Two nights ago in Pelham, Alabama, The Dave Matthews Band almost played “Blue Water”, a song which has not been performed since July 3rd, 2003. Two nights before that in Charlottesville, Virginia the band dangled “The Last Stop,” which hasn't been heard live since September 12th, 2006. Fans of DMB are not strangers to song teases. According to dmbalmanac.com, the band has been playing partial songs since the early 1990's, although less often than now. In the early days, mostly cover songs and the occasional “Dancing Nancies” were baited. Later, songs like “Proudest Monkey” and “Kind Intentions” started to enjoy some teases. More recently, “#40” seems to be the song of choice for taunting the crowd. Luckily, we had a more complete “#40” last summer in Saratoga Springs, after which Dave mused, “I keep workin' on it. Hoping it will come back...” which speaks to the way in which works take on a life of their own once they have sprung from the artist's psyche. The song will only come back if she wants to; all Dave can do is try. But this is hardly the only reason for the infamous song teases of DMB.Two nights ago in Pelham, Alabama, The Dave Matthews Band almost played “Blue Water”, a song which has not been performed since July 3rd, 2003. Two nights before that in Charlottesville, Virginia the band dangled “The Last Stop,” which hasn't been heard live since September 12th, 2006. Fans of DMB are not strangers to song teases. According to dmbalmanac.com, the band has been playing partial songs since the early 1990's, although less often than now. In the early days, mostly cover songs and the occasional “Dancing Nancies” were baited. Later, songs like “Proudest Monkey” and “Kind Intentions” started to enjoy some teases. More recently, “#40” seems to be the song of choice for taunting the crowd. Luckily, we had a more complete “#40” last summer in Saratoga Springs, after which Dave mused, “I keep workin' on it. Hoping it will come back...” which speaks to the way in which works take on a life of their own once they have sprung from the artist's psyche. The song will only come back if she wants to; all Dave can do is try. But this is hardly the only reason for the infamous song teases of DMB.This week, the Dave Matthews Band revealed the complete “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King” album cover. After much anticipation, we now have all 9 pieces of the puzzle including 8 individual images, along with a ninth drawing which integrates the works into a complete portrait. In two previous articles, we have explored the symbolism behind pictures 1-3, and 4-6, respectively. This article will focus on pictures 7-8, before taking a look at the final gestalt. The fact that the band released the images in such a unique way, has certainly given us an opportunity to delve deeply into the many layers of interpretation. And now that the final image is on display, we have an even clearer view of the artworks' intended meaning. It occurs to me that the album will provide a similar experience, in that we will be treated to each musician's contribution both individually, and completely, as a unit.
In picture 7, we have 2 white horses pulling a cart. Their feet are in the mud, which could symbolize either being stuck or laboring with much effort. They are also wearing blinders, which is customary for these types of working horses, but it can also point to the enduring focus that the band may have needed in order to complete this album.
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In picture 7, we have 2 white horses pulling a cart. Their feet are in the mud, which could symbolize either being stuck or laboring with much effort. They are also wearing blinders, which is customary for these types of working horses, but it can also point to the enduring focus that the band may have needed in order to complete this album.
New York City and Madison Square Garden provides an undeniable energy and both the band and the fans were ready to get this tour off and running.
Dave Matthews Band kicked off the 2009 Spring Tour at Madison Square Garden on April 14th with an exciting set list!
"Why I am still here dancing with the GrooGrux King", a lyric from the new song "Why I Am". One of three new songs from "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" that were played. Prior to performing "Why I Am", Dave Matthews said that this song was LeRoi's favorite while recording in the studio. "Spaceman" and first single "Funny The Way It Is" were also played and were well received by the MSG crowd.
Download Audio of all three new songs in our 2009 MP3 Highlights.
Find the Full Show in Lossless on our forum and New Song Lyrics.
On April 14th, Dave Matthews Band fans got their first official taste of Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, with the radio release of the first new single, “Funny the Way it is.” Both Dave and Stefan posted the link to the free download on twitter. The song features an upbeat rhythm with lyrics depicting some of life's paradoxes:
Funny the way it is,
if you think about it.
One kid walks ten miles to school,
another's dropping out.
Funny the way it is,
not right or wrong.
On a soldier's last breath,
a baby is being born.
In anticipation of the new album, “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King,” the Dave Matthews Band has been giving fans a taste of what's to come, by showing us the album's artwork, piece by piece. In the previous article, the symbolism of the first three pictures was explored. As you may recall, it was noted that there were 9 people in the first picture, 9 being the most sacred number of all. Interestingly, it turns out that there are 9 pictures in total. This article will focus on pictures 4-6, and a forthcoming article will discuss 7-9.
In the fourth picture, we have the same Mardi Gras theme with a carefree, bathing-suit clad woman holding a wine glass and celebrating. One of the themes that I find so fascinating about all of these pictures, is the paradox between celebration and despair, life and death. Although we may think of these as polar opposites, they are actually more related than we realize. In fact, a synonym for the word celebrate is to honor or memorialize. Again, bringing forth the fact that this project is a tribute to fallen band member, LeRoi Moore.
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In the fourth picture, we have the same Mardi Gras theme with a carefree, bathing-suit clad woman holding a wine glass and celebrating. One of the themes that I find so fascinating about all of these pictures, is the paradox between celebration and despair, life and death. Although we may think of these as polar opposites, they are actually more related than we realize. In fact, a synonym for the word celebrate is to honor or memorialize. Again, bringing forth the fact that this project is a tribute to fallen band member, LeRoi Moore.
UPDATE 04/13/09: Check out dmband.com!
Put the puzzle pieces together and see the full album cover!
UPDATE 04/10/09: More artwork has made it's way on to the DMB page, entitled "whiskey 2", however even more art work leaked and now it seems we have all but 1 image that will make up the album cover for "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King". For now this is what was intended to be seen.
UPDATE 04/09/09: Another piece of artwork made it's way on to DMB's official website. Maybe another piece of the puzzle? Could there be multiple album covers for the new album, "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King"?
04/08/09
Could this be the new album cover art for Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King?
This image was posted both on Dave Matthews Band official website as well as their Facebook page, yet there is currently no other info provided at this time.
It is very likely that this is the new album cover. Dave Matthews twittered a couple weeks ago: "I'm scribbling the cover art", although it is unknown how much of it is actually Dave's work.
The image has a very New Orleans feel to it. DMB spent a few months in NOLA finishing up the new album at Piety Street Studios.
With this image on the official DMB website we are sure to find out if this is truly the new album cover and likely more news to follow...
See Previous artwork
When Summer tour dates were announced in February, there were a couple to be announced (TBA) dates on that list. Fenway Park was the first TBA date to be confirmed for May 29-30th. The other TBA date is San Francisco, CA on August 29th.
The artist lineup for San Fransico's Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival was announced today and multiple sources confirm Dave Matthews Band as one the headliners to perform at the festival.
This is the second year for the Outside Lands festival and will include other additional artists Pearl Jam and The Beastie Boys headlining as well as Modest Mouse, the Mars Volta, Black Eyed Peas, Ween, Thievery Corporation, Incubus and Jason Mraz.
The festival will take place from August 28-30th at Golden Gate Park. Dave Matthews Band will headline the festival on August 29th.
Recently there's been a wealth of news arising in anticipation of “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King.” Along with several song titles, we are also being given a taste of some artwork related to the new album. At the time of this writing, three pictures have surfaced, all of which have a very distinct New Orleans, Mardi Gras feel to them. The pieces are creating substantial buzz in the DMB community, with fans wondering what the works mean. Let me first say, that analyzing artwork is a hugely subjective and projective endeavor, with interpretations varying widely depending on the person doing the review. With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts on the recent pictures. Remember, the forum is always open and welcoming to differing points of view.
In the first picture, there is a bird that seems to have been released by a man on the roof. Interestingly, the bird's shape is a cross (which can be interpreted in a religious way, or as a symbol of the four directions), and looks like a dove.
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In the first picture, there is a bird that seems to have been released by a man on the roof. Interestingly, the bird's shape is a cross (which can be interpreted in a religious way, or as a symbol of the four directions), and looks like a dove.