DMB – Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
June 11th, 2009
Because everyone has to have a slightly obsessive love for Dave Matthews like I do, I’m sure everyone has already listened to their first studio album in 4 years–Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. As a long time fan, I have mixed feelings about the effort. There is a lot to be happy about. I can’t wait to hear a lot of these songs live this summer, and I still can appreciate the craftsmanship and general rock edge while still being the Dave Matthews Band. Tim Reynolds is front and center with his electric guitar and most all the songs have that edge. The acoustic guitar normally promonent in all DMB songs takes a backseat; I don’t think I heard any of Dave’s typical acoustic stylings. And really, they let Beauford loose. That man drums his heart out and drums harder than I think I”ve heard from him on a studio album in quite some time.
But there is still an emotional emptiness that comes through the impact of losing a founding member. You clearly can’t avoid the fact that these men are coping with the loss of their friend and brother, but it leaves you occasionally unsettled. ”Time Bomb” really stands out as this haunting, tortured track that concludes with Dave Matthews abandoning his occassionally wispy vocals for a strong, nearly screaming “I want to believe in Jesus”.
On a related note, but only barely, try to google some of the album art. The inside leaf is stunningly decorated with dream-like images of a lush New-Orleans parade, with an fantastical image of LeRoi as the center float.
In summary, excellent CD–not for those who don’t have some understanding of the kind of music and band that the Dave Matthews Band does
2. Shake Me Like a Monkey
3. Funny the Way It Is
4. Lying in the Hands of God
5. Why I Am
6. Dive In
7. Spaceman
8. Squirm
9. Alligator Pie
10. Seven
11. Time Bomb
12. Baby Blue
13. You and Me
Give the CD a listen. Come on, you know you want to. 
–Just “K” or Lady Downstairs from The Backseat, Saturdays 4-6pm
Posted by Lady Downstairs
2 Comments »
September 6th, 2009 at 10:16 am
dave matthews voice always reminds me of my baby sister.
when my brothers and sisters and i got into the car to drive home after our first visit from my baby sister (who is now 10), Crush was playing, and from then on every time i hear DMB, i get the feeling i had the day i met another one of the loves of my life. which was this serene blissful feeling that only a love drunk first encounter with a brand new family member could deliver.
the CD was definitely great new addition to the DMB Legend ^_^
September 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am
ya