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.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.
This week in the Florida Keys, a sick sea turtle swam to the entrance of the only hospital in the world that is solely licensed to treat sea turtles. After giving the turtle some space, staff members treated him for a bacterial infection, and will continue to monitor him until he is well enough to be re-released into the ocean. To some this may seem like a happy coincidence, but to those of us who believe that everything happens for a reason, this is just another example of the magic of the Universe. Granted, many readers might dismiss this logic as too happy-go-lucky, especially when so many of our hopes and dreams don't actually pan out. But that's where serendipity steps in. Instead of getting what we hoped for, we end up with what is truly meant to be.Whether this paradigm suits you or not, there's no denying that The Dave Matthews Band is where they are meant to be.
Yesterday, a goat appeared in my backyard. For some of you country folk this may not seem like a big deal, but for me, my husband, and my two cats, it was as if JFK rose from the dead. I think it was the way that the goat appeared out of nowhere, baaahhhing loudly down the stone steps that lead to our backyard, followed closely by a frantic neighbor, that made such an impact. Before the goat emerged the only sounds to be heard were the wind rustling through the trees and an occasional peck from our resident woodpecker, Red. And just as quickly and surprisingly as the goat materialized, he was gone, with the frantic neighbor still in tow. Call it obsession, delirium, or just being a hugely devoted fan, but this fleeting encounter actually reminded me of the Dave Matthews Band.
Last night, something spectacular happened. Something that I've been anticipating for as long as I can remember. I finally met Dave Matthews!!! Okay, so it was only a dream, but even so I feel like the last DMB fan in the Universe to experience this phenomenon. Even my husband, a converted enthusiast, already had the pleasure of meeting Dave in his dreams, so I was clearly overdue. I don't remember much of the dream, except that Dave was cool, calm, and relaxed, while I was neurotically trying to get a picture with him. When I woke up, I wondered whether my dream image of Dave was anything like the real thing or solely my own projection. That's the thing about dreams, they really are about us. Every person in the dream is actually a part of us, whether we are aware of said part or not. It's often easy for us to identify with the dreamer, or dream ego, but we have a harder time seeing our likeness in the other players that emerge in our sleep. Dreams offer a wealth of personal information to those with an open mind, a courageous heart, and a will to listen. So, who's the Dave in YOUR dreams?
On April 20th, the Dave Matthews Band will celebrate 18 years since their very first show at Meade Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. Not many bands enjoy this kind of longevity while continuing to dazzle millions of concert-goers year after year. While the explanations behind this phenomenon are as diverse as the individuals who profess them, there is one element central to the plethora of theories out there: The Dave Matthews Band offers fans an experience that enriches them in some way, leaving them with more than they had before. The music finds its way into the depth of our beings and changes us from the inside out. This is a change that may only be noticeable to those closest to us, but it is there for any sensitive eye to see.
As we're all reeling in anticipation of the Spring tour, the new album, and now the Summer tour, there are many questions that are spinning through the minds of DMB fans. Will the album really be delivered on June 2nd, as promised? How many new tunes will be played during the Spring tour, now that the record has been delayed? Generously, Dave offered a little insight on this one when he twittered, “We should probably play some new stuff. Don't you think? Practice a little,” but that still leaves many inquiries unanswered. How are we going to familiarize ourselves with the new songs before the shows? Where are the TBA venues? How will the recording process continue after the tour begins? And so on. Luckily, in the midst of all this unknown, there is one thing for certain. Regardless of what and where they play, the essence of all that is DMB will emerge like a knight in shining armor to sweep us off our feet once again. So, just what is it that sets DMB apart from all the rest, and makes them capable of such daring feats?
Lately, I've been thinking about the idea of foreshadowing, in the sense that I think it happens more than we realize. Those of us that are readers will recognize the term as that which signifies what is to come in a story. But if we look around, we can find clues everywhere about events that are yet to happen. I'll generously spare you my theory on how this works in everyday life, but there's one place where I think the dynamics might be of interest to you.