Eat, Drink, And Be Merry

Pass the Big Whiskey Please

2009-06-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

I don't write music reviews. Or let me put it another way, I don't write good ones. Either I like something or I don't. It's tough for me to judge an album using words. As an editor and writer, it's kind of weird to say that, but that's the way I am. I am a big fan of all kinds of music, but actually writing about it has rarely appealed to me. Until now. Until "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" came along. I haven't been moved by music in more than 10 years to have anything to say.

But remember, I don't write music reviews.

In one word, "Grux" is beautiful. What better way is there to pay tribute to the late LeRoi Moore than to have a solo from him as the first track on the new album? And just like a Dave Matthews Band concert, the album goes from a soft beautiful tune and rips into the powerful "Shake Me Like a Monkey." It's loud and it's proud; and each time I repeat the CD I turn this song up louder. I can't wait to hear how it translates live. It's a perfect opener in my opinion.

(I don't write music reviews.)

I like "Funny the Way It Is" more every time I listen to it. When I first heard it, I thought it was a good tune -- it has a nice catchy hook. DMB music has been missing that hook for a while. I'm not a hater of "Everyday" or "Stand Up" -- those CDs have some good moments -- but I have missed having a good radio-friendly song from the band. "Dreamgirl" didn't cut it for me. This is that song. Funny the way it is ... if you think about it.

The song "Lying in the Hands of God" can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be lyrically. Musically, it's a nice soft song that you can't help but listen to. It comes across to me as song written and played to just shut up and listen to.

"Why I Am" is amazing. It's amazing on the CD and it's a crazy-powerful-amazing song live too. For all the fans who cringed when Dave started playing the electric guitar on the "Everyday" album (and if you cringed like I did every concert "Louisiana Bayou" started playing), relax. This song makes it seem like he was just practicing, trying to get it right. He gets it right on this song, and he gets it right with the lyrics. It kinda makes me want to get drunk on water turned into wine.

(Did I tell you that I don't write music reviews.)

"Dive In" is a nice break from the heavy parts of the album. I'm very neutral toward this song right now. Don't like; don't hate it; haven't skipped over it yet, either.

"Spaceman" was bad in April in Charlottesville. It didn't work for me. I see it's potential though, and on Fuse the other night I saw how this song has grown. On the album though, I love it. I love the "All the freaks are on parade" lines. If you judge a song by the first 10 seconds, you're missing a real gem here. Danny Barnes is fantastic on banjo on this song as well.

The pace changes with "Squirm," yet another song about death. It's a dark, but powerful song. On my first listen, I didn't like this song for some reason, but like most of the songs on this album, I feel like I can't get enough of this song now. I just want to repeat it over and over. I could never say that about any "Stand Up" songs.

(I don't write music reviews.)

"Alligator Pie" is ... I don't know ... weird. I'm glad Stella is in a song, but I don't really get it. Not that's it's bad -- it's got some great music with Danny Barnes again and with Carter Beauford all over the place. The song is up, then it's down - it's wild. It's like a roller coaster ride, and when you get done listening you're not sure what you just heard. But it's very cool all at the same time.

Following "Alligator" is another weird one, "Seven." But I'm beginning to get it. And I love it.

"Time Bomb" is, well, what you might expect from a song called "Time Bomb" ... it starts slow, and then blows up. It's quiet, then it's loud. It's innocent, then it's raw and crazy. It's hard to describe. It'll make you try to believe in Jesus (if you don't already). (Like I said, I don't write music reviews.)

The album closes with two soft somewhat typical Dave songs -- "My Baby Blue" and "You And Me." "My Baby Blue" starts with the riff of "Sister," a well-known quiet Dave solo in concert. "You And Me" is just a nice quiet tune to close things off. I love how this album ends with these two songs - it's the opposite of the in-your-face songs on the album, which, I think, shows how unbelievably talented this band is to have this variety of music.

To end the album, there's a short break after "You And Me" to close things off with another LeRoi solo. A perfect ending to the almost perfect album.

I don't write music reviews, but this CD did something to me to make me write about it. It's too early to analyze how this fits in with DMB's recordings from the 1990s, but I will say this -- it's about time ...

The start of another tour ...

2009-05-28T20:13:00.002-04:00

... and I don't have tickets for any summer shows!! I'd love to go to Virginia Beach or the Nissan Pavilion in Northern Virginia or even Hershey (with floor seats), but it's not looking good this year. I'll survive ... maybe. :-)

June 25, 2005: Not so sweet in Hershey

2009-05-23T20:11:00.007-04:00

And just like that, it's been three months since I've posted to this blog. And it's been since August since I actually posted an entry with what this blog was going to be about -- my Dave Matthews Band concert experiences. Since that time I've seen another show, so No. 17 is really No. 18 and No. 16 is No. 17. So now I'm on No. 15, which is really No. 16. And just to remind you, this is my ranking of DMB concerts I've seen, starting with the "worst" and working my way to the best. So, here we go...

On some message boards, people will have you believe June 25, 2005, is one of the worst DMB shows in recent years. Well ... I don't disagree. And in hindsight, my opinion hasn't changed. That's why this show at Hersheypark is so far down on my list. The next night, though, ranks much higher -- maybe I'll get to that in a couple of years. (I kid, I kid ...)

Here's a look at the setlist:

Hunger For The Great Light
Dream Girl
Hello Again
Granny
Crash
Bartender
American Baby
When The World Ends
Louisiana Bayou
Lover Lay Down
Smooth Rider
Stand Up
Dancing Nancies
Stolen Away On 55th & 3rd
Tripping Billies
_________________
You Might Die Trying
What You Are

The fact that this show was heavy in "Stand Up" material doesn't bother me. It was to be expected. But starting the show with three new songs like that were disappointing, especially with the "Hunger" opening -- far and away my least favorite opening ever. Part of what made this show disappointing for me was the venue. Hersheypark in the football stands is not a good place to see a show. (The show the next year in the "floor" seating area is a completely different story for a later time.)

This show had some highlights -- "Granny" did get the crowd going, but things just seemed too up and down the whole night. It was nice to hear "Lover Lay Down," and it's sad to see that song such a rarity these days. And I'm certainly not complaining about "Nancies" or "Tripping Billies."

The encore was a bit blah. "YMDT" at that time was weak -- fortunately that song has evolved into a pretty good live song and finds itself usually early on in a set. "What You Are" is an excellent closer if, and only if, the rest of the set is solid. I'll take it if the rest of the show is above average. But this show wasn't ...

This show was the first night of two concerts two nights in a row for me -- the first time I had done that. And I'm so glad I did. The next night was at Nissan Pavilion in Northern Virginia and ranks in my top 10. Like I said, I'll get to that show eventually. Next up, and only slightly better than this Hershey show, a weird night at the now-defunct Veterans Stadium.

Tweet All About It

2009-02-18T21:43:00.003-05:00

As most DMB fans are aware, Dave is on Twitter. For those unfamiliar with Twitter, I'm not even going to try and explain it. :-) Anyway, after hearing of a delay in the new album, but concert dates already scheduled, I asked him this question on Twitter: "Will you play new songs at Cville or wait til the album comes out. A short yes or no PLEASE!?!?!?!"

And to my surprise he responded with a "Probably" answer. Pretty cool, huh?

Anyway, I'm disappointed to hear the CD is delayed, but I'm still looking forward to Charlottesville night two at John Paul Jones Arena in April. This time let's hope no trench coat man comes out at the end. I think DMB owes us a "Last Stop."

Also, I plan to get back to the point of this blog very soon ... I promise!

LeRoi, You're Not Forgotten

2009-02-09T21:46:00.002-05:00

As a general fan of music, I was pretty livid to find out that the Grammys didn't recognize LeRoi Moore during the annual tribute section. (Click here for details.)

Fortunately fans have message boards to honor LeRoi, but it's a sad state of affairs that the Grammys forgot about him. There doesn't seem to be a good explanation of it either. Afterall, DMB has won a Grammy before and been nominated more than once. LeRoi is a well-known musician in the music world. It also goes to show how awful the Grammys really are. I couldn't watch much after watching Whitney Houston's antics.

I'm gonna stay for a while ... eventually

2008-11-24T10:31:00.003-05:00

In case you're wondering, no, I didn't forget about this blog. I've had a lot going on in the past few months and with the death of LeRoi Moore, it seemed kind of odd to boast about my Dave Matthews Band experiences. I will eventually get back around to posting on here, but it still seems weird to me to reflect on such great times.

Meanwhile, I, like most DMB fans, still hold out hope on a new CD coming out in 2009.

Also, in case you don't know, Dave is on Twitter -- http://twitter.com/DaveJMatthews -- as is Stephan -- http://twitter.com/SLessard. If you're unfamiliar with Twitter, then you're missing out on one of the best new things on the Internet.

Every day should be a good day to die

2008-08-21T20:55:00.003-04:00

The lyrics of "You Never Know" sure are taking on a different meaning this week. Actually, I think I've always understood the meaning of this song, but it's really tough to listen to right now. At the same time, this all gives me a better appreciation of life and I can't get enough of the song.

There are lots of stupid comments out there about the future of the Dave Matthews Band. Listen ... no decisions need to be made right now. If they continue with the tour, I'm sure this is their way of heeling. If they complete the album they were working on, they're probably doing it for LeRoi. If they cancel concerts and scrap the album and then take a break ... or even break up for a few years, then that's fine. Just let the band do what it wants to do. Everyone copes with death differently, so just let them be. We can all agree that DMB will never be the same, but LeRoi can live on forever in their music ...

It'll never be the same...

2008-08-19T22:10:00.002-04:00

I'm at a loss of words right now after hearing that LeRoi Moore has passed away. There's part of me that hopes it's just a rumor, but when more than one source has it, it's likely true. I keep thinking right now about how I was actually at his last show ... he seemed to be enjoying himself more than previous tours. For now, though, the DMB world is in mourning.

#16: Victory Stadium, Roanoke

2008-08-01T11:48:00.004-04:00

It's very, very hard for me to put a 1998 show this low on my list, but a bad crowd, a horrible venue, a bad time of day and a setlist with strange songs (that would basically become classics and my favorites that same summer) all contributed to the April 18, 1998 show at Victory Stadium in Roanoke landing in this spot.

Here's a look at the set, which today looks pretty cool:

Jimi Thing
Satellite
Pantala Naga Pampa ...>
Rapunzel
Stay
Two Step
Crush ^
Lie In Our Graves
The Stone
The Last Stop
Typical Situation
Pig
Too Much
Don't Drink the Water
Tripping Billies
Encore:
Crash Into Me
So Much To Say

Notes:
^ Miss You was an outro sung by Dave. It’s the only appearance of the Miss You outro.

The night before the show, several college friends and I drove to Roanoke to stay in the now-defunct Howard Johnson. The next morning, we made an early trek to the gates -- this was a general admission show, so of course we had to be there several hours before it started. When the gates opened, there I was at the front. And then we waited for a few hours...

The show started at 2 p.m. with Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise. Um... I guess you could say they were OK. At 3:15, Bruce Hornsby came out and sang a few songs. He was, um ... disappointing. That's just the way it is, I guess. Then around 5 p.m., finally ... here they come ... my first ever full-band concert and they opened with one of my favorites, "Jimi Thing."

Then the crowd turned stupid. There were lots of people pushing, there was crowd surfing ... it was ridiculous, so after a few songs, I moved to the side, where the sound pretty much sucked.

There's really not too much else to say about this show. Since it started at 5 p.m., I thought maybe they'd have an extra long show, full of the yet-to-be-released songs off "Before These Crowded Streets" and their other classics to date, but it just didn't happen. It was just a regular-length show. I didn't really have a bad time, but it wasn't great either. I'll always be appreciative of the fact that I heard the song debuts of "Rapunzel," "Stay," "Crush," "The Stone," "The Last Stop" and "Pig." But with all the other elements, I just can't rank this show higher on the list. It's kind of strange considering how high the other 1998 shows are ... that you'll eventually read about.

Get Well, LeRoi

2008-07-19T10:02:00.002-04:00

No, I haven't forgotten about this blog - there's just a lot going on and I haven't had time to devote to all things Dave Matthews Band. This morning, though, I saw that LeRoi Moore is back in the hospital, so I wanted to take a minute to say: Get well LeRoi! I can't imagine seeing DMB without all five original band members out there, so I hope he gets better soon and can hit the road next summer.

Don't drink the water in my one sweet world

2008-07-07T09:27:00.005-04:00

At my most recent show - June 28 in Bristow - I heard "Don't Drink the Water" as an opener. Thanks to antsmarching.org, I easily know that I've heard this time three times as an opener, tying it with "One Sweet World" as the song I've heard the most as an opening song. It's really no surprise as these two songs have been the top openers over the years.

"What Would You Say" and "Rapunzel" have opened two shows. From there it drops off with popular songs such as "Two Step" and "Seek Up" opening once - both in 1998. My first full-band opener was "Jimi Thing" in 1998, but Boyd kind of messed that one up. The "rarest" opener has to be "Recently," which came at a Madison Square Garden show.

No matter what, the opening of a Dave Matthews Band show is always interesting. You really don't know what you're doing to get.

#17: Raleigh, N.C. (4/29/2001)

2008-07-03T10:27:00.006-04:00

It's impossible to say I've been to a "bad" Dave Matthews band concert. But I have walked away from a show or two and said, "I'm done with DMB concerts for a while." On April 29, 2001, in Raleigh, N.C., that was the case. Thus begins my experiences of worst to best DMB concerts.

This was one of those shows that would have been better if I had gone to the previous day's concert. I would've gotten a "#41" opener, a mid-set "All Along the Watchtower" and a "Tripping Billies" closer. Instead I got this, which isn't too bad I guess:

One Sweet World
When the World Ends
Angel
Don't Drink the Water
Warehouse
Satellite
If I Had It All
Crash Into Me
Jimi Thing
Anyone Seen the Bridge? ...>
Too Much
Everyday
The Space Between
What You Are
I Did It ...>
Ants Marching
Encore:
Angel From Montgomery
JTR

Dmband.com road notes from this show: "Just got done with our second show in Raleigh. The band played a great show mixing some old standards with a bunch of new material. Boyd had an exceptional night steppin' out front on a few tunes as well as leading a rarely heard "Angel From Montgomery.'"

What made this concert my "worst" is a combination of things. On paper this looks OK, but I was highly disappointed in the encore. At the time, I had never heard either song, but to this day I still think "JTR" is not a good closer. It's a great opener or a mid-set song. Not a closer.

The biggest problem with the show might come from what happened personally. I went with my friend Liz, who showed up to my place late. We had a two-hour commute, we sat in traffic close to the venue and then had to wait in line for the bathroom. When we got to the top of the lawn, it was impossible to get very close. All my other lawn experiences had been to sit fairly close, so I was very disappointed in the view. Interestingly enough, this would be the last of my lawn experiences.

Music wise, this concert was early in the tour, so the new "Everyday" songs hadn't evolved yet. Many fans will say some of these songs never evolved, but I beg to differ. I think it was just a mistake to go to a show so early in the tour of a CD release year. I hadn't really learned the songs either, so much of what I was hearing was kind of foreign to me.

But like I said at the beginning, it's tough to say I've been to a "bad" DMB show. This was my first show since September 1999 and sixth full-band show, so I think I was just hoping for something better. Interestingly enough, I didn't go to another show for more than a year after my experience in Raleigh. That's for another post likely not too long from now ...

Sometimes it takes a Jimi Thing ...

2008-07-02T11:57:00.005-04:00

Instead of starting with the "worst," I want to start with one my most favorite concert experiences ever -- Feb. 6, 1997. It was my first time seeing Dave Matthews and years later I realized how lucky I was to see a Dave & Tim Reynolds show.

This show was at Burruss Auditorium at Virginia Tech. I went with my friends Joel (a high school friend who was attending Tech), Grace (a friend from Lynchburg College) and Neil (an old friend from high school) -- each of us seeing Dave for the first time. Our seats were near the back, so the sound wasn't the best. But I'll never forget that the first song I heard was "Lie In Our Graves." With the "Crash" CD coming out the year before, "Lie In Our Graves" was one of my favorite songs at the time.

Here's a look at the set:
Lie In Our Graves
Dancing Nancies
#41
Granny
Crazy
Recently
Let You Down
The Song That Jane Likes
Two Step
Say Goodbye
Jimi Thing ...>
What Will Become of Me
Cryptorchid
So Much To Say
Crash Into Me
One Sweet World
Too Much
Proudest Monkey ...>
Satellite
Little Thing
Stream
Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago ...>
Minarets ...>
Dream I Killed God (Tease) ...>
Typical Situation
Tripping Billies
I'll Back You Up
Ants Marching
Encore:
Warehouse

The highlight of the show how to be when "Jimi Thing" was played -- nearly everyone in the back of the auditorium made their way toward the front. Dave politely told everyone to return to their seats, but several people -- including myself -- lined the walls and stayed fairly close to the front the rest of the show. Unfortunately, since this was 11-plus years ago, the rest of the details are a bit sketchy. It's one of those deals in which I know I had a good time, I remember bits and pieces, but all the dots don't quite connect. I do remember Tim Reynolds ripping it up and I remember how bad I wanted to see a full-band show at the time. Little did I know that experience was still more than a year away.

It's interesting to note in looking at dmbalmanac.com that "Warehouse" was in the encore 28 out of 29 shows that winter. DMB has become known for its variety of setlists and really mixing it up, so if the same song closed every show today fans would be in an uproar, even if it is a great song like "Warehouse." The same can almost be said for the "LIOG" opener -- that song opened 15 shows that winter. You can click here for even more stats about that tour.

Hey my friend ...

2008-07-01T19:54:00.000-04:00

When I tell friends how many Dave Matthews Band concerts I've been to, I often get this strange blank stare. It's like they're saying, "Really? Are you f'ing crazy?" If only they knew that lots of crazed fans out there have seen many, many, many more shows than me.

When I recently visited antsmarching.org -- a very large DMB fan Web site -- I came across a lot of negativity. There were just too many "fans" bitching about songs the band plays, how long concerts were lasting, what was or wasn't played in the encore, etc., etc. This past weekend when I was at my 17th full-band show, I blocked all those things out of my mind and just had a good time.

That got me to thinking -- I have never documented my thoughts after concerts. I did a little bit on MySpace a couple of years ago, but it really wasn't much. So after 17 shows -- 19 counting two Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds concerts -- I've done what I never thought I would do ... I have ranked my concert experiences in order of "worst" to best.

Thus comes the purpose of this blog. In order of worst to best shows, I'll post about my experiences. Maybe it'll help friends and family understand my obsession a little better. I can't promise there won't be negativity along the way, but for the most part this will be a positive blog. In addition to posts about the concerts, I'll have various other personal DMB stats along the way. I can't just post about concerts -- that'll make this blog have a very short life. The hope is for this to continue for a while.

As a side note, the Dave & Tim concerts are not ranked, but I will throw in two random posts to discuss those two shows. D&T shows are just totally different from full-band shows and just don't fit into being ranked.

Lastly, it feels kind of odd to be starting this blog shortly after LeRoi Moore was hospitalized. The good news is LeRoi appears to be on his road to recovery after an ATV accident near Charlottesville. For now, I send along my get well wishes.