your still right. :laugh:
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It is? I have it labeled as a DMB song on my computer. Did they ever cover it live with DMB? It's killer either way, though. :laugh:
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So Crash is fast becoming a top 10/15 album for me. I'll get BTCS very soon I think, and then a load of live stuff.
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James - Gravedigger IS played live by DMB
So Crash is fast becoming a top 10/15 album for me. I'll get BTCS very soon I think, and then a load of live stuff.
TBH, I don't think Crash is that great of an album. It is kind of inconsistent for me. But definitely check out BTCS. Absolutely stunning album, a true masterpiece, and one of my favorite albums of all time. I also have a personal adoration for Under the Table, because it was the soundtrack for one of the best summers of my life, but the music itself is also excellent. :tup
But like Kev said, avoid Everyday and Stand Up. Some of the songs are ok live, but I never listen to those two albums.
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So Crash is fast becoming a top 10/15 album for me. I'll get BTCS very soon I think, and then a load of live stuff.
I saw them on the Crash tour and to this day, at least for me, it's their best cd.
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James - Gravedigger IS played live by DMB
So Crash is fast becoming a top 10/15 album for me. I'll get BTCS very soon I think, and then a load of live stuff.
TBH, I don't think Crash is that great of an album. It is kind of inconsistent for me. But definitely check out BTCS. Absolutely stunning album, a true masterpiece, and one of my favorite albums of all time. I also have a personal adoration for Under the Table, because it was the soundtrack for one of the best summers of my life, but the music itself is also excellent. :tup
But like Kev said, avoid Everyday and Stand Up. Some of the songs are ok live, but I never listen to those two albums.
Luckily, I downloaded Everyday (legally) a month or two ago, but forgot to listen to it, and then downloaded Crash (also legally) and decided to listen to that first. I assume if I'd listened to Everyday first, my DMB journey would have ended then and there.
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Luckily, I downloaded Everyday (legally) a month or two ago, but forgot to listen to it, and then downloaded Crash (also legally) and decided to listen to that first. I assume if I'd listened to Everyday first, my DMB journey would have ended then and there.
That would have been almost as tragic as "Angel" (a completely awful song from Everyday) is. Good thing Crash was your first in what will hopefully be a long journey. :)
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So, based on first impressions, Before These Crowded Streets is much 'darker' than Crash at least, and I can tell it'll need more time to grow on me than Crash did probably. It's still awesome though.
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So, based on first impressions, Before These Crowded Streets is much 'darker' than Crash at least, and I can tell it'll need more time to grow on me than Crash did probably. It's still awesome though.
BTCS takes awhile to "get". There is just so much material there that it can be a little overwhelming. Definitely keep listening to it though, and I guarantee you will fall in love with the album. :tup
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So, based on first impressions, Before These Crowded Streets is much 'darker' than Crash at least, and I can tell it'll need more time to grow on me than Crash did probably. It's still awesome though.
That's one of those cd's that clicks after 6 or 7 listens.
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So, based on first impressions, Before These Crowded Streets is much 'darker' than Crash at least, and I can tell it'll need more time to grow on me than Crash did probably. It's still awesome though.
That's one of those cd's that clicks after 6 or 7 listens.
Definitely. And once it does, you can't put it down. :biggrin:
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So, based on first impressions, Before These Crowded Streets is much 'darker' than Crash at least, and I can tell it'll need more time to grow on me than Crash did probably. It's still awesome though.
That's one of those cd's that clicks after 6 or 7 listens.
Definitely. And once it does, you can't put it down. :biggrin:
Music like that is so masochistic, I don't even enjoy it for the first few listens. But it's always the ones that take longer to click that are the best for me in the end.
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I feel like I'm the only DMB fan who doesn't think Stand Up completely sucked. I'd put it higher than Everyday, and probably Busted Stuff too, since almost all tracks on that are just worse versions of the tracks on Lillywhite anyway.
I really like the poppiness of it, even more so than the angle they took on Everyday, as it has an earthier, more natural feel to it. There's only a handful of tracks on there that I pass on, and amongst those are Hello Again, Louisiana Bayou and Hunger for the Great Light, all of which have smoking live versions.
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I admittedly haven't listened to Stand Up in a while, but I gave it many chances, and it sounded pretty bad every time I soldiered through it. Honestly, if I had to list the worst studio albums by the bands in my all-time top 20, it might be number 1.
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I like "American Baby" :blush
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American Baby would be one of my least favourites. It's not bad, just not too great.
@Kev: do you like any of the songs off of it live? I mean, I do realise that's a different thing; as I said, there are those 3 tracks I love live, but find flat and lifeless on Stand Up (well, Bayou isn't bad, but the live version destroys it). But just curious.
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@Kev: do you like any of the songs off of it live? I mean, I do realise that's a different thing; as I said, there are those 3 tracks I love live, but find flat and lifeless on Stand Up (well, Bayou isn't bad, but the live version destroys it). But just curious.
No.
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@Kev: do you like any of the songs off of it live? I mean, I do realise that's a different thing; as I said, there are those 3 tracks I love live, but find flat and lifeless on Stand Up (well, Bayou isn't bad, but the live version destroys it). But just curious.
No.
Bayou, Hello Again, and You Might Die Trying are all ok live, but studio versions do nothing for me.
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I selected Big Whiskey as my third album after Crash and BTCS. Wise choice?
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I selected Big Whiskey as my third album after Crash and BTCS. Wise choice?
Sounds like a pretty good choice to me. I love Big Whiskey.
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I selected Big Whiskey as my third album after Crash and BTCS. Wise choice?
Definitely. Just make sure that Under the Table and Dreaming is your next (studio) purchase. :)
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After a lot of listening, I'm not sure how I feel about Big Whiskey. It's a very good rock album, but I don't know if I like it as a DMB album. It seems completely different from Crash and BTCS, but then I did skip a few albums so maybe the evolution was evident in those. I also get a really strong vibe of Pearl Jam's Backspacer from it, for some reason. :huh: Still, it's okay, but I can tell I'll be spinning the aforementioned other two albums long after I'm done with this.
Time Bomb is awesome though.
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I don't often listen to too many tracks off of it now when I put it on, but I'm like that with most albums. Its highs are pretty great though.
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Interesting. I don't it is that different from those 90s albums, relatively speaking, but to each his own. :)
Agreed that "Time Bomb" is awesome. That, "Lying in the Hands of God," "Spaceman" and "Squirm" are holding up as my absolute favorites from it.
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I still think Alligator Pie is one of the best tracks on the album.
Apparently, the Stella in that song is his daughter. He has another daughter who he has dedicated several songs to, and one day, Stella said to him, "daddy, when you gonna put me in a song?" And there you have it. Though just from listening, I think the song's about Hurricane Katrina, but he uses her name and that line nonetheless.
Also, Cornbread owns all.
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Bump for recent Live Trax 18 announcement.
I'm loving this band more every minute I listen to them, and for once that's actually not hyperbole at all. The Last Stop from Chicago, when it breaks into the outro... It's just perfect, and Don't Drink The Water is becoming one of my favourite all time songs, and BTCS the same for my favourite albums.
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New album coming out this year!
And summer tour dates have been announced. :coolio
5/18/12 The Woodlands, TX
5/19/12 Dallas, TX
5/20/12 Gulf Shores, AL
5/22/12 Atlanta, GA
5/23/12 Charlotte, NC
5/25/12 Hartford, CT
5/26/12 Hartford, CT
5/28/12 Scranton, PA
5/29/12 Cincinnati, OH
6/2/12 Toronto, ONT
6/3/12 Cuyahoga Falls, OH
6/5/12 Mansfield, MA
6/6/12 Mansfield, MA
6/8/12 Saratoga Springs, NY
6/9/12 Saratoga Springs, NY
6/12/12 Wantagh, NY
6/13/12 Wantagh, NY
6/16/12 Bristow, VA
6/17/12 Virginia Beach, VA
6/22/12 Noblesville, IN
6/23/12 Noblesville, IN
6/26/12 Camden, NJ
6/27/12 Camden, NJ
6/29/12 Hershey, PA
6/30/12 Bethel, NY
7/3/12 Darien Center, NY
7/6/12 East Troy, WI
7/7/12 East Troy, WI
7/10/12 Clarkston, MI
7/11/12 Maryland Heights, MO
7/13/12 Burgettstown, PA
7/14/12 Burgettstown, PA
7/18/12 Tampa, FL
7/20/12 West Palm Beach, FL
7/21/12 West Palm Beach, FL
8/31/12 George, WA
9/1/12 George, WA
9/2/12 George, WA
9/7/12 Chula Vista, CA
9/8/12 Irvine, CA
9/9/12 Mountain View, CA
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My friend is coming up from PA to do the Hartford shows with me, might do the Mansfield ones too but idk yet.
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This is both great and terrible news for me. DMB is playing here a month after Maiden/Coheed. I dig DMB but looooove Maiden & Coheed. Wifey digs Maiden & Coheed but loooooves DMB. We probably can't swing tickets for two shows within a one month period. FUUUUUUUUUU.
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This is both great and terrible news for me. DMB is playing here a month after Maiden/Coheed. I dig DMB but looooove Maiden & Coheed. Wifey digs Maiden & Coheed but loooooves DMB. We probably can't swing tickets for two shows within a one month period. FUUUUUUUUUU.
One month between concerts is a lot! Personally I have 3 concerts in March/April within the course of 4 weeks, so yeah. :lol
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This is both great and terrible news for me. DMB is playing here a month after Maiden/Coheed. I dig DMB but looooove Maiden & Coheed. Wifey digs Maiden & Coheed but loooooves DMB. We probably can't swing tickets for two shows within a one month period. FUUUUUUUUUU.
One month between concerts is a lot! Personally I have 3 concerts in March/April within the course of 4 weeks, so yeah. :lol
You also probably don't have that many bills to pay. :P
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This is both great and terrible news for me. DMB is playing here a month after Maiden/Coheed. I dig DMB but looooove Maiden & Coheed. Wifey digs Maiden & Coheed but loooooves DMB. We probably can't swing tickets for two shows within a one month period. FUUUUUUUUUU.
One month between concerts is a lot! Personally I have 3 concerts in March/April within the course of 4 weeks, so yeah. :lol
You also probably don't have that many bills to pay. :P
Yeah I miss those days for sure, we used to go to a ton of shows- especially DMB shows. She was kind enough to point out that since we've had kids she's hasn't seen any of her favorite bands while I've seen DT and Thrice among others, so I think I know where this is headed. Oh wells. DMB is awesome and Maiden/Coheed isn't out of the picture for me yet. To quote Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park- "life finds a way." ;)
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Well yeah, also the concert tickets are already paid for since a while ago.
So it won't really be any expenses when the concerts happen, apart from maybe picking up a T-shirt or two at each show, but the "main" money was spent on the tickets. So it's a bigger problem if several concert tickets are announced at the same time, then it affects my economy much more. :biggrin:
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DMB is one of my favorite bands, so its great that I'm finally going to get a chance to see them.
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Finally going to be seeing them for the first time on the second Hartford show!
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You're in for a treat, DMB is truly a great live experience.
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Watching Carter Beauford alone is worth the cost of a ticket. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Anyone who wants a great and one-of-a-kind DMB experience, check out this show. (It's available in fairly good quality on dmbstream.com, though I think you need an account to listen).
https://dmbalmanac.com/TourShowSet.aspx?id=453056569&tid=98&where=2008
This was the day LeRoi died, and they played this show hours after hearing of his death. They were at the venue, and so shocked, they didn't know what else to do but to go out and mourn with the fans. The show has an intensity like probably no other live concert you'll ever hear. Every word and every note carries a different weight than it normally would. On some songs, Dave's almost totally absent, not with the song much at all, and then on others, he's pouring himself into them so much, he struggles to hold it together. Even if it was for reasons outside their control, and circumstances you obviously wouldn't wish on them, it must be one of the most emotional, powerful shows of their career.
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Can't believe I haven't seen this thread yet.
DMB is one of my top 3 bands of all time (up there with DT) and were the first band I ever truly fell in love with. LeRoi's saxophone playing inspired me to take up the instrument myself, and it is a decision I do not regret, what a sad loss it was when he died.
That being said, while most people consider Before These Crowded Streets as their best work, I personally have a bias towards Under The Table and Dreaming, as it was the first album I ever heard by them, and I will not soon forget my first time hearing it.
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Anyone who wants a great and one-of-a-kind DMB experience, check out this show. (It's available in fairly good quality on dmbstream.com, though I think you need an account to listen).
https://dmbalmanac.com/TourShowSet.aspx?id=453056569&tid=98&where=2008
This was the day LeRoi died, and they played this show hours after hearing of his death. They were at the venue, and so shocked, they didn't know what else to do but to go out and mourn with the fans. The show has an intensity like probably no other live concert you'll ever hear. Every word and every note carries a different weight than it normally would. On some songs, Dave's almost totally absent, not with the song much at all, and then on others, he's pouring himself into them so much, he struggles to hold it together. Even if it was for reasons outside their control, and circumstances you obviously wouldn't wish on them, it must be one of the most emotional, powerful shows of their career.
Invite only for registration.
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Anyone who wants a great and one-of-a-kind DMB experience, check out this show. (It's available in fairly good quality on dmbstream.com, though I think you need an account to listen).
https://dmbalmanac.com/TourShowSet.aspx?id=453056569&tid=98&where=2008
This was the day LeRoi died, and they played this show hours after hearing of his death. They were at the venue, and so shocked, they didn't know what else to do but to go out and mourn with the fans. The show has an intensity like probably no other live concert you'll ever hear. Every word and every note carries a different weight than it normally would. On some songs, Dave's almost totally absent, not with the song much at all, and then on others, he's pouring himself into them so much, he struggles to hold it together. Even if it was for reasons outside their control, and circumstances you obviously wouldn't wish on them, it must be one of the most emotional, powerful shows of their career.
Invite only for registration.
You can register on dmbstream.com for free and stream the august 19, 2008 show from there.
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So I checked out GrooGrux King last night for the first time (I was a big DMB fan but interested pretty much disappeared after Stand Up) and holy fuck Carter Beauford is such phenomenal drummer.
Have to put in him in my Top 5 favorite drummers.
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His playing in The Stone is the stuff of legends. Just ridiculous. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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I've always liked his playing especially after seeing them live years ago but I just forgot how good he really is.
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Carter is indeed awesome. One of the best drummers out there for sure. DMB would not be the amazing band they are without him.
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Some slight bumpage, in light of some of the best news in the last 10 years IMO w/ this band... [surprised this was not here already, sorry if it was.]
https://www.davematthewsband.com/index.php#/news/new-studio-album-coming-soon-0 (https://www.davematthewsband.com/index.php#/news/new-studio-album-coming-soon-0)
Dave Matthews Band is currently in the studio recording a new album with Steve Lillywhite, producer of the band's first three studio albums, Under The Table And Dreaming, Crash and Before These Crowded Streets.
It's about friggin' time! While I did enjoy Big Whiskey, it was not on par with the first three, nor The Lillywhite Sessions. While I do not expect, nor is it possible for another BTCS or whatever, I do hope this will be the best record SINCE BTCS or at least TLS's. I do understand the band probably wanted a change for awhile, so no real harm.
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It really is about damn time they got back together. The two forces are a match made in heaven and nothing can touch those first 3 albums.
The name of BTCS should have been "perpetual goosebumps" cause that's all I have during the whole second half of the album.
I think that UTAD is a more consistent and balanced album overall, but BTCS is definitely my favorite. :hefdaddy
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Wow, this could be something awesome on the horizon.
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I think the news about Steve Lillywhite producing this record was out two months ago; I probably should have mentioned it when I first posted that they were working on a new album. My bad. :facepalm: :lol :biggrin:
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Anybody else listened to the new songs yet? (Mercy and Gaucho, both on youtube).
Only listened to each once, but they sound good.
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Anybody else listened to the new songs yet? (Mercy and Gaucho, both on youtube).
Only listened to each once, but they sound good.
Just checked both of them out as well. Pretty good stuff :tup
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(https://i.imgur.com/bvGk2.jpg)
Looks like Dave is drawing the album art again this time around.
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I am excite, just pre ordered the super deluxe edition from the DMB site. This and new Neal Morse on the same day daim that's good.
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Just listened to the new album on the Itunes stream. Pretty solid.
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Listening now.
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First impression: it's like they're walking the same path they did in the early albums, but because they're older or something like that, they're content with going at a comfortable saunter. There are few moments on the whole album where the band seems all that amped up and energetic, but Dave can still write a hell of a bunch of songs, and the band can still play those songs beautifully. Basically, they've taken their old sound and re-imagined it as this mature, breezy pop-rock. It seemed far from essential DMB, but I couldn't really fault it either.
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I'll be checking this out. Looking at the song lengths, they all seem pretty short, except for the last song, which is a slight bummer as the greatness of those first three albums stems from them having some really cool jams within the context of catchy, well-written pop rock songs. I know they often do jams with those songs live, but I wish they'd get back to doing some of them on the studio albums. I loved Big Whiskey..., but it could have been on the level of those early albums with a little more stretching out on a few of those songs.
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Big Whiskey was a hard album to listen to because of depressing (understandably) overtones. As a result, it doesn't really get spun anymore.
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Haven't heard anything off the new album aside from "Mercy" I can't wait to check it out tho. . .
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https://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/15/showbiz/dave-matthews-hitches-ride/
Pretty sweet story! :)
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What DMB fans around here are fans of The Lillywhite Sessions?
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huge bump here
Been really binge listening to this band almost non-stop since late May since im getting ready to see them in Jacksonville next tuesday :metal
I'm really excited to see how the new Two Sets thing they're doing this year turns out because I've listened to some audience tapes this year and so far what I've heard sounded really tight!
also i know this post is about a year old but I just have to chime in:
What DMB fans around here are fans of The Lillywhite Sessions?
I really love tLWS. Even though they aren't fully completed I listen to them more than almost any of their other albums (except BTCS and UTTAD).
I really love how raw it is, and even if it's mostly unfinished and some songs have lyrics that are really aimless and non-sensical, I just get a kick out of the higher points on the album like Big Eyed Fish, JTR, Monkey Man, and Bartender ( oh god that Bartender :hefdaddy )
I'm not much fond of the way the commonly listed track order is (with the two weakest songs imo closing out the album) so I re-ordered it a while back to something more like:
Grey Street
Kit Kat Jam
Busted Stuff
Sweet Up and Down
Grave Is Gone
Big Eyed Fish
Raven
JTR
Captain
Diggin a Ditch
Monkey Man
Bartender
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I'm seeing DMB in a few weeks!
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Dave Matthews and Brian Calhoun Slap Video (https://youtu.be/FnAsMCunCM8)
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:lol that's pretty damn hilarious.
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Dave Matthews Band - #41 w/ The Flecktones - 2002 (https://youtu.be/S828_f0-dQI)
Just a great performance with lots of solos and jam.
On another note I recently listen to Daves solo album Some Devil for the first time in years. I love that album, it's a tremendous feel good album. Ok maybe not "feel good" but I just love it damn it! :lol
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#41 is such a great song. Possibly a top 3 DMB song for me.
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That is a really good #41. My favourite is Live Trax Vol. 1, which is also a Flecktones one.
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Stumbled upon some clips with Dave doing some acoustic songs for fans. Used to be obsessed with this band and hearing his voice brings me back. He's always been and still is so brilliant by himself singing with his guitar along with his dry sense humor of course.
Raven (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di5af5ZGsew&ab_channel=SiriusXMSiriusXMVerifierat)
Beach Ball (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANpG1g6TO68&ab_channel=SiriusXMSiriusXMVerifierat)
Ants Marching (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSakVIOgcBU&ab_channel=SiriusXMSiriusXMVerifierat)
Tripping Billies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc7do_ddTCA&ab_channel=SiriusXMSiriusXMVerifierat)
Where Are You Going (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X7HT5LH_Ks&ab_channel=SiriusXMSiriusXMVerifierat)
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I'm about due for a DMB binge given that it is almost summer time and they are very much a summer band for me. I don't listen to them like I used to, and it's a bummer to see how far they have fallen, but those 90's albums are still money, and Before These Crowded Streets remains a top 25 all-time record for me.
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Before these Crowded streets is still in my top 5 favorite albums. Dark in places, yet hauntingly beautiful and powerful. I love it
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Under the Table and Dreaming is probably still my favorite from DMB, but Before These Crowded Streets is also excellent. DMB is a band that I loved up through Busted Stuff but never cared for beyond that.
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Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King was really good, but the albums since have been largely forgettable.
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I'm working my way through their catalog and am currently on Big Whiskey. There is nothing they can do that will top the greatness of the first 3 albums (BTCS especially is a desert island album for me) but I've found everything I've heard so far to be high quality stuff. Stand Up and Everyday are cited as being inferior but I think they just highlight a different, more accessible aspect of the band.
What's everyone's favorite songs? Lie In Our Graves and The Stone are probably tied at my number 1 spot.
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My favorites are:
Satellite
Lover Lay down
Warehouse
Pay for what you get
Crash into me
The stone
Crush
The dreaming tree
There's other songs I like a lot as well, but those are the ones I truly love
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Ants Marching is probably my favorite overall. Others would include (by album):
Satellite
Typical Situation
Warehouse
41
Lie In Our Graves
The Stone
The Dreaming Tree
Spoon
The Space Between
So Right
Fool to Think
Grey Street
You Never Know
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Top tier DMB tunes for me would be:
The Stone
Crush
The Dreaming Tree
Dancing Nancies
Two Step
Don't Drink the Water
Warehouse
Typical Situation
Lie in Our Graves
And then the next tier would have everything else from Halloween, Pig, Spoon, Ants Marching, Bartender, Spaceman, 41, Lying in the Hands of God, Proudest Monkey, etc.
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I'm working my way through their catalog and am currently on Big Whiskey. There is nothing they can do that will top the greatness of the first 3 albums (BTCS especially is a desert island album for me) but I've found everything I've heard so far to be high quality stuff. Stand Up and Everyday are cited as being inferior but I think they just highlight a different, more accessible aspect of the band.
What's everyone's favorite songs? Lie In Our Graves and The Stone are probably tied at my number 1 spot.
I like most of Everyday and thought it was a well-done pop album. Stand Up just didn’t seem to have anything to latch on to, but I haven’t heard it in many years.
Listening to Crash right now for the first time in a while. It’s probably the one I listened to the most back in the day (or at least heard the hits the most on the radio), and I think I probably wore it out a bit. But every song on there is great too. In fact, #41 might be my second favorite DMB song behind Ants Marching.
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Stand Up has a couple of decent songs, but most of the album was a major miss for me.
Everyday has a lot of good songs, but I can't say anything on there is awesome or an upper tier DMB tune for me.
Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
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I haven't listened to DMB in ages.
I must remedy that.
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I haven't listened to DMB in ages.
I must remedy that.
This.
Thanks to this thread, I was totally reminded of 2018's 'Come Tomorrow,' which I barely listened to but remember enjoying. I need to do another deep-dive.
Around the time of 'Big Whisky' I got really into DMB—listened intently for months. I loved that album, and consider it top-tier. Before that point, I was only familiar with the 'hits,' but I quickly discovered that trio of gems from '90s and, well, I was pretty much hooked.
'Away From the World' didn't grab me as much, but upon revisiting, I am finding a whole lot more to enjoy.
I might need to a do a personal ranking in a couple of weeks when all is said and done.
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Around the time of 'Big Whisky' I got really into DMB—listened intently for months. I loved that album, and consider it top-tier. Before that point, I was only familiar with the 'hits,' but I quickly discovered that trio of gems from '90s and, well, I was pretty much hooked.
Same
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
My memory of the Lillywhite Sessions was that those recordings were pretty rough, but that may have been an issue of low quality MP3s my college buddy downloaded from who knows where. I like the overall production of Busted Stuff and never had an issue with it compared to the demos, but I have heard that complaint before.
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I usually go to Busted Stuff when I wear out the first 3 albums, but its got some decent stuff. Always loved Grey street.
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
My memory of the Lillywhite Sessions was that those recordings were pretty rough, but that may have been an issue of low quality MP3s my college buddy downloaded from who knows where. I like the overall production of Busted Stuff and never had an issue with it compared to the demos, but I have heard that complaint before.
I think it's more about the performances than the mix.
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
HAHA, I love that. I think that's spot on.
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
My memory of the Lillywhite Sessions was that those recordings were pretty rough, but that may have been an issue of low quality MP3s my college buddy downloaded from who knows where. I like the overall production of Busted Stuff and never had an issue with it compared to the demos, but I have heard that complaint before.
I think it's more about the performances than the mix.
Agreed. The songs were just better in their earlier form. I still like Grey Street, but the original chorus had different lyrics and flowed better, IMO. Big Eyed Fish slayed on the demo, but was kind of flat on Busted Stuff. Never recording JTR for a studio album is kind of a thumb in the eye, but they released a great live version of it on one of those warehouse CD's years ago when I was still a member, so I am good there.
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
My memory of the Lillywhite Sessions was that those recordings were pretty rough, but that may have been an issue of low quality MP3s my college buddy downloaded from who knows where. I like the overall production of Busted Stuff and never had an issue with it compared to the demos, but I have heard that complaint before.
I think it's more about the performances than the mix.
Agreed. The songs were just better in their earlier form. I still like Grey Street, but the original chorus had different lyrics and flowed better, IMO. Big Eyed Fish slayed on the demo, but was kind of flat on Busted Stuff. Never recording JTR for a studio album is kind of a thumb in the eye, but they released a great live version of it on one of those warehouse CD's years ago when I was still a member, so I am good there.
Big Eyed Fish has never been a favorite (either version). I’ll have to see check those sessions out again sometime though.
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Quick (probably dumb) Question for those in the know:
I haven't heard the 'Lillywhite' Sessions...where can I (other than youtube?) Was there ever a semi-official release? Or is this one of those 'if you didn't get it off of Napster, then you can't get it' things?
It's not on Apple Music.
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Big Eyed Fish has never been a favorite (either version). I’ll have to see check those sessions out again sometime though.
Monkey Man is a great one, too, and I think that is the one from it that they have never recorded or played live. A travesty!
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Quick (probably dumb) Question for those in the know:
I haven't heard the 'Lillywhite' Sessions...where can I (other than youtube?) Was there ever a semi-official release? Or is this one of those 'if you didn't get it off of Napster, then you can't get it' things?
It's not on Apple Music.
I think it is easy to get from the DMB online community, but I am so far removed from that now that I wouldn't have a clue where to look.
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I'm working my way through their catalog and am currently on Big Whiskey. There is nothing they can do that will top the greatness of the first 3 albums (BTCS especially is a desert island album for me) but I've found everything I've heard so far to be high quality stuff. Stand Up and Everyday are cited as being inferior but I think they just highlight a different, more accessible aspect of the band.
What's everyone's favorite songs? Lie In Our Graves and The Stone are probably tied at my number 1 spot.
I like most of Everyday and thought it was a well-done pop album. Stand Up just didn’t seem to have anything to latch on to, but I haven’t heard it in many years.
Listening to Crash right now for the first time in a while. It’s probably the one I listened to the most back in the day (or at least heard the hits the most on the radio), and I think I probably wore it out a bit. But every song on there is great too. In fact, #41 might be my second favorite DMB song behind Ants Marching.
Stand Up feels like a bizarre mixture of a lot of different styles. Doesn't always produce great results, but I think it's definitely one worth revisiting.
Crash is so amazingly good there's literally nothing they could do to improve it. Really, those first 3 albums are as close to perfect as music can get. #41 is very good, and I'm also partial to Too Much and Drive In Drive Out but the whole thing blows me away.
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Crash is so amazingly good there's literally nothing they could do to improve it. Really, those first 3 albums are as close to perfect as music can get. #41 is very good, and I'm also partial to Too Much and Drive In Drive Out but the whole thing blows me away.
Agreed. Those three albums (Under the Table..., Crash, Before...) are all perfect. Not many bands can say their first three albums were collectively as great as those three.
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Yeah, they really hit it out of the park with those first 3 albums
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I am sure I already said this years ago in this thread :lol, but their Central Park performance is one of the best concert live DVD's by any band out there. Just an amazing performance, featuring a killer set list.
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I am sure I already said this years ago in this thread :lol, but their Central Park performance is one of the best concert live DVD's by any band out there. Just an amazing performance, featuring a killer set list.
One of the most exciting things about getting into this band is all the live releases. I only have Red Rocks 95 but I'm going to start gathering up some of the more unique Live Trax they have once I listen through all the studio albums.
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One of the most exciting things about getting into this band is all the live releases. I only have Red Rocks 95 but I'm going to start gathering up some of the more unique Live Trax they have once I listen through all the studio albums.
I can't keep up with all of their live releases, since they have like 1,499 of them. :lol
A few of their songs, though, are ones where my go-to version is a live one. It's just a lot to get through. A lot of good stuff. I don't always dig those long jams (cool once in a while or to see live), but I don't want my go-to version of Two Step to be the 20-minute version, ya know?
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Busted Stuff is a tough one for me, as most of the versions that originated on the Lillywhite Sessions were better on the original demo, so the Busted Stuff versions came off to me as slight letdowns.
I feel you on that one.
I've always described the difference between the Lilywhite Sessions and Busted Stuff as the difference between sitting at the bar with Dave at 2 am while he tells you his current state (Lilywhite Sessions) v. talking to him about it 6-12 months later at brunch (Busted Stuff).
My memory of the Lillywhite Sessions was that those recordings were pretty rough, but that may have been an issue of low quality MP3s my college buddy downloaded from who knows where. I like the overall production of Busted Stuff and never had an issue with it compared to the demos, but I have heard that complaint before.
I think it's more about the performances than the mix.
Agreed. The songs were just better in their earlier form. I still like Grey Street, but the original chorus had different lyrics and flowed better, IMO. Big Eyed Fish slayed on the demo, but was kind of flat on Busted Stuff. Never recording JTR for a studio album is kind of a thumb in the eye, but they released a great live version of it on one of those warehouse CD's years ago when I was still a member, so I am good there.
JTR is such a great song! Agreed, on a studio version. It should have been on Busted Stuff. There is a great version of it on Live at Folsom Field.
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JTR is such a great song! Agreed, on a studio version. It should have been on Busted Stuff. There is a great version of it on Live at Folsom Field.
I think I have that version; I'll have to look later at home. :hat
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JTR is such a great song! Agreed, on a studio version. It should have been on Busted Stuff. There is a great version of it on Live at Folsom Field.
I think I have that version; I'll have to look later at home. :hat
Unless it is the one on the Warehouse 5: Volume 4 CD that members got back in the day (which is the one I have), that is not the live version of JTR I have. That same CD has a killer, and my go-to, version of One Sweet World. :hat
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Anyone else interested in doing an album run-through with DMB? We can chat about it in this thread. A friend and I do them with bands for fun and to have some tunes to chat about daily during the work week (just finished up Ayreon), and we are doing DMB next.
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I’m in!
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:tup :tup
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I'm in
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Started with 'Under the Table and Dreaming' this morning—about halfway through. Surprisingly, I've never listened to this album cover-to-cover before. Will report back later :)
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Started with 'Under the Table and Dreaming' this morning—about halfway through. Surprisingly, I've never listened to this album cover-to-cover before. Will report back later :)
Wow, really? It’s really great IMO.
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Good deal!
I don't plan on doing featured albums or anything, just an informal chat where we discuss the albums in order and anything else DMB. :)
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Started with 'Under the Table and Dreaming' this morning—about halfway through. Surprisingly, I've never listened to this album cover-to-cover before. Will report back later :)
Wow, really? It’s really great IMO.
I mean, I know the handful of singles, but yeah, I just never owned it back in the day. :huh:
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Jimi Thing is by far my favorite DMB song. I used to think that Dave sounded like Steven Tyler in What Would You Say.
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The trio of Warehouse, Pay For What You Get, and #34 is such a great way to end the album. I know Warehouse is really popular but the other two seem overlooked. Also, Ants Marching might be one of their catchiest songs and is the perfect anthem for the band.
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I won't call Pay For What You Get a dud, but it's definitely the least best of the bunch here, IMO. #34 is a nice way to end it, but tracks 1-10 are all pretty freaking great. Dancing Nancies is a 5 DMB tune for me and the best here, with Warehouse and Typical Situation not far behind.
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Typical Situation is one of the real gems on Under the Table for sure. I do really love Pay for What You Get though.
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I saw them on the Crash tour. Amazing live. Before These Crowded Streets is a masterpiece.
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I saw them on the Crash tour. Amazing live. Before These Crowded Streets is a masterpiece.
We're discussing Under the Table and Dreaming now, sir. Try to keep up. ;)
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So to contribute to a discussion of UTTAD, this has long been one of if not my favorite albums in terms of drum sounds, especially the snare. It's one of the best sounding albums I've heard overall as well. Just a very lively, organic sound with lots of dynamics and layers.
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I won't call Pay For What You Get a dud, but it's definitely the least best of the bunch here, IMO. #34 is a nice way to end it, but tracks 1-10 are all pretty freaking great. Dancing Nancies is a 5 DMB tune for me and the best here, with Warehouse and Typical Situation not far behind.
Lover Lay Down and Rhyme & Reason are the songs I like least, but they're still enjoyable. Oddly enough, I don't think I can call anything on this album a top 5 DMB song but the quality of most of the tracks still sits very high. The major key chorus of Warehouse after the moody verses is such a nice juxtaposition and my favorite part of the entire album.
If I had to rank the songs:
1. Warehouse
2. Pay For What You Get
3. Ants Marching
4. Jimi Thing
5. Typical Situation
6. #34
7. The Best Of What's Around
8. Satellite
9. What Would You Say
10. Dancing Nancies
11. Rhyme & Reason
12. Lover Lay Down
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Also, Ants Marching might be one of their catchiest songs and is the perfect anthem for the band.
Listening to this now, and this would be a fun song for Rick Beato to break down on What Makes This Song Great. Just a perfect pop song.
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So to contribute to a discussion of UTTAD, this has long been one of if not my favorite albums in terms of drum sounds, especially the snare. It's one of the best sounding albums I've heard overall as well. Just a very lively, organic sound with lots of dynamics and layers.
Very true, especially regarding the snare. Ants Marching pops as much as it does on record because of how awesome the snare sounds. Carter Beauford has long been a top 5 drummer in my book. He is a beast on the drums. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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The major key chorus of Warehouse after the moody verses is such a nice juxtaposition and my favorite part of the entire album.
It's always weird now to listen to the studio version of Warehouse and not hear the crowd participation that has long been a staple of the live performances in the opening part.
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Under the Table is such a good album! Love all the songs. Pay for What You Get is such an underrated DMB tune for me. #34 is a beautiful piece of music. Hard to pick a favorite track, as they are all great, but I think I will lean with Warehouse as my favorite track.
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Crash is a flawless record, the second of three in a row. What is notable about this one is while there was barely an electric guitar (or none) on the first album, there is quite a bit of it on this record. Adds a bit more color to the overall sound, and without ever overtaking it.
I have long maintained that Carter Beauford is a top 5 drummer, and this album is a good reason why. The intro to Say Goodbye is rad as hell, and the groove in Two Step is beyond bad ass. I am pretty lucky in that the 4th DMB show I saw (2nd in 2002), they played 41 and Say Goodbye back to back.
Many hardcore fans turn up their noses at Crash into Me, but it is a damn good song. Their live mainstay of playing So Much to Say and Too Much with the Anyone at the Bridge bridge to connect them is always killer, and the rendition from Central Park live DVD is a great example.
Favorites from this are probably Two Step, Lie in Our Graves and Proudest Monkey, but then there is 41, Say Goodbye, Drive In Drive Out, etc. Just a stunningly consistent record.
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Also, Ants Marching might be one of their catchiest songs and is the perfect anthem for the band.
Listening to this now, and this would be a fun song for Rick Beato to break down on What Makes This Song Great. Just a perfect pop song.
There's so many DMB songs I'd like to see broken down just so I can hear the individual parts a bit better. The instruments blend so well it's often tough to make out what each musician is actually playing (besides Carter of course)
The major key chorus of Warehouse after the moody verses is such a nice juxtaposition and my favorite part of the entire album.
It's always weird now to listen to the studio version of Warehouse and not hear the crowd participation that has long been a staple of the live performances in the opening part.
I'm still a newbie when it comes to DMB live (only have Red Rocks '95) and I don't hear much audience participation on that recording. Is this something that came about later on?
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Crash is a flawless record, the second of three in a row. What is notable about this one is while there was barely an electric guitar (or none) on the first album, there is quite a bit of it on this record. Adds a bit more color to the overall sound, and without ever overtaking it.
I have long maintained that Carter Beauford is a top 5 drummer, and this album is a good reason why. The intro to Say Goodbye is rad as hell, and the groove in Two Step is beyond bad ass. I am pretty lucky in that the 4th DMB show I saw (2nd in 2002), they played 41 and Say Goodbye back to back.
Many hardcore fans turn up their noses at Crash into Me, but it is a damn good song. Their live mainstay of playing So Much to Say and Too Much with the Anyone at the Bridge bridge to connect them is always killer, and the rendition from Central Park live DVD is a great example.
Favorites from this are probably Two Step, Lie in Our Graves and Proudest Monkey, but then there is 41, Say Goodbye, Drive In Drive Out, etc. Just a stunningly consistent record.
Crash takes me somewhere. The whole vibe of the album encapsulates a feeling of youth for me and while BTCS is their absolute pinnacle, Crash is probably the one I desire to listen to most often.
I'm a drummer myself, and Carter has consistently been a source of inspiration. He's like Gavin Harrison in the sense that his phrasing and style is instantly recognizable and elevates the music so much beyond what other drummers do. He's not just keeping the beat, he is absolutely driving the song and stands out in such a unique and positive way. Speaking of which, the whole band is very musically competent but I don't think Dave himself gets enough credit for his ability to play some complex guitar lines while singing.
Crash Into Me is a perfect mellow song, and being a teen in the 90's, I somehow avoided being burnt out on it due to never listening to the radio which is probably what turns a lot of fans off. I've always loved Too Much ever since I saw the video on MTV back '96 and it's probably one of their funkiest songs. Catchy as hell, and one I never get tired of.
The consistency of this record is incredible. Even the lesser tracks like Let You Down and Cry Freedom are pretty great in their own right. Lie In Our Graves, Drive In Drive Out, and Too Much are my top songs from this album but there's no song I will ever skip. I really should seek out some of their b-sides but I'm hoping to just them through whatever live albums they happen to appear on.
(Also, we skipped it but Seek Up and Minarets are probably in my top 10 songs of theirs with the extended live Seek Up being particularly awesome)
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The major key chorus of Warehouse after the moody verses is such a nice juxtaposition and my favorite part of the entire album.
It's always weird now to listen to the studio version of Warehouse and not hear the crowd participation that has long been a staple of the live performances in the opening part.
I'm still a newbie when it comes to DMB live (only have Red Rocks '95) and I don't hear much audience participation on that recording. Is this something that came about later on?
Not sure when exactly it became a thing. Below is a good one (first minute).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNewq0V6aYE
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I'm a drummer myself, and Carter has consistently been a source of inspiration. He's like Gavin Harrison in the sense that his phrasing and style is instantly recognizable and elevates the music so much beyond what other drummers do. He's not just keeping the beat, he is absolutely driving the song and stands out in such a unique and positive way. Speaking of which, the whole band is very musically competent but I don't think Dave himself gets enough credit for his ability to play some complex guitar lines while singing.
Crash Into Me is a perfect mellow song, and being a teen in the 90's, I somehow avoided being burnt out on it due to never listening to the radio which is probably what turns a lot of fans off. I've always loved Too Much ever since I saw the video on MTV back '96 and it's probably one of their funkiest songs. Catchy as hell, and one I never get tired of.
The consistency of this record is incredible. Even the lesser tracks like Let You Down and Cry Freedom are pretty great in their own right. Lie In Our Graves, Drive In Drive Out, and Too Much are my top songs from this album but there's no song I will ever skip. I really should seek out some of their b-sides but I'm hoping to just them through whatever live albums they happen to appear on.
(Also, we skipped it but Seek Up and Minarets are probably in my top 10 songs of theirs with the extended live Seek Up being particularly awesome)
Yeah, I like Seek Up and Minarats a lot as well. The Song That Jane Likes is solid as well. I also like Granny a lot; that is a song that was written around the same time as the Under the Table and Dreaming album, yet has never made it on to a studio album, but has gotten a lot of live play over the years.
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The major key chorus of Warehouse after the moody verses is such a nice juxtaposition and my favorite part of the entire album.
It's always weird now to listen to the studio version of Warehouse and not hear the crowd participation that has long been a staple of the live performances in the opening part.
I'm still a newbie when it comes to DMB live (only have Red Rocks '95) and I don't hear much audience participation on that recording. Is this something that came about later on?
Not sure when exactly it became a thing. Below is a good one (first minute).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNewq0V6aYE
Yeah that was a pretty cool version of Warehouse in general. I've watched a few clips from that concert on Youtube recently and am probably going to get that live album next. It also has Granny on it so I can check that song out too. I peruse DMB Almanac every now and then and it's amazing how many live-only songs they have floating around that they go years without playing and all of a sudden it's back in the setlist and the fans know it, and are totally cool with it. I know the jam-band mentality makes it easier for them to be creative with setlists but I wish more bands would say do what they do and take the "anything goes" approach to live shows.
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Yeah that was a pretty cool version of Warehouse in general. I've watched a few clips from that concert on Youtube recently and am probably going to get that live album next. It also has Granny on it so I can check that song out too. I peruse DMB Almanac every now and then and it's amazing how many live-only songs they have floating around that they go years without playing and all of a sudden it's back in the setlist and the fans know it, and are totally cool with it. I know the jam-band mentality makes it easier for them to be creative with setlists but I wish more bands would say do what they do and take the "anything goes" approach to live shows.
One Sweet World is another great one that has never been on a studio album, but has gotten quite a bit of live play over the years. I know I saw it several times (of my five shows from 2000-2004).
As for the "anything goes" approach, I agree, and it helps that the band is a true live band in the literal sense. When you see DMB, literally everything you hear is played and/or sung by one of the band members live on stage. It's not a production with backing tracks, pre-recorded material, etc. It is a true live performance.
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Before These Crowded Streets is now the album at the plate. ;)
I will have much more to say about this masterpiece later today. :hat :hat
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I gave 'Under the Table & Dreaming' two full listens at baseball this week (gotta love my aftershokz bone-conducting headphones), and while I enjoyed it, it definitely didn't hit me on the same level as some of the DMB stuff.
For the sake of context: my entry point is 'Big Whisky,' and that is the album I am measuring everything against. I'm gonna be 41 soon, so it's not like I wasn't there for each release, but honestly, nothing really caught my ear until I listened to 'Big Whisky'
Still, as I've gotten older, my hate for all-things jam bands has lessened, and I am beyond happy I am revisiting DMB's back catalog.
As for UTT&D, 'non-single' standouts are 'Jimi Thing,' 'Warehouse,' and, well, really the whole finally third of the album.
'Ants Marching' and 'Satellite' are gems for a reason, and have long been favs of mine, but other than that, nothing really grabs me (I've always loathed 'What Would You Say' for some reason)
Like I said earlier, this is probably the only DMB album I've never listened to all the way through, though, given my age, I was familiar with most of it as it was the social-background music of my teens.
Alright, now on to Crash!
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It was late 1998 when my younger brother Mark told me I needed to hear some songs from the new DMB album called Before These Crowed Streets. Being that I was only familiar with What Would You Say at that point and never cared for it, I can’t say I was thrilled to be force fed some of their songs, but I was like, sure, why not. He then proceeded to play me the back-to-back of The Stone, Crush and The Dreaming Tree on what was my super duper home stereo at the time. Suffice it to say, I was floored. I became a fan on the spot. To this day, those are still my three favorite DMB songs.
But, of course, the album is much more than those songs. It is a perfect record, and the expansive nature of the record, especially the second half really makes it sound BIG. I love those little interludes they throw in between some songs as well, almost like they are connective tissues to tie songs together.
Even vocally, this is pretty different. For one, Dave’s menacing vocal in Halloween is just insane. He has rarely done a vocal like that again, but it is ferocious and angry. His singing at the end of Don’t Drink the Water (another top 5 DMB song for me) is nearly as ferocious. Even though I never liked much of Alannis until last fall, I did always like her background singing in Don’t Drink the Water and her verse in Spoon. Songs like Spoon, The Last Stop, Pig and Rapunzel would be major standouts on just about any other DMB album, yet here they are in the bottom half. That speaks to how strong every song is. Every song is a major winner. There are no false notes. Everything about this record is perfect, from the songwriting to the mix to the playing.
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Yeah that was a pretty cool version of Warehouse in general. I've watched a few clips from that concert on Youtube recently and am probably going to get that live album next. It also has Granny on it so I can check that song out too. I peruse DMB Almanac every now and then and it's amazing how many live-only songs they have floating around that they go years without playing and all of a sudden it's back in the setlist and the fans know it, and are totally cool with it. I know the jam-band mentality makes it easier for them to be creative with setlists but I wish more bands would say do what they do and take the "anything goes" approach to live shows.
One Sweet World is another great one that has never been on a studio album, but has gotten quite a bit of live play over the years. I know I saw it several times (of my five shows from 2000-2004).
As for the "anything goes" approach, I agree, and it helps that the band is a true live band in the literal sense. When you see DMB, literally everything you hear is played and/or sung by one of the band members live on stage. It's not a production with backing tracks, pre-recorded material, etc. It is a true live performance.
One Sweet World is okay, but not a favorite. It's got a vague ska feel that I'm not a huge fan of. The song Recently is great and I'll Back You Up is really nice too.
I never thought of that aspect in terms of how they're able to constantly switch out songs (the lack of backing tracks) but that's got to be a huge part of it. I know they have some extra live musicians, but still, the band sounds so massive especially considering the frontman has just an acoustic guitar. Also, there's just something so exciting about seeing a band and not knowing if a rarity that hasn't been played in 15 years will make its first appearance at your show.
I gave 'Under the Table & Dreaming' two full listens at baseball this week (gotta love my aftershokz bone-conducting headphones), and while I enjoyed it, it definitely didn't hit me on the same level as some of the DMB stuff.
For the sake of context: my entry point is 'Big Whisky,' and that is the album I am measuring everything against. I'm gonna be 41 soon, so it's not like I wasn't there for each release, but honestly, nothing really caught my ear until I listened to 'Big Whisky'
Still, as I've gotten older, my hate for all-things jam bands has lessened, and I am beyond happy I am revisiting DMB's back catalog.
As for UTT&D, 'non-single' standouts are 'Jimi Thing,' 'Warehouse,' and, well, really the whole finally third of the album.
'Ants Marching' and 'Satellite' are gems for a reason, and have long been favs of mine, but other than that, nothing really grabs me (I've always loathed 'What Would You Say' for some reason)
Like I said earlier, this is probably the only DMB album I've never listened to all the way through, though, given my age, I was familiar with most of it as it was the social-background music of my teens.
Alright, now on to Crash!
I know they're lumped in the jam-band genre (for good reason), but I never really consider them a jam band. Their composed songs have such strong identities and Dave himself has such a unique and catchy way of creating vocal melodies that they really have more of a pop flavor to them. JamPop I guess? :P Either way, I'd take them over Phish or Grateful Dead any day.
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It was late 1998 when my younger brother Mark told me I needed to hear some songs from the new DMB album called Before These Crowed Streets. Being that I was only familiar with What Would You Say at that point and never cared for it, I can’t say I was thrilled to be force fed some of their songs, but I was like, sure, why not. He then proceeded to play me the back-to-back of The Stone, Crush and The Dreaming Tree on what was my super duper home stereo at the time. Suffice it to say, I was floored. I became a fan on the spot. To this day, those are still my three favorite DMB songs.
But, of course, the album is much more than those songs. It is a perfect record, and the expansive nature of the record, especially the second half really makes it sound BIG. I love those little interludes they throw in between some songs as well, almost like they are connective tissues to tie songs together.
Even vocally, this is pretty different. For one, Dave’s menacing vocal in Halloween is just insane. He has rarely done a vocal like that again, but it is ferocious and angry. His singing at the end of Don’t Drink the Water (another top 5 DMB song for me) is nearly as ferocious. Even though I never liked much of Alannis until last fall, I did always like her background singing in Don’t Drink the Water and her verse in Spoon. Songs like Spoon, The Last Stop, Pig and Rapunzel would be major standouts on just about any other DMB album, yet here they are in the bottom half. That speaks to how strong every song is. Every song is a major winner. There are no false notes. Everything about this record is perfect, from the songwriting to the mix to the playing.
The interludes make this album god-tier imo. It's such a cool idea and I'm surprised it's not one they revisited for any other album.
Agreed that the stretch of The Stone/Crush/The Dreaming Tree is probably their strongest 3-song run in their entire catalog. As for Dave's menacing vocals, The Last Stop gets pretty intense (and is also somewhat of a live rarity it seems, any idea why?) and his best vocal performance ever for me might be on Don't Drink The Water. Not to mention that sick ass groove the band holds down under those vocals. Speaking of that, the drumming on Rapunzel is ridiculous and if that song was the entirety of Carter's recorded output, he'd still be regarded as one of the best.
I also love the additional instrumentation such as the banjo and Alanis. Crash is brilliant, but this album just feels so expansive and well-thought out. I wish I could hear it for the first time again.
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The interludes make this album god-tier imo. It's such a cool idea and I'm surprised it's not one they revisited for any other album.
Agreed that the stretch of The Stone/Crush/The Dreaming Tree is probably their strongest 3-song run in their entire catalog. As for Dave's menacing vocals, The Last Stop gets pretty intense (and is also somewhat of a live rarity it seems, any idea why?) and his best vocal performance ever for me might be on Don't Drink The Water. Not to mention that sick ass groove the band holds down under those vocals. Speaking of that, the drumming on Rapunzel is ridiculous and if that song was the entirety of Carter's recorded output, he'd still be regarded as one of the best.
I also love the additional instrumentation such as the banjo and Alanis. Crash is brilliant, but this album just feels so expansive and well-thought out. I wish I could hear it for the first time again.
No clue why The Last Stop rarely gets played, although I would guess it either isn't a favorite of the band's or maybe they feel it doesn't translate well live.
Definitely agree about Carter's work in Rapunzel, and I always thought his cymbal work on The Stone was pretty sick. That was one of the first things that caught my ear the first time I heard the song. I was like, "damn, that drummer is doing some bad ass shit!" :lol :hat
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Everyday is definitely my least favorite album of theirs and the first time I can honestly say there's a song of theirs I dislike (Angel), but I still find it pretty enjoyable for what it is. When The World Ends is a big favorite of mine, and I'm also pretty fond of If I Had It All, Fool To Think, So Right, and the title track. It took me many many listens to realize that #36 was the basis for Everyday and I feel like an idiot for not recognizing it sooner.
Biggest disappointment about this album is the lack of memorable Carter moments and just an overall lack of more in-depth instrumental passages. It's so crazy to think that this was the successor to BTCS and only 5 years removed from Crash. They almost feel like two different bands or even a DMB solo album. Was there any reason they decided to make this type of album? It almost feels like how Metallica made The Black Album in response to AJFA being so tiresome and overlong.
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I can't remember the exact reason, but I think Dave got with Glen Ballard and wrote songs with him instead of the band, and it's clear Dave wanted to write a more streamlined rock record. Everyday is not a bad record - I like the majority of it - but it threw off their trajectory, from which they have seemingly never recorded. Even Busted Stuff, which had most of the TLS stuff, came off like the band was recording material that wasn't as fresh and exciting to them anymore.
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Catching Up...
Crash - This album makes me think of summer, and it is a great record overall! Probably my 2nd favorite DMB album. Some really great tracks, and #41 is probably my favorite DMB track (definitely top 3 with The Stone and One Sweet World). Never been a big fan of Cry Freedom, but everything else is awesome!
Before These Crowded Streets - By far my favorite DMB record. Love everything about this album. The contrast of the darker songs and the lighter songs is really great, and the sequencing of the record is perfect, i.e. sticking Stay in between Don't Drink and Halloween. The little interludes add to the flow of the album as well. Carter clearly kills it on this album, Dave's vocals are great, and the band is on fire.
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Before These Crowded Streets is a great example of a record where a band tried all kinds of different stuff and it somehow all stuck to landing, resulting in something greater than I am sure they could have ever imagined. It's one of those "I can't believe how good this is!" records.
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The one thing about BTCS that holds it back for me is that some of the poppier songs seem to go on for a bit too long. Stay and Crush, even Rapunzel a bit, kind of wear me out by the end. I do like all those songs though. Overall I agree the album is a remarkable work, and one that kind of came out of nowhere in 1998. Nobody else in the mainstream sphere was doing anything that expansive at that point in time (maybe Radiohead or Tool I guess, but they were less mainstream than DMB).
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I can't remember the exact reason, but I think Dave got with Glen Ballard and wrote songs with him instead of the band, and it's clear Dave wanted to write a more streamlined rock record. Everyday is not a bad record - I like the majority of it - but it threw off their trajectory, from which they have seemingly never recorded. Even Busted Stuff, which had most of the TLS stuff, came off like the band was recording material that wasn't as fresh and exciting to them anymore.
Yeah it does seem like a major shift that changed the band's course. The songwriting never quite seemed to go back to the style of their first 3 albums, and while I'm all for musicians evolving, the style on those first 3 albums was so unique to the band that is feels like they abandoned the core of what made them really great. The song lengths all got shorter and while long songs are no guarantee of quality, a longer track kind of promised that the songs were going to be less straight pop songs and more adventurous.
The one thing about BTCS that holds it back for me is that some of the poppier songs seem to go on for a bit too long. Stay and Crush, even Rapunzel a bit, kind of wear me out by the end. I do like all those songs though. Overall I agree the album is a remarkable work, and one that kind of came out of nowhere in 1998. Nobody else in the mainstream sphere was doing anything that expansive at that point in time (maybe Radiohead or Tool I guess, but they were less mainstream than DMB).
I could go for like 10 more minutes of Crush since the mood and vibe is addictive, but I hear you on Rapunzel and Stay's extended outros. They don't bother me at all but extending an outro just repeating the same thing does get old after awhile.
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Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King was a major return to form, except that the songs were still mostly kept pretty short like the other albums they have done since BTCS, but the songs themselves are all really strong. I have no issues at all with putting that album in the same tier with the first three, even if it does sit at the bottom of that top tier.
Also, the Crush outro is not the same thing repeated over and over. There is a progression there, and the leads by the flute and electric guitar in there are just magnificent. The single edit of that song literally sounds like someone chopped its balls off. That said, the single edit is still a good song. The full album version, in all its glory, is just magnificent. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Also, the Crush outro is not the same thing repeated over and over. There is a progression there, and the leads by the flute and electric guitar in there are just magnificent. The single edit of that song literally sounds like someone chopped its balls off. That said, the single edit is still a good song. The full album version, in all its glory, is just magnificent. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
The outro to Crush is really cool. It’s more that the chorus repeats a few too many times. It’s not that I don’t like it though.
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I've been listening to a lot of Big Whisky the past few days and it really does have a lot of great songs. I can't help but enjoy the sheer energy and bombast of Shake Me Like A Monkey and other songs like Spaceman and Seven with their really catchy vocal parts. However, I think my favorite songs are Alligator Pie and Squirm which are ones I don't really hear anyone mention. The tempo shift in Alligator Pie is such a cool moment and has a southern rock vibe that appeals to me even though I don't typically enjoy that sound. The heavy riff/2nd half of Time Bomb feels like a stylistic departure from the usual DMB sound but it's another section I really love. You & Me has a great melody and works really well as a closer. Lying In The Hands Of God is the only song that I find merely tolerable rather than excellent like all the other tracks.
I really have no complaints about this album.
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Big fan of DMBand (AND of the amazing Carter Beauford :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy)! I'm a bit lazy to post in this thread, but let me say two things: besides Before These Crowed Streets being one of the best albums made by mankind, does anyone here also feels that, after that album, they began to overdo in solo/improvisations in the live setting and underuse it in the studio? (ok, maybe not on Busted Stuff) Groo Grux is an excellent album, but it suffers a bit of that IMO (maybe I'm wrong, but I believe is what KevShmev meant to say when "complained" about its shorter songs).
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Not sure about overdoing it live (feels like they always had the tendency to do long jams live), but I definitely miss the cool extended instrumental sections on all of the albums post-BTCS. There are exceptions, but they became exceptions, while on the early albums they were the rule. I think Big Whiskey... is nearly as good as Crash and Under the Table and Dreaming, and feel like it could have been as good had they stretched out a little bit instrumentally in just a few of the songs. Songs like Lying in the Hands of God, Time Bomb, Spaceman, Dive In and Squirm are all stellar and I rate them all very high in the DMB catalogue. Even as is, Big Whiskey... is a fantastic record. Sadly, it is their only album this century I can say that about, but at least we got it.
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Complementing what I said earlier about their live performances, my favorite DMBand live album is Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95, mainly because it's a true statement how just only the 5 members of the band could make such a full and complete live sound and because, at that point in time, I think the live improvisations were perfect, nothing short or too long. Anyway, I think they keep improving their shows, adding more musicians, which was a good thing, no doubt. And, to me they kept great balance in the improvisations until Everyday/Busted Stuff tours. Especially on the Everyday tour, when we had the opportunity to hear the entire (or most of) album with the band's arrangements, not like a Dave Matthews solo album (by the way, I love Everyday the way it is). From then on, I think their live shows became, as rule, with too much improvisations in almost every song, always having to make some space for each of the 10 musicians in the band to shine. So, to me, the jam aspect of the shows became a bit tiresome and something predictable, which, in the past, was the highlight of the shows.
But I must say that they did a great great show on the last Rock in Rio! And I think the time constraints of their performance helped them to stay more focused on the songs, like in the old days:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmxvB6bJP10
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I don't have the time or the stamina anymore to seek out the 3,319 live DMB albums that are out there. :lol I am good with the Central Park live album and DVD and certain performances from other shows that have given my go-to versions of certain songs, like JTR, One Sweet World and Minarets.
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Complementing what I said earlier about their live performances, my favorite DMBand live album is Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95, mainly because it's a true statement how just only the 5 members of the band could make such a full and complete live sound and because, at that point in time, I think the live improvisations were perfect, nothing short or too long. Anyway, I think they keep improving their shows, adding more musicians, which was a good thing, no doubt. And, to me they kept great balance in the improvisations until Everyday/Busted Stuff tours. Especially on the Everyday tour, when we had the opportunity to hear the entire (or most of) album with the band's arrangements, not like a Dave Matthews solo album (by the way, I love Everyday the way it is). From then on, I think their live shows became, as rule, with too much improvisations in almost every song, always having to make some space for each of the 10 musicians in the band to shine. So, to me, the jam aspect of the shows became a bit tiresome and something predictable, which, in the past, was the highlight of the shows.
But I must say that they did a great great show on the last Rock in Rio! And I think the time constraints of their performance helped them to stay more focused on the songs, like in the old days:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmxvB6bJP10
Red Rocks is the only live album of theirs I have so far and I agree about the improvisations being the perfect length. That version of Seek Up is such a perfect way to open a show and I listen to that more than the version on Remember Two Things. I'm also enjoying the Rio concert you posted though the "rockier" version of Don't Drink The Water was a bit of a surprise.
I need to relisten to Away From The World a bunch of times and don't yet own Come Tomorrow but I'll work my way to them eventually. I'm probably going to get some of the official live albums, but any suggestions on good Live Trax to check out? Like Kev, I don't have the desire to acquire all of them but I'd like ones that have rare songs, b-sides, or really unique versions of the studio album songs.
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I'm not a specialist on the Live trax releases. I've heard some of them (is there anyone that heard ALL of them?! :D) and it seemed to me that they are more interesting because of the live rarities. As for the whole show performances, I believe the official releases like Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95; Listener Supported; Live at Folsom Field; The Gorge; and Europe 2009 (Love this one! From Groo Grux tour and with a more intimating setting, different from their usual stadium shows. Watch the DVD) are the best representation of them live. The Central Park Concert is really great if you are looking for a "best of" kind of setlist.
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The first segment of disk three of Central Park - where Warrren Haynes comes out and does Cortez The Killer and Jimi Thing (with For What It's Worth thrown in there) is pretty much the high point of the catalogue for me. That's the pinnacle of the DMB for me.
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Hell yeah! That live version of Cortez the Killer is so bad ass. I had that cranked a few weeks ago on a drive home late at night and it just slayed me.
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New album out earlier this month, which I had no idea about until the other day. I guess it shows how off the radar this band is for me now when it comes to new music. I checked out a couple songs and they seemed okay, but I will give the full album some listens here soon. Been in a DMB mood all week, and they are always great summer music for me. If nothing else, maybe I will get a few good songs out of this new album. The last album from 2018 was more miss than hit, but it did have 3-4 songs I liked quite a bit.
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I need to check it out as well.
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Funny enough i've also been in a DMB mood this week and I also found out they had a new release. :lol
Honestly the best part about DMB is Daves voice and guitar work.