Dave Matthews may be unsure about the existence of God, but there's one universal entity that he truly believes in. Love. For every deep, dark, and searching lyric, outlining Matthew's profound uncertainty in an all-knowing being, there is an equally deep, but light and promising phrase, describing love as a power greater than all of us. Dave subscribes to the belief that this unifying emotion can heal our wounds and bring us together in a transformative way. And because we all come equipped with the capacity to love, we need search no further than ourselves to experience that which transcends us all. What a stunning paradox.Dave Matthews may be unsure about the existence of God, but there's one universal entity that he truly believes in. Love. For every deep, dark, and searching lyric, outlining Matthew's profound uncertainty in an all-knowing being, there is an equally deep, but light and promising phrase, describing love as a power greater than all of us. Dave subscribes to the belief that this unifying emotion can heal our wounds and bring us together in a transformative way. And because we all come equipped with the capacity to love, we need search no further than ourselves to experience that which transcends us all. What a stunning paradox.
UPDATE: 07/07/09
This issue of Relix is now available. If you can't find a copy you can order a copy directly from Relix. Click Here to order.
Relix also released a podcast of DMB music for your listening pleasure. The whole podcast track list consists of:
- Seek Up - 6/23/93
- Heathcliff's Haiku Warriors - 3/23/93
- Halloween - 12/22/92
- Blue Water Baboon Farm - 8/19/93
- All Along The Watchtower - 12/30/95
- Mother Father - 5/18/01
- People People - 8/91 "Granny's Basement" demo
- Jimi Thing (jam) - 5/13/92
- Pay For What You Get - 5/10/95
- Redemption Song - 6/91 "Granny's Basement" demo
Dave Matthews Band will be featured on the cover of the July 2009 issue of Relix Magazine. This is the second magazine cover that DMB has been on this year as promotion continues for their new studio album, "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" which has been selling very well in it's first week.
One of the best parts of being at a Dave Matthews Band concert is the way that anticipation gives way to surprise when an unforeseen song is presented. Since we are not privy to the night's set-list beforehand, it's always a treat to hear something unexpected. But even with tunes that aren't high on the rarity index, DMB still finds a way to make every performance unique; otherwise we wouldn't need 98 versions of “Ants Marching” on our ipods, would we? Perhaps one of the most meaningful variations can be found in the impromptu introductions to certain melodies. While researching here on DBTP, I found that Chris, our tireless administrator, took the time to document 12 years of “Two Step” intros (1996-2008)! And after looking through them, I discovered some fascinating patterns that offer a glimpse into the mysterious mind of Dave himself.
Dave Matthews Band continues to work steady with Reverb and Eco-Village through the Bama Green Project to help educate and encourage fans to take action towards a more sustainable future by "going green".
This year, as the band has done in past years you will find Eco-Village tents set up at venues where donations can be made as well as various contests and giveaways. Pickuppal is still available to fans looking for a ride to shows.
What else does DMB want you to do to support the environmental causes?
Today in London, England, the Dave Matthews Band kicked off their 11 date European portion of the Summer 2009 tour. The intimate show at the Brixton Academy, seating only 4921 people boasted a great set, opening with “Rapunzel” and featuring many “Big Whiskey” treasures, along with old favorites like “The Stone,” “Jimi Thing,” "Two Step," and "Grey Street." After England, the ensemble will travel to France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, The Netherlands, and Spain, before wrapping it up on July 11th in Lisbon, Portugal. While we may think of DMB as mainly an American touring group, these musicians are no stranger to the other side of the big seas. Since their European debut of 11 dates in 1995, these men have made numerous trips to Europe, South America, and Australia, performing at festivals, free events, and small and large venues alike.
Part of what gives the Dave Matthews Band their unique flair is their belief in abundance vs. scarcity. From day one, they have openly encouraged taping at their shows, knowing that these recordings will only further their following. Ticket prices have remained considerably lower than those of similarly popular artists, and the fee for membership in their fan club is a mere $35 per year, which allows enthusiasts advanced purchasing of tickets prior to public sale, among other perks. Unlike many musicians, they have never condemned internet downloading of their work. Instead of greedily protecting their output, they have essentially given listeners a golden key to their treasures. Clearly, the members are not suffering financially from these decisions. Rather, their generosity has served to fuel the flame, exposing the masses to their genius. I love to see successful ventures built on this foundation. It reminds us that the path to the top doesn't have to be littered with the misfortune of others.
Earlier this week, the first video release from “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King” debuted. The 4 minute and 30 second clip, directed by DMB lighting designer Fenton Williams and Jeff Crane, sets “Funny the Way It Is” to a series of strange and animated movements by Dave himself. Parts of the production are reminiscent of the “Eh Hee” video where Dave sat in a chair, enduring all manner of liquids and towels being rubbed onto his face while he experienced a variety of emotions and seemingly uncontrollable ticks. In this newest output, Dave is again undergoing messy spills on his head and even being blindfolded with a mask. While I would bet that Dave would explain these tactics as humor inducing, it also occurs to me that this kind of treatment goes along with his self-deprecating nature. Never taking himself too seriously, Dave is always one to point out his own silliness. In the recent interview with Matt Pinfield, while discussing the phrase, “I like my coffee with toast and jelly, but I'd rather be licking from your back to your belly,” Dave admits that in writing sexual lyrics he tries to keep things a little “ridiculous” and “self-deprecating” in order to lighten the mood.
Spinner.com posted the premiere of Dave Matthews Band new music video for "Funny The Way It Is". DMB had been working on portions of a video a few weeks ago in New York City (not likely to be this one, but for another song).
The video directed by Fenton Williams and Jeff Crane portrays a very similar style to that of the "Eh Hee" video that Dave Matthews made in 2007.
Watch the Video: Funny The Way It Is