dave matthews

Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King
$9.99
I have been a fan of DMB for the past decade. Like many people, I love them for their early work, particularly Under the Table and Dreaming, Before These Crowded Streets and Crash. It was a coincidence of the spirit of the times, a young and joyful band, and their loose, improvisational style. There is no way to go back to that. Their past three albums (Everyday, Busted Stuff, Stand Up) have been a noticeable dip in the 'magic' they had (though their live act has remained excellent). Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King seems to be a climb back into a new space of musical creation. It feels as though the death of Leroi Moore has given them the spiritual resources to bring into focus the more rock'n'roll/funk style that they have been experimenting with since Everyday.

While I do not like this style as much as their early work, it is obviously a genuine development for the band, and it is good to see them produce a record of substantial quality again. BW & GGK is permeated by a spirit of mournful joy, of bereavement and celebration of memories, and the band plays with energy and conviction. Standout tracks for me are 'Shake Me Like a Monkey', with it's infectious beat, 'Spaceman' as a classic Dave sleazy love ballad, and 'You & Me', with it's bright pop sensibility.

Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King (CD/DVD)
$22.97
I have loved Dave Matthews releases since the mid-90s. Seen him in concert and listened to a full library of studio and live releases easily hundreds if not thousands of times. I ordered this disc before it was released. In short, I am a huge fan and appreciate the stylistic changes that have taken place over the past fifteen years. Therefore, I think I offer a relatively objective fan's perspective when I give this release two stars. I'd give it an extra half star if possible. In general, the lyrics on this release do not reflect the work of a creative, interesting, mature and worldly writer. I love Matthew's music and believe that it is at the pinnacle of modern rock composition. There is good musicianship on this release. However, what really makes Dave Matthews stand above the majority of the pop/rock crowd is the writing - eloquent, fluid, creative, inspired, poetic, and fun. The writing on this release is fluid but reflects none of the other qualities for the most part. Certainly there is the obvious inspiration of the loss of one of a band member and close friend - but that personal inspiration doesn't translate into inspiring lyrics.

I find the music on this disc a bit jerky - perhaps not well arranged and recorded to quickly. There are some songs that are good - you decide what you like - but the overall experience that I have listening to this disc is one of boredom mixed with a small amount of irritation at various points. I don't know what is different this time around but this disc is in a completely different class than Crash, Before These Crowded Streets, Everyday, and Busted Stuff. I recommend that long time DMB fans approach this disc with caution.

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City Music Hall
$21.98
Concert itself: 5 stars
Video quality: 5 stars
Audio quality: 5 stars
Extras: 3 stars
Others: The audio is simply perfect... but doesnt have low frecuencies for obvious reasons...

Crash
$18.97
I can't believe how much I like this CD. I am a new fan and asked a friend who is a fan for the name of the CD to start listening to their music and this was the one.
It's great - start to finish.
I only wish I'd discovered this band sooner.
The variety of instruments and the emotion Matthews puts into the songs is amazing.