I read an article in the NY Times today: Cost of Wars a Rising Issue as Obama Weighs Troop Levels
Right off the bat, the article hits upon the topic of most concern to me and I'm guess a whole lot of other American citizens right about now.
How can we justify cutting spending, increasing taxes or raising the debt ceiling when $120 billion is being spent in Afghanistan this year alone?
This is precisely the point I attempted to make via a sloppy, reactionary Twitter feed during the CNN GOP debate in New Hampshire a couple of weeks ago. There's a ton of talk about the struggling economy, the ever fluctuating stock market, the stagnant housing market, the job market, etc. These are the things that are affecting Americans the hardest and most noticeably. Job security is important, but it's not a luxury a lot of Americans enjoy. The cost of living is only going up. Federal cuts to higher education are causing enormous tuition increases across the nation. At the University of Washington, and expected 20% tuition increase is expected to take effect next year.
We're told money can't buy us happiness. Well, lack of money sure can cause a whole lot of strife.
The American military is doing too much. A country that's suffering economically can't try to revive an entire country that has no economy, infrastructure, or even stable government. We've got to get our troops moving out, get our money back into the U.S. and figure out how to save our citizens at home before we try to save the world.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Grand 'Ole Party
Here is the first 30 min. of last nights NH GOP debate:
If you're at all interested in politics and how the 2012 Presidential election could play out, this first GOP debate of many to come was an interesting first look at the field of candidates. Being ideologically liberal, I have very few (if any) opinions that align with the Republican party, but I want to give my reaction to how the candidates dealt with the questions posed. I'll reserve my political opinions for a future post. Information is my fuel, politics a hobby. Here's my reaction to the debate:
I was amused, horrified, confused and annoyed through a majority of the debate. I expected to watch Romney field criticisms from his competitors, Gingrich to spiral into an unimpressive, disappointing mess, and a lot of sucking up to those red blooded, God fearing Americans.
Well, there certainly was sucking up.
However, nobody laid a finger on Romney. Pawlenty even had the opportunity served to him on a silver platter, and he sheepishly refused to explain his "Obamney-care" statements from the weekend prior. Here's what I think happened. Romney is a front-runner. Maybe THE front-runner. He spent his time debating Obama rather than his fellow candidates. He's got that superhero-esque jaw, presidential hairline. He's charismatic.
And apparently perfected the ability to stare his competition into silence.
I'm guessing the other candidates looked at '08, saw that Biden was the only one to not piss off Obama and followed suit for a shot at the ticket. Let's play nice.
Blah, boring.
I was rather appalled at Gingrich drawing a loose comparison of Nazis, Communists and Muslims. I think I get what he was trying to get at, but it really just made him sound like a bigot. Same for you, Mr. Cain and your remark about the "Muslims who are trying to kill us."
Bachmann worked the crowd, garnering annoying applause at every turn. She's like a scarier, more competent version of Sarah Palin. And she successfully announced (twice I believe) her ability to raise more than two dozen children. An extremely important quality I want in my President.
(Does sarcasm translate to text?)
I was basically bored to death every time Pawlenty spoke. I couldn't take Santorum seriously, because there's something about his face that makes me want to punch it.
Ron Paul unleashed his Libertarian, socially liberal views to an unforgiving, stuffy crowd, interested in God, America and God.
Basically, I was entertained until I was outraged.
I've always had a hard time trying on the point of view of a Republican because my views are so different. My Twitter feed from the evening reflects my snarky, bitchy point of view peppered with my political ideals. I'll follow this bunch of GOPers until the election, just so I can know how badly Obama really needs to get re-elected.
Step into the year 2011, Republican candidates. Taxes are good. Gay marriage isn't a government issue. Neither is abortion. Energy security is important. Can't we just all be friends?
Well, there certainly was sucking up.
However, nobody laid a finger on Romney. Pawlenty even had the opportunity served to him on a silver platter, and he sheepishly refused to explain his "Obamney-care" statements from the weekend prior. Here's what I think happened. Romney is a front-runner. Maybe THE front-runner. He spent his time debating Obama rather than his fellow candidates. He's got that superhero-esque jaw, presidential hairline. He's charismatic.
And apparently perfected the ability to stare his competition into silence.
I'm guessing the other candidates looked at '08, saw that Biden was the only one to not piss off Obama and followed suit for a shot at the ticket. Let's play nice.
Blah, boring.
I was rather appalled at Gingrich drawing a loose comparison of Nazis, Communists and Muslims. I think I get what he was trying to get at, but it really just made him sound like a bigot. Same for you, Mr. Cain and your remark about the "Muslims who are trying to kill us."
Bachmann worked the crowd, garnering annoying applause at every turn. She's like a scarier, more competent version of Sarah Palin. And she successfully announced (twice I believe) her ability to raise more than two dozen children. An extremely important quality I want in my President.
(Does sarcasm translate to text?)
I was basically bored to death every time Pawlenty spoke. I couldn't take Santorum seriously, because there's something about his face that makes me want to punch it.
Ron Paul unleashed his Libertarian, socially liberal views to an unforgiving, stuffy crowd, interested in God, America and God.
Basically, I was entertained until I was outraged.
I've always had a hard time trying on the point of view of a Republican because my views are so different. My Twitter feed from the evening reflects my snarky, bitchy point of view peppered with my political ideals. I'll follow this bunch of GOPers until the election, just so I can know how badly Obama really needs to get re-elected.
Step into the year 2011, Republican candidates. Taxes are good. Gay marriage isn't a government issue. Neither is abortion. Energy security is important. Can't we just all be friends?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Anonymity is Toxic
I've been spending too much time on Twitter, the "dumpster of the internet" I once heard a certain @mr_pancakes put it. And it really does live up to that name, at times.
I use Twitter as an opportunity to share my take on the world through the lens of someone who finds humor in almost anything. I try to be upbeat, light and funny. I'm sure my constant barrage of Tweets gets annoying for some of my followers, but it keeps me entertained. And that's really what it's about, right? Entertainment... right?
I'm going to preface my point by stating that I'm a generally optimistic person. I choose to see the best in people. I tend to always assume everyone's intentions are basically good.
BUT...
Twitter, that impersonal, anonymous beast of social networking, has started to really bother me. People are crazy mean there. They're rude, hateful, ignorant, and looking to pick fights. A part of me is thankful nobody really gives me the time of day on Twitter. I don't really have to worry about "backlash" for anything I post. I tend to keep my opinions about politics and sensitive issues here. And probably for the better.
The anonymity of Twitter is toxic.
The capacity people have to be cruel is amplified when they don't have to be personally responsible for the consequences of their cruelty. Basically, you can be a horrible bastard on Twitter and it really doesn't matter.
Seeing too much of that evil only makes me cynical.
I choose to follow people who are entertaining. I like crude, obnoxious humor. I don't like crude, obnoxious people. There's a difference, people.
Blah, I've been drinking too much Jameson.
Also, I've just discovered Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is on Netflix Instant. Do yourself a favor and watch that shit now.
#ff @pattonoswalt @Tony_Cala @mr_pancakes @zyoungs108 @DamonLindelof @AlecBaldwin
I use Twitter as an opportunity to share my take on the world through the lens of someone who finds humor in almost anything. I try to be upbeat, light and funny. I'm sure my constant barrage of Tweets gets annoying for some of my followers, but it keeps me entertained. And that's really what it's about, right? Entertainment... right?
I'm going to preface my point by stating that I'm a generally optimistic person. I choose to see the best in people. I tend to always assume everyone's intentions are basically good.
BUT...
Twitter, that impersonal, anonymous beast of social networking, has started to really bother me. People are crazy mean there. They're rude, hateful, ignorant, and looking to pick fights. A part of me is thankful nobody really gives me the time of day on Twitter. I don't really have to worry about "backlash" for anything I post. I tend to keep my opinions about politics and sensitive issues here. And probably for the better.
The anonymity of Twitter is toxic.
The capacity people have to be cruel is amplified when they don't have to be personally responsible for the consequences of their cruelty. Basically, you can be a horrible bastard on Twitter and it really doesn't matter.
Seeing too much of that evil only makes me cynical.
I choose to follow people who are entertaining. I like crude, obnoxious humor. I don't like crude, obnoxious people. There's a difference, people.
Blah, I've been drinking too much Jameson.
Also, I've just discovered Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is on Netflix Instant. Do yourself a favor and watch that shit now.
#ff @pattonoswalt @Tony_Cala @mr_pancakes @zyoungs108 @DamonLindelof @AlecBaldwin
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
America's Broken
And now its gone.
This particular story rings especially true for myself. About two years ago, my brother and I received an inheritance. I chose to pay for college, my brother invested his money to open up a business with our step-dad. It was his dream to own and operate a LAN center (a place to play video games), so he started collaborating. A long, drawn out two years later, the guys opened their doors.
It was his dream.
Shortly thereafter, my brother discovered the time and effort that goes into a new business was beyond what he could deal with. He was away from his girlfriend. He was broke and he wasn't making money. So he left. He left our-step dad to deal with the whole thing on his own. At this point, the business was already struggling, and his departure made things worse. Long story short, we're looking for a buyer.
Financially, the business was a bust for all involved. My mom's roped into the mess just as much as the boys. Personally, I find it difficult to remove the emotions I have regarding the business. I should feel lucky though, I have no money tied up in a failing business. I sympathize, but at the same time, feel that familiar, ugly "I-told-you-so" voice in the back of my mind.
Without going too much into the situation (so not worth it anyway), I guess the point I'm trying to make is the economy is tough. This isn't new, you say. True, but for me, the realization about how tough it really is just hit me.
It actually baffles me.
I see so many knowledgable, intelligent, well-grounded people with policy ideas and improvements. But how can radical policy change take place in such a static, unalterable system? No matter the promises politicians make, how can the follow through in a political landscape filled with extreme partisanship?
Cynicism at its finest, front and center.
The first step on the road to change has got to be structural from within. If the system doesn't change, policy won't change. Before structural change is even possible, we must be willing to accept the reality that the way the government has been operating doesn't work. Accept this, and be willing to step into the idea that altering our system may leave us with something fundamentally un-American.I really appreciated the way Alec Baldwin put it via Twitter:
Raise taxes and certain fees. Trouble is, when we're done, that country may not look like America any more.
We face one great fact, in my opinion. And that is that once we address that debt, cut the necessary spending
US debt is $63 trillion, according to today's USA Today. Over half a mill per citizen.
"Trouble is, when we're done, that country may not look like America anymore"
The real fear for Americans lies in a truth that's been ignored by many. We're slipping behind. If you're reading this and you're an American, you've enjoyed living in a country that is globally influential and relevant, a world power. But the world is changing. And it seems to me our remedy is ignorance.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Fall of the State Park
While browsing the New York Times online, I stumbled across a familiar picture, Deception Pass, a State Park in my fair state of Washington. I was excited to see our beautiful park featured on the Times, but then I began reading the article:
In State Parks, the Sharpest Ax Is the Budget’s
 |
| Tillamook State Park, OR |
In Washington state, the government has been able to keep our state parks free and open to the public for visit. However in a majority of states across the country, it costs a fee to be able to enter parks. It looks like Washington's state parks have held out as long as they could. Starting July 1st, it'll cost $10 for a daily visit, or $30 for an annual pass.
Another victim of budget cuts. Blah.
First of all, I despise the phrase budget cuts. Being a student at the University of Washington has made me all the more aware of how reckless government spending, overly beefed-up defense spending, and tax cuts cause suffering to the most important sectors of our country, like higher education.
I suppose in the grand scheme of things, state parks don't have the same clout as higher education. However, state parks are important nonetheless.
In today's world, I really have no idea how many people really make a point to visit state parks. To me, being in nature, removed from the city, cut off from technology, cooking dinner on a fire, sleeping outside, is simplest form of happiness. I know camping isn't what a lot of people consider fun, but I think everyone could benefit from reconnecting with nature once in a while.
 |
| Mt. Rainer Nat'l Park, WA |
At the risk of sounding like a raging hippie (trust me, I'm not, I just live in Seattle), a no technology allowed camping trip could make the country a happier place. Learn to enjoy nature for what it is, void of the constant stimulation of our computer screens and cell phones. State parks are the perfect catalyst.
Now that Washington state parks are going to charge for entrance, I foresee a greater decline in their usage. That makes me sad.
All I'm saying is, go camping. Support your state parks. I promise, if you give it a chance, you'll leave a happier person.
Should Rep. Weiner Resign?
My turn to weigh in:
I suppose I could use my blog as a way to share my opinions about things that effect other people and not just me. I suppose that'd make sense. Seeing as the biggest headline in the papers probably being printed as I type this will be about Rep. Weiner's admission of guilt surrounding inappropriate online exchanges with women, here's my opinion on the matter.
Admittedly, I knew little about Rep. Weiner before the story broke in late May about a "suggestive" photo sent via Twitter to a college student in Seattle from his account. He's a New York politician. I'm a student in Seattle. The disconnect is clear. However, my opinion is based on the question whether or not he should resign.
In my ideal political machine, the constituency that is represented by a particular politician should have the right to elect said representative and also have the right to "un-elect" him. When I vote, I chose someone who I think will best represent my voice on the political, legislative level. My representatives represent me and what I have to say. Therefore, if a representative's ability to represent are compromised, by say a tabloid scandal or questionable ethics, then I feel I should have the right to voice my opinion on the matter. If enough of my fellow constituents are unhappy, with sufficient evidence, I think a resignation might be in order.
So that would never really happen.
There are far too many flaws with pulling this off and basically every politician would be in question just because of the ugly nature of partisanship.
So in the real world, should Rep. Weiner resign?
No.
It's an unfortunate fact that public figures' private lives are often put on trial rather than their ability to do their actual job. What Rep. Weiner did was a completely private (perhaps inappropriate) matter. His having had online relationships with other women clearly did not effect his ability to carry out the responsibilities of representing his constituency, he was an up and comer, a favorite for a future New York mayoral bid. He's a completely capable, if not brilliant politician.
But, ugly tabloid attention, rampant internet rumors and countless jokes made at his expense could (and probably have) profoundly marred his confidence, fearlessness, and drive to do what he was elected to do.
I don't agree with his private actions, but who am I to judge someone I don't privately know?
I sympathize with his situation. You see these things over an over again, with the media the way it is, the instant movement of information from one side of the globe to the other. It makes it practically impossible to have a private life, no matter who you are.
Privacy is a commodity of the past, we all live in public.
In the end, I don't see a necessarily bright future for Rep. Weiner. The flak he's bound to receive from Republicans and Democrats alike will undoubtedly be his downfall. He's good at what he does and it's a shame that a "sex scandal" has undoubtedly destroyed his once promising career.
I suppose I could use my blog as a way to share my opinions about things that effect other people and not just me. I suppose that'd make sense. Seeing as the biggest headline in the papers probably being printed as I type this will be about Rep. Weiner's admission of guilt surrounding inappropriate online exchanges with women, here's my opinion on the matter.
Admittedly, I knew little about Rep. Weiner before the story broke in late May about a "suggestive" photo sent via Twitter to a college student in Seattle from his account. He's a New York politician. I'm a student in Seattle. The disconnect is clear. However, my opinion is based on the question whether or not he should resign.
In my ideal political machine, the constituency that is represented by a particular politician should have the right to elect said representative and also have the right to "un-elect" him. When I vote, I chose someone who I think will best represent my voice on the political, legislative level. My representatives represent me and what I have to say. Therefore, if a representative's ability to represent are compromised, by say a tabloid scandal or questionable ethics, then I feel I should have the right to voice my opinion on the matter. If enough of my fellow constituents are unhappy, with sufficient evidence, I think a resignation might be in order.
So that would never really happen.
There are far too many flaws with pulling this off and basically every politician would be in question just because of the ugly nature of partisanship.
So in the real world, should Rep. Weiner resign?
No.
It's an unfortunate fact that public figures' private lives are often put on trial rather than their ability to do their actual job. What Rep. Weiner did was a completely private (perhaps inappropriate) matter. His having had online relationships with other women clearly did not effect his ability to carry out the responsibilities of representing his constituency, he was an up and comer, a favorite for a future New York mayoral bid. He's a completely capable, if not brilliant politician.
But, ugly tabloid attention, rampant internet rumors and countless jokes made at his expense could (and probably have) profoundly marred his confidence, fearlessness, and drive to do what he was elected to do.
I don't agree with his private actions, but who am I to judge someone I don't privately know?
I sympathize with his situation. You see these things over an over again, with the media the way it is, the instant movement of information from one side of the globe to the other. It makes it practically impossible to have a private life, no matter who you are.
Privacy is a commodity of the past, we all live in public.
In the end, I don't see a necessarily bright future for Rep. Weiner. The flak he's bound to receive from Republicans and Democrats alike will undoubtedly be his downfall. He's good at what he does and it's a shame that a "sex scandal" has undoubtedly destroyed his once promising career.
A Remote Viewer
Another night where sleep eludes me.
I've been thinking about the future a lot these days. And by a lot I mean about every waking moment I'm not stuck inside some TV show or making small talk at work. Maybe because most of my friends are graduating in a few short days. Maybe it's because of the spectacular fizzle of my family's new business. Maybe it's because of the miserable state I can't help but to view the world in.
Maybe it's a lack of sleep.
Whatever it is, I've found myself more than preoccupied with thinking about what to do rather than doing the things that are most important right now. I'm not just talking about term papers and homework, but things like keeping alive my social relationships, having meaningful conversation, making human connection. Human to human contact is what makes me tick, and I've been glued to this computer screen for far too long. It doesn't help that my Blackberry allows for a constant wired connection, plugged into social networking, the New York Times, and email every moment of my day.
It seems self-centered.
Preoccupied with my stuff, all day, every day. I might be missing out on the world.
I've been thinking about the future a lot these days. And by a lot I mean about every waking moment I'm not stuck inside some TV show or making small talk at work. Maybe because most of my friends are graduating in a few short days. Maybe it's because of the spectacular fizzle of my family's new business. Maybe it's because of the miserable state I can't help but to view the world in.
Maybe it's a lack of sleep.
Whatever it is, I've found myself more than preoccupied with thinking about what to do rather than doing the things that are most important right now. I'm not just talking about term papers and homework, but things like keeping alive my social relationships, having meaningful conversation, making human connection. Human to human contact is what makes me tick, and I've been glued to this computer screen for far too long. It doesn't help that my Blackberry allows for a constant wired connection, plugged into social networking, the New York Times, and email every moment of my day.
It seems self-centered.
Preoccupied with my stuff, all day, every day. I might be missing out on the world.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Account Disabled?
Finally, after a tense 72 hours, my blog was lifted of its suspension.
On Friday, I decided to delete an old Blogger account that contained a few blogs I write, including this one. I wanted to transfer them to my Google account associated with my gmail account, thereby making it easier for me to access on a day to day basis (hopefully making me more inclined to actually write). After exporting my blogs to my computer for future upload, I deleted my old account. From there, I uploaded my blogs to my new Blogger account, and boom! I received the timely and friendly message that my account had been "disabled, suspended or deleted."
SUCK IT!
I spent way too much time trying to figure out what the issue was. Funny, I go through these long, drawn out spells of not posting, but as soon as I'm actually unable to post, I have a hundred and a half things to write about. I wrote Google in excess in order to rectify the issue. Days went by. No response from Google, though I suppose I wasn't really expecting a response since they tell you they won't. But finally, just a few short moments ago, I attempt once again to access my dashboard, tears of frustration collecting in the corners of my eyes, and presto!
Access granted.
Welp, I did some digging and it looks like the actual reason my account was disabled is due to the spam algorithms Google runs in order to find spam blogs (is that what they're called?). I've been using Blogger as a host for my recent experiment in podcasting. This involves me linking my posts to another site that hosts the audio file. Apparently, Google's algorithms detect for blogs that link to one address as a hallmark of spamming.
Lesson learned, Google.
Looks like now I can finally get this sudden urge to write out of my system and these words out of my head. Apologies for any readers who are lost at my sudden movement to a different URL. Hopefully you'll find me once again.
On Friday, I decided to delete an old Blogger account that contained a few blogs I write, including this one. I wanted to transfer them to my Google account associated with my gmail account, thereby making it easier for me to access on a day to day basis (hopefully making me more inclined to actually write). After exporting my blogs to my computer for future upload, I deleted my old account. From there, I uploaded my blogs to my new Blogger account, and boom! I received the timely and friendly message that my account had been "disabled, suspended or deleted."
SUCK IT!
I spent way too much time trying to figure out what the issue was. Funny, I go through these long, drawn out spells of not posting, but as soon as I'm actually unable to post, I have a hundred and a half things to write about. I wrote Google in excess in order to rectify the issue. Days went by. No response from Google, though I suppose I wasn't really expecting a response since they tell you they won't. But finally, just a few short moments ago, I attempt once again to access my dashboard, tears of frustration collecting in the corners of my eyes, and presto!
Access granted.
Welp, I did some digging and it looks like the actual reason my account was disabled is due to the spam algorithms Google runs in order to find spam blogs (is that what they're called?). I've been using Blogger as a host for my recent experiment in podcasting. This involves me linking my posts to another site that hosts the audio file. Apparently, Google's algorithms detect for blogs that link to one address as a hallmark of spamming.
Lesson learned, Google.
Looks like now I can finally get this sudden urge to write out of my system and these words out of my head. Apologies for any readers who are lost at my sudden movement to a different URL. Hopefully you'll find me once again.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Five Months?
Howdy.
As usual a cool, what, five months have passes? Well, whatever it is, it's been a while. I've imported my previous blog to a new email address for my sake. I had this blog under a different email address other than my gmail account. Now everything is where it belongs. I'm hoping the move will help keep me more on the ball about writing. Lostophile's blogs put mine to shame.
Anywho, long story short, I'm gonna start writing again. We're in the final days of Spring quarter at the U, so I'm guessing the Summer will bring ample writing time.
Oh, and I just had the realization that I lost my entire list of Dave songs on my last computer. Most people who are gonna read this probably didn't know my last Mac (may she rest in peace) died of drowning. But now that I've got my shiny new Mac up and running, the words are flowing freely. I'll probably just stop my Dave posts and start writing about whatever comes from my tiny little brain.
Thanks, and don't forget to follow me.
As usual a cool, what, five months have passes? Well, whatever it is, it's been a while. I've imported my previous blog to a new email address for my sake. I had this blog under a different email address other than my gmail account. Now everything is where it belongs. I'm hoping the move will help keep me more on the ball about writing. Lostophile's blogs put mine to shame.
Anywho, long story short, I'm gonna start writing again. We're in the final days of Spring quarter at the U, so I'm guessing the Summer will bring ample writing time.
Oh, and I just had the realization that I lost my entire list of Dave songs on my last computer. Most people who are gonna read this probably didn't know my last Mac (may she rest in peace) died of drowning. But now that I've got my shiny new Mac up and running, the words are flowing freely. I'll probably just stop my Dave posts and start writing about whatever comes from my tiny little brain.
Thanks, and don't forget to follow me.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Apologies
I took a brief, unexpected hiatus from posting my favorite Dave Matthews solos due to an increase in work load from school and upcoming midterms. And it was my birthday on Friday. I'm still here, still alive, (feeling old), and intending to resume daily posts on Monday, starting with number five from my top 10.
A side note: I have enjoyed creating lists for the music of my favorite band so much and it has given me a direction to take my blog, that intend to carry on creating favorites lists. My next project will probably entail favorite 30 Rock moments or episodes. This will be my project for the spring.
A side note: I have enjoyed creating lists for the music of my favorite band so much and it has given me a direction to take my blog, that intend to carry on creating favorites lists. My next project will probably entail favorite 30 Rock moments or episodes. This will be my project for the spring.
Friday, January 21, 2011
6. Baby Blue
This is one of the newest songs to make it onto my list of favorites. "Baby Blue" is almost always played as part of an encore featuring Dave solo on a beautifully crafted Veillette Gryhon painted red. This song is as emotional live as it is on the album Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King. The sweet, sad lyrics are beautifully sung, the guitar simply strummed, and when played live, the crowd goes silent to hear the gorgeous song.
Title: Baby Blue
Album: Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
Show Stats: Fully played 44 times, 1 tease
Why I Love It: When Dave is featured solo at a DMB concert, nothing really makes me happier. He sings this song with so much emotion, you can practically hear the hurt and sadness in his voice. I can't help but shed a tear each time I hear it. The way he plays this song reminds me a bit of the simplicity of other solo songs he's written like "Some Devil" and even "Little Thing."
Memories: Two big moments stick out in my mind about this song. The first time I heard this song was after buying the album Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King in the summer of 2009. I had the CD in my car for at least 3 months and that was a song that played at least twice every time I'd get into the car. The first time I heard it, I literally started weeping and the beauty and emotion of the song. At the Gorge in 2010 Dave played "Baby Blue" as part of the encore. I wasn't expecting to hear it and was more than overjoyed when I heard it. I remember thinking, "I wish Joey was here to hear this!" Joey is a former roommate of mine and we both have a particular love for this song. After Dave finished his particularly emotional rendition, he said "That was for my love, Ashley." I loved it more than words can describe.
Favorite Lyric: Confess your kiss/ Still knocks me off my legs/ First time I saw you/ Was like a punch right through my chest/ I will forever/ Because you'll forever be/ My one true broken heart/ Pieces inside of me/ And you forever my baby
Title: Baby Blue
Album: Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
Show Stats: Fully played 44 times, 1 tease
Why I Love It: When Dave is featured solo at a DMB concert, nothing really makes me happier. He sings this song with so much emotion, you can practically hear the hurt and sadness in his voice. I can't help but shed a tear each time I hear it. The way he plays this song reminds me a bit of the simplicity of other solo songs he's written like "Some Devil" and even "Little Thing."
Memories: Two big moments stick out in my mind about this song. The first time I heard this song was after buying the album Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King in the summer of 2009. I had the CD in my car for at least 3 months and that was a song that played at least twice every time I'd get into the car. The first time I heard it, I literally started weeping and the beauty and emotion of the song. At the Gorge in 2010 Dave played "Baby Blue" as part of the encore. I wasn't expecting to hear it and was more than overjoyed when I heard it. I remember thinking, "I wish Joey was here to hear this!" Joey is a former roommate of mine and we both have a particular love for this song. After Dave finished his particularly emotional rendition, he said "That was for my love, Ashley." I loved it more than words can describe.
Favorite Lyric: Confess your kiss/ Still knocks me off my legs/ First time I saw you/ Was like a punch right through my chest/ I will forever/ Because you'll forever be/ My one true broken heart/ Pieces inside of me/ And you forever my baby
Thursday, January 20, 2011
7. Dodo
This song is a rarity to hear live. Almost exclusively played in the winter (almost), Dave has only played "Dodo" a handful of times, a majority after the release of his solo album, Some Devil. In fact, Dave hadn't played "Dodo" live for two years until the December 6, 2010 performance at McCaw Hall in Seattle. This song is almost always played mid set, with the two exceptions where the song was played as a set opener. This song is the lead track on Some Devil and has been a favorite of mine for many, many years.
Title: Dodo
Album: Some Devil
Show Stats: Fully played 25 times
Why I Love It: I have always viewed this song as an important piece of music with a real message. The lyrics speak of man's ignorance in the face of reality and science and how stubborn we are as a humanity. At the same time, the song could be about perception and how sometimes how we perceive things is does not always reflect reality. Beside the lyrics that I fell in love with immediately, the studio track has so many musical elements I love and are seldom heard in songs with Dave on vocals. I have a weak spot in my heart for tambourine which is used in excess, much to my delight. The vocals take on a sort of lazy, delicateness that seems perfectly fitting for the content of the song.
Memories: By far, the most exciting time I heard this song was after it's two year hiatus from touring when it was played at McCaw Hall in Seattle this past December. After the show, the four of us who had gone to the show were dumbfounded and shocked that we got to hear Dave and Tim (not Time, thanks Zach) play "Dodo" live! It was a song that I only dreamed of hearing, but had always written off as an improbability. I was excited to get to check this song off my list of stuff I've heard live.
Favorite Lyric: So I wonder this as life billows smoke inside my head/ This little game where nothing is sure, oh/ Why would you play by the rules?
Title: Dodo
Album: Some Devil
Show Stats: Fully played 25 times
Why I Love It: I have always viewed this song as an important piece of music with a real message. The lyrics speak of man's ignorance in the face of reality and science and how stubborn we are as a humanity. At the same time, the song could be about perception and how sometimes how we perceive things is does not always reflect reality. Beside the lyrics that I fell in love with immediately, the studio track has so many musical elements I love and are seldom heard in songs with Dave on vocals. I have a weak spot in my heart for tambourine which is used in excess, much to my delight. The vocals take on a sort of lazy, delicateness that seems perfectly fitting for the content of the song.
Memories: By far, the most exciting time I heard this song was after it's two year hiatus from touring when it was played at McCaw Hall in Seattle this past December. After the show, the four of us who had gone to the show were dumbfounded and shocked that we got to hear Dave and Tim (not Time, thanks Zach) play "Dodo" live! It was a song that I only dreamed of hearing, but had always written off as an improbability. I was excited to get to check this song off my list of stuff I've heard live.
Favorite Lyric: So I wonder this as life billows smoke inside my head/ This little game where nothing is sure, oh/ Why would you play by the rules?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
8. Christmas Song
Lately, Dave has been preempting this song as having no religious connotation, just that it's a story. This song has been around since the beginning and was a solo feature early on after the release of Remember Two Things. This song usually makes appearances at shows just before the holiday season. Some years after the turn of the millennium have been without a single performance of the song, though it's seen a bit of a resurgence of play in the latter half of 2010. Liver performances usually have the accompaniment of Carter on the drums. The track recorded in the Everyday sessions for the Platinum Christmas album features Carter on vocals as well. The first known performance of this song was debuted as "Blood Of Our Children." Dave likes to play this song as either a set closer or more commonly as a part of the encore.
Title: Christmas Song
Album: Remember Two Things
Show Stats: Fully played 171 times, 1 partial, 1 tease
Why I Love It: Even though I'm not a Christian, there's plenty to love about this song. The song itself is about Jesus Christ. They lyrics probably don't resonate with me as much as others, but it's the intoxicating way Dave sings the lyrics that make me love it so much. The lick on the guitar is quite simple and gives the quiet song a syncopated, bouncy feel without a rushed feel. I also really love how Dave has been introducing this song as of late as not a religious song, but as just a story. Growing up (and sometimes still), I was turned off by anything with religious connotation. This song challenges how I can listen to material clearly about religion and still enjoy and respect it for what it is. And even if I don't personally resonate with the lyrics, there is still a beauty to the lyrics I can't deny.
Memories: Even though this song has been around forever, I never paid attention to it until my roommate started obsessing over it. She likes to play songs she loves over and over and over again (usually until I can't stand it anymore), but this song started to stick in my head. Then when we traveled to Charlottesville in 2010, Dave played the song and I got to hear it live. It gave me goosebumps hearing everyone in the crowd singing along with such passion and gusto. I heard the song again at a Dave and Tim show in Seattle December 2010.
Favorite Lyric: So the story goes, so I'm told/ The people he knew were less than golden hearted/ Gamblers and robbers/ Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers/ Like you and me
Title: Christmas Song
Album: Remember Two Things
Show Stats: Fully played 171 times, 1 partial, 1 tease
Why I Love It: Even though I'm not a Christian, there's plenty to love about this song. The song itself is about Jesus Christ. They lyrics probably don't resonate with me as much as others, but it's the intoxicating way Dave sings the lyrics that make me love it so much. The lick on the guitar is quite simple and gives the quiet song a syncopated, bouncy feel without a rushed feel. I also really love how Dave has been introducing this song as of late as not a religious song, but as just a story. Growing up (and sometimes still), I was turned off by anything with religious connotation. This song challenges how I can listen to material clearly about religion and still enjoy and respect it for what it is. And even if I don't personally resonate with the lyrics, there is still a beauty to the lyrics I can't deny.
Memories: Even though this song has been around forever, I never paid attention to it until my roommate started obsessing over it. She likes to play songs she loves over and over and over again (usually until I can't stand it anymore), but this song started to stick in my head. Then when we traveled to Charlottesville in 2010, Dave played the song and I got to hear it live. It gave me goosebumps hearing everyone in the crowd singing along with such passion and gusto. I heard the song again at a Dave and Tim show in Seattle December 2010.
Favorite Lyric: So the story goes, so I'm told/ The people he knew were less than golden hearted/ Gamblers and robbers/ Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers/ Like you and me
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
9. Little Red Bird
At the Gorge in 2010, Dave introduced it as a "song about a one legged bird." "Little Red Bird" was released on the bonus disc for Big Whiskey and the Googrux King, but made it's live debut in December of 2009 at a Dave and Tim show in Las Vegas. They played it again on the third night, and was released on the Dave and Tim album Live in Las Vegas. The first time Dave played the song solo at a full band performance was on June 25, 2010 at Cuyahoga Falls and he introduces the song:
Album: Misc. Release (see notes above)
Show Stats: Fully played 9 times
Why I Love It: This song is short and sweet. The guitar is simple and beautifully picked and strummed. Dave sings the song in falsetto, which he pulls off with a delicate finesse that gives the song such a sweet tone. His inspiration for the song, so he says, is adorable, yet the message of the song is deep and thoughtful. Being a new song (debuting in late 2009), I'm excited to see this song flourish and hopefully emerge as a crowd favorite.
Memories: I first heard this song after purchasing the Dave and Tim album Live in Las Vegas, but the song didn't catch my attention until I heard it at the Gorge in 2010. It was a change in pace, slow, unknown to a majority of the crowd, but so, so beautiful, almost nobody was speaking, just listening. From that moment on, I knew I'd love this song for it's simplistic, beautiful melody.
Favorite Lyric: A comfort to count the battles won after the war is lost
"I was visiting, a few years ago with a friend of mine, I was visiting these little tiny islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean and there was this little, little bird and it had just one leg. But it would come and bounce around underneath the chair, and so you knew it was that bird 'cause I'm sure there's just not a bunch of tiny little red birds with one leg. So then I wrote this song over there a couple years ago or something like that."Title: Little Red Bird
Album: Misc. Release (see notes above)
Show Stats: Fully played 9 times
Why I Love It: This song is short and sweet. The guitar is simple and beautifully picked and strummed. Dave sings the song in falsetto, which he pulls off with a delicate finesse that gives the song such a sweet tone. His inspiration for the song, so he says, is adorable, yet the message of the song is deep and thoughtful. Being a new song (debuting in late 2009), I'm excited to see this song flourish and hopefully emerge as a crowd favorite.
Memories: I first heard this song after purchasing the Dave and Tim album Live in Las Vegas, but the song didn't catch my attention until I heard it at the Gorge in 2010. It was a change in pace, slow, unknown to a majority of the crowd, but so, so beautiful, almost nobody was speaking, just listening. From that moment on, I knew I'd love this song for it's simplistic, beautiful melody.
Favorite Lyric: A comfort to count the battles won after the war is lost
Monday, January 17, 2011
10. Little Thing
This song is quite an interesting piece. There is a lovely story Dave likes to tell as the introduction into his solo. It's all about his encounter with a women in New York he found particularly attractive. The song that follows are his thoughts about that woman and what he wished he said to her. Interestingly, this song evolved into the Some Devil release named "An' Another Thing," though I prefer the live releases titled "Little Thing."
Title: Little Thing
Album: None (live release)
Show Stats: Fully played 65 times, 2 partials, 1 reprise, 27 teases
Why I Love It: The song is so honest. Few people in the world would bear their soul to millions of people a fantasy about someone they had but a passing encounter. The spoken story as an introduction lets us know that Dave is telling us something about himself that is important to him. The guitar is simple, with complicated strum patterns, letting Dave add beautiful flourishes and falsetto to his vocal performance.
Memories: I've never heard this song live, seeing as it wasn't played at all in 2010 and only 16 times since 1997. However, I did stumble across this song after listening to Live Trax Volume 4 and I recall immediately being drawn into the story Dave tells in this song. I couldn't quite put my finger on why it sounded so familiar until my roommate pointed out it eventually evolved into "An' Another Thing." To date, my favorite version is on LT Vol. 4, a performance recorded on April 30, 1996, near the first time the song was ever played.
Favorite Lyric: Her voice oh it echoes, echoes/ Echoes through my head/ And I hope she returns while I wait hour after hour/ For her to come along and see me again
Note: the version of this song in the video is not the version I selected my favorite lyrics from
Title: Little Thing
Album: None (live release)
Show Stats: Fully played 65 times, 2 partials, 1 reprise, 27 teases
Why I Love It: The song is so honest. Few people in the world would bear their soul to millions of people a fantasy about someone they had but a passing encounter. The spoken story as an introduction lets us know that Dave is telling us something about himself that is important to him. The guitar is simple, with complicated strum patterns, letting Dave add beautiful flourishes and falsetto to his vocal performance.
Memories: I've never heard this song live, seeing as it wasn't played at all in 2010 and only 16 times since 1997. However, I did stumble across this song after listening to Live Trax Volume 4 and I recall immediately being drawn into the story Dave tells in this song. I couldn't quite put my finger on why it sounded so familiar until my roommate pointed out it eventually evolved into "An' Another Thing." To date, my favorite version is on LT Vol. 4, a performance recorded on April 30, 1996, near the first time the song was ever played.
Favorite Lyric: Her voice oh it echoes, echoes/ Echoes through my head/ And I hope she returns while I wait hour after hour/ For her to come along and see me again
Note: the version of this song in the video is not the version I selected my favorite lyrics from
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Dave Matthews Solos
The next list to be revealed is my Top 10 Favorite Dave Solos. When I was making a list of my favorite DMB songs, I realized I couldn't come to bring myself to separate songs Dave plays (or tends to play) solo from songs the whole band plays. The result, a separate top 10 list. Some of the songs on this list are played solo by Dave, some Dave and Tim and some of them are played by the whole band, but were included on this list if I prefer them played solo. Each post will include:
Title
Song Category (What album it's from or if it's a live release)
Show Stats (How often has it been played)
Why I Love It
Memories
Favorite Lyric(s)
As with the covers, I will do my best to find a video of the song to share at the bottom of each post. Monday will kick off the beginning of the Dave Matthews Solos Top 10.
Title
Song Category (What album it's from or if it's a live release)
Show Stats (How often has it been played)
Why I Love It
Memories
Favorite Lyric(s)
As with the covers, I will do my best to find a video of the song to share at the bottom of each post. Monday will kick off the beginning of the Dave Matthews Solos Top 10.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
My Favorite DMB Covers - The List
Here's the list in its entirety for easy viewing:
1. All Along The Watchtower (Bob Dylan)
2. Down By The River (Neil Young)
3. Rye Whiskey (Tex Ritter)
4. Still Water (Daniel Lanois)
5. The Maker (Daniel Lanois)
Honorable Mention: Long Black Veil (Lefty Frizzell)
1. All Along The Watchtower (Bob Dylan)
2. Down By The River (Neil Young)
3. Rye Whiskey (Tex Ritter)
4. Still Water (Daniel Lanois)
5. The Maker (Daniel Lanois)
Honorable Mention: Long Black Veil (Lefty Frizzell)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Honorable Mention: Long Black Veil
I couldn't bring myself not to mention "Long Black Veil," mainly because I had the amazing good fortune to actually hear this song live, a rarity these days. This song was originally written and performed by Lefty Frizzell, but made popular by Johnny Cash. Dave began covering the song in 1999 for a tribute to Cash and began to feature it in sets regularly through 2003. Since then, it's been played only four times in seven years. The band's last show for at least a year (so says the band, thinks not I) was in Charlottesville, VA just before Thanksgiving in 2010. This is where I heard "Long Black Veil" for the first time. It was possibly the only song I didn't know the lyrics to the whole night, but it didn't matter. Everyone around me was singing, Dave sang so delicately, and it was so new to me, I was brought close to tears. I don't know my chances of hearing this song again, slim at best, but this song covered by DMB is something special. I could listen to it over and over and it would never get old.
1. All Along The Watchtower (Bob Dylan)
The absolute most played cover song by the band is probably the most well known and well loved cover as well. "All Along The Watchtower" was played at DMB shows dating back to the beginning (possibly the second show ever) and it's rumored that Dave used to play the song solo before the band even came together. Although the band's version of the song sounds little like Bob Dylan's version, or even Jimi Hendrix's epic performance on Electric Ladyland (1968), it is one of the most encored song is the band's 20 year history. The song has also gone through numerous variations throughout the years, including a Stefan solo feature, dropping a verse and various other nuances.
Title: All Along The Watchtower
Original Artist: Bob Dylan
Why I Love It: The opening lick Dave plays on the guitar is perfect. It's dark, it's simple, it's exciting. By the time Dave hits the note after "The hour is getting near," I've damn well peed my pants out of excitement. What's not to love about a Dylan song revamped by the greatest band on Earth? The epic jam at the end makes me drool. Dave is brilliant. Carter is brilliant. Stefan is brilliant. If I had this song on my top 50 Dave originals, it would have easily made the top 15.
Memories: I have heard this song three times this year live and there's almost no possible way for me to choose my favorite. I first heard it at the Gorge as the set closer and Ben Harper joined the band with an absolutely incredible feature at the beginning. I heard it again in Charlottesville in what I thought was the encore closer. Stefan began with an incredible feature at the beginning, playing "Cello Suite No. 1" on the bass. My world was turned on its head when I began to hear the intro to Halloween in the jam at the end of "Watchtower." Eventually my prayers were answered and the band went into a mind-blowing, unscheduled, unintended rendition of "Halloween." Then, less than a month later I heard Dave and Tim play it at McCaw Hall in Seattle. Each version was amazing, and deeply, deeply satisfying.
Favorite Lyric: "No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke/ "There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke/ But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate/ So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late"
Title: All Along The Watchtower
Original Artist: Bob Dylan
Why I Love It: The opening lick Dave plays on the guitar is perfect. It's dark, it's simple, it's exciting. By the time Dave hits the note after "The hour is getting near," I've damn well peed my pants out of excitement. What's not to love about a Dylan song revamped by the greatest band on Earth? The epic jam at the end makes me drool. Dave is brilliant. Carter is brilliant. Stefan is brilliant. If I had this song on my top 50 Dave originals, it would have easily made the top 15.
Memories: I have heard this song three times this year live and there's almost no possible way for me to choose my favorite. I first heard it at the Gorge as the set closer and Ben Harper joined the band with an absolutely incredible feature at the beginning. I heard it again in Charlottesville in what I thought was the encore closer. Stefan began with an incredible feature at the beginning, playing "Cello Suite No. 1" on the bass. My world was turned on its head when I began to hear the intro to Halloween in the jam at the end of "Watchtower." Eventually my prayers were answered and the band went into a mind-blowing, unscheduled, unintended rendition of "Halloween." Then, less than a month later I heard Dave and Tim play it at McCaw Hall in Seattle. Each version was amazing, and deeply, deeply satisfying.
Favorite Lyric: "No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke/ "There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke/ But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate/ So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late"
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2. Down By The River (Neil Young)
Neil Young, well liked and admired by Dave, is the composer and original performer for "Down By The River." Dave's appreciation and love for Young's lyrics are expressed by the way he delicately and passionately sings this song. I've never heard this song sung live, as it's a bit of a rarity, especially now days. He's only played this song about 16 times, mostly in 2006 and 2007, including the 2006 performance at the Bridge School Benefit with Neil Young himself. Dave has played this song once more recently on December 11th, 2009 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Title: Down By The River
Original Artist: Neil Young
Why I Love It: As a casual fan of Neil Young, it was a treat to get to hear Dave sing "Down By The River." I love the slow pace the song strolls along at. Admittedly, I prefer this song done solo or with Dave and Tim as opposed to the full band. In certain versions, Dave sings the song so emotionally, it practically brings me to tears. I can hear this song a thousand times and I get equally emotionally involved each time.
Memories: Perhaps my preference for this song performed solo comes from the fact the first time I heard it was on Dave and Tim's Live At Radio City album. The way he performs in this version is one of the most stirring covers I've ever heard him sing. I love the natural rasp to his voice and he uses to his advantage to express the emotion of the song and powerful lyrics. Tim never disappoints either with his solo on Live At Radio City; he truly is a genius.
Favorite Lyric: She could drag me over the rainbow/ Take me away/ Down by the river/ I shot my baby/ Down by the river/ Dead
Title: Down By The River
Original Artist: Neil Young
Why I Love It: As a casual fan of Neil Young, it was a treat to get to hear Dave sing "Down By The River." I love the slow pace the song strolls along at. Admittedly, I prefer this song done solo or with Dave and Tim as opposed to the full band. In certain versions, Dave sings the song so emotionally, it practically brings me to tears. I can hear this song a thousand times and I get equally emotionally involved each time.
Memories: Perhaps my preference for this song performed solo comes from the fact the first time I heard it was on Dave and Tim's Live At Radio City album. The way he performs in this version is one of the most stirring covers I've ever heard him sing. I love the natural rasp to his voice and he uses to his advantage to express the emotion of the song and powerful lyrics. Tim never disappoints either with his solo on Live At Radio City; he truly is a genius.
Favorite Lyric: She could drag me over the rainbow/ Take me away/ Down by the river/ I shot my baby/ Down by the river/ Dead
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
3. Rye Whiskey (Tex Ritter)
This is a short traditional song from the good 'ole USA that Dave turns into a quiet solo ballad. It doesn't hurt that the song is all about my favorite pastime, drinking whiskey. If you're a Dave fan, you probably know about his love for whiskey (he tends to talk about it during his shows more than you'd think) and the way he performs this song leads me to believe he loves playing it as much as he love to drink it. Dave started playing this song only two years ago in 2009, so it's a new treat for Dave-heads. According to dmbalmanac.com, this song is properly titled "Jack of Diamonds" and has been performed by the incomparable Pete Seeger. Seeger's performance is what Dave modeled his version of the song.
Title: Rye Whiskey
Original Artist: Tex Ritter, Pete Seeger
Why I Love It: Every time I've heard Dave introduce this song, I always detect an undertone of excitement, though he may not be overt about it, I know he loves playing the song. He delivers the lyrics very delicately and he hits the high notes with a beautiful rasp. The way he strums along perfectly reflects the song's roots in 1930's traditional American drinking songs. Though there may be no profound message to the song, you can never really go wrong with a song all about drinking.
Memories: The first time I heard this song was when listening to the Live In Europe 2009 album. I remember being on the bus, heading home from class and the unique sound of this song compared to much of Dave's other stuff grabbed my attention. Ever since then, I dreamed of hearing it live. My dreams came true this past year when I heard "Rye Whiskey" at the Gorge on Sept. 4.
Favorite Lyric: If the ocean was whiskey and I was a duck/ I'd dive to the bottom and never come up
Title: Rye Whiskey
Original Artist: Tex Ritter, Pete Seeger
Why I Love It: Every time I've heard Dave introduce this song, I always detect an undertone of excitement, though he may not be overt about it, I know he loves playing the song. He delivers the lyrics very delicately and he hits the high notes with a beautiful rasp. The way he strums along perfectly reflects the song's roots in 1930's traditional American drinking songs. Though there may be no profound message to the song, you can never really go wrong with a song all about drinking.
Memories: The first time I heard this song was when listening to the Live In Europe 2009 album. I remember being on the bus, heading home from class and the unique sound of this song compared to much of Dave's other stuff grabbed my attention. Ever since then, I dreamed of hearing it live. My dreams came true this past year when I heard "Rye Whiskey" at the Gorge on Sept. 4.
Favorite Lyric: If the ocean was whiskey and I was a duck/ I'd dive to the bottom and never come up
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
4. Still Water (Daniel Lanois)
This is another song originally performed by Daniel Lanois that tricked me into believing it was a Dave original. With the same feel as "The Maker," "Still Water" is another beautifully haunting piece Dave performs perfectly with a voice that caresses each syllable with grace and ease. With more biblical references and gorgeous guitar riffing, there's not much more I can ask for in a cover. Dave has used this song to open into "Don't Drink The Water" on more than one occasion, making it an electrifying and suspense building piece with a bubbling energy just underneath the lyrics.
Title: Still Water
Original Artist: Daniel Lanois
Why I Love It: I love this song on its own, but as an opening piece into "Don't Drink The Water," it is perfect. The swell of emotion under the song with Carter's rhythmic percussion and Dave's strumming make a subtly intense segue into another amazing song by the band. Lanois' hauntingly beautiful lyrics here again are masterfully sung by Dave, giving the song a quality that sends goosebumps all over my body and shivers down my spine.
Memories: Though it wasn't the first time I heard the song, my fondest memory of this song comes from the band's performance in Charlottesville in 2010. Dave sang "Still Water" as the band gradually dropped out and quietly Dave faded out only to have the band erupt into a rousing rendition of "Don't Drink The Water."
Favorite Lyric: Wild eyes in the wilderness/ Where're you going with the devil in hand?
Title: Still Water
Original Artist: Daniel Lanois
Why I Love It: I love this song on its own, but as an opening piece into "Don't Drink The Water," it is perfect. The swell of emotion under the song with Carter's rhythmic percussion and Dave's strumming make a subtly intense segue into another amazing song by the band. Lanois' hauntingly beautiful lyrics here again are masterfully sung by Dave, giving the song a quality that sends goosebumps all over my body and shivers down my spine.
Memories: Though it wasn't the first time I heard the song, my fondest memory of this song comes from the band's performance in Charlottesville in 2010. Dave sang "Still Water" as the band gradually dropped out and quietly Dave faded out only to have the band erupt into a rousing rendition of "Don't Drink The Water."
Favorite Lyric: Wild eyes in the wilderness/ Where're you going with the devil in hand?
Monday, January 10, 2011
5. The Maker (Daniel Lanois)
This song, from the first time I heard it, haunted me with its beautiful, deep lyrics. For an embarrassingly long time, I thought that this song was a Dave original, only come to find out it was originally written and performed by Daniel Lanois. The lyrics remind me so much of something Dave would write, I never questioned it's origin until I was listening to Live Trax Vol. 11 and he introduced the song as a cover. As you'll see soon enough, Dave has covered Daniel Lanois before, perhaps for the stirring lyrics and beautiful sweeping verses with biblical references galore.
Title: The Maker
Original Artist: Daniel Lanois
Why I Love It: The fact that this song sounds like an original by Dave and the natural, beautiful way he sings the lyrics make me fall in love with this song anew each time I hear it. Dave's vocals are so delicate, his guitar's constant strumming, Carter's snare heavy beats and LeRoi's gorgeous saxophone playing create an entrancing melody I find myself getting lost in.
Memories: The first time I really paid attention to this song was when I heard Dave and Tim's rendition on the Live At Radio City album. As a matter of fact, I remember I was sitting in By George at the University of Washington between classes and this song began to play. Since then it's been on my radar as a beautiful song that I'm always interested in hearing on quiet days or when I need a break from the loudness of the world.
Favorite Lyric: I have seen the flaming swords/ There over East of Eden/ burning in the eyes of the Maker
My Life As a Musician
I like to think I've been a musician my whole life.
One of my earliest memories about music was when I was just before starting kindergarten. My mom and dad had a huge stereo system in our living room that was off limits to me and my brother, Cody. As a kid, I was more of a rule breaker than rule follower at home, so naturally I ventured into the territory I was forbidden. I remember finding dozens and dozens of records and tapes, but what caught my eye was a small box of CDs. I found one with a black and white picture of a man's face and decided I would attempt to listen to it. I have always had a knack for figuring out technology, even at a young age, and I managed to start playing the CD. I had jacked the volume way up and the first thing I remember was this massive wave of sound rushing into my head. Scrambling to turn it down, I fumbled with the controls. Then, I started to listen. I remember falling in love with how it sounded. Not the words, but how the combination of notes, rhythms and sounds layered on top of each other to create a new, more interesting sound. Turns out, it was Elton John's self titled album playing "Your Song."
I remember bugging my mom about wanting to play piano from a very young age. My grandma had an old upright at her house and every time I'd visit, the first words out of my mouth were, "Can I play the piano?" I never really knew what I was doing, but I knew I loved the sounds the instrument made each time I pressed the keys. I loved the sensation of the white ivory under my fingers, having the power to create a smooth, rich sound by merely striking the keys downward. I was fascinated by the ability to control the volume of the sound by striking harder or softer. I eventually began to teach myself basic theory, note names, where they're located on the keyboard and scales. I so clearly remember my aunt teaching me proper form, "Hold your hands like you're holding a bubble, but don't pop it!" Soon after, I began piano lessons.
While quitting piano is one of my greatest regrets in life, I have to admit, I've never really like people telling me what to do and how to do it. Eventually I got to a point where I knew pretty much everything I needed to know in order to be successful at the piano. All I needed was practice. So I quit and begged my mom to buy me a violin so I could be in the orchestra at school. No matter how much I pleaded my mom reiterated her nightmarish past with the violin, listening to her sister practice as a youngster, screeching away. She insisted I wait one more year for band.
My mom played clarinet when she was in school, so naturally, so did I. It turned out, my cousin Mike had an old trumpet he used to play when he was in school, and since money was always tight growing up, I became a trumpeter. Before I even got my hands on the thing, I was at a sleep over at my friend, Sonya's house and her dad was a trumpet player. We found his old trumpet and all of us had a go at trying to make a sound. I was the only one who could get a noise out of it. I remember as soon as I heard the the warm buzz out of the other end of the bell, I just wanted to hear more. Then I got my own.
In band, I picked up on the trumpet very quickly. I memorized notes, scales, and whole pieces of music. I loved to play, night and day, for hours. But after my first year, I hit that point again where I got burnt out. I felt like I knew everything (ha!). I wanted to switch to french horn. Even at that age, I knew the french horn was in higher demand and I could probably get a lot further with a career in music as a french horn player. But my mom insisted I stick with the trumpet. And so did my music instructors. From Mr. Bradley's constant encouragement, Mrs. Carpenter's pushing me to be more confident and Mr. Rine's belief in me, I fell back in love with the trumpet.
In eighth grade, I moved from the middle school band to the junior high. I can't remember if we had auditions that first year, but I so clearly remember the first day of band. The new band teacher was Mr. Rine, and he scared the crap out of me. Actually, I was the first kid to get in trouble in his class for whispering something to my buddy Riley. I was embarrassed and made my mind up that I didn't like Mr. Rine. As the year progressed, I started to notice Mr. Rine's genuine interest in bettering me as a trumpet player. He would answer my questions, spend time with me to get rhythms right and if he couldn't help, would get me the help I needed. At the end of the year, he encouraged me to try out for jazz band. I was nervous and I just assumed I wasn't good enough, but I knew I didn't really have much to lose. I auditioned and Mr. Rine placed me as the second trumpet player for the jazz band. That next year in jazz band literally changed my life as a musician.
Jazz totally redefined what I thought was possible as a musician. I found the rhythms intoxicating, the scales delightful and the improv a challenge. I fell in love, harder than I've even fallen before. I started listening to jazz musicians every waking moment. I bought album after album of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Louie Armstrong. I learned as much as I could as fast as I could. I ate it up like it was a big bowl of chocolate pudding. And I never looked back.
It so happens, the same time I fell in love with jazz, I took a particular liking to Mr. Rine. I suspected he also had a fondness for me, though I never knew for sure. He had me playing in the top bands at the junior high, gave me solos I never thought I deserved, and put me in full orchestra. When the year began to end, I couldn't help but feel sad to leave the next year. And auditions were coming up. I don't think auditions ever become easier as a musician. I've been to a million auditions, and every single one is as hard as the one I had at the end of ninth grade for jazz band at the high school.
I remember every moment of that audition. I remember sitting in the practice room at the high school, a strange foreign place with a hobbled piano and broken music stands. I remember staring at the sheet music, "Blues In Hoss Flat," trying so hard to get each rhythm right. I remember frantically studying blues scales. One by one, each of us in that practice room were called into the band room. 4 people left. 3 people. 2. Then just me.
Funny, I don't actually remember what the hell I did during the audition. It was sort of like blacking out, because I have no memory of what happened during those 10 minutes until Mr. DePalatis said, "So I think you'll be the lead next year." Wait, what?? I wanted to blurt out, "Do you know who you're talking to? I'm just a freshman! I don't know what I'm doing!" But I just smiled, said thank you and left.
Now I know that was one of the most important moments in my career as a musician. Mr. DePalatis taking a chance on a freshman, a kid he maybe only heard place a few times before, to be the lead in a band full of upper classmen with years more experience than me. That first year playing lead transformed me from a shy, timid band member into a confident leader of the band. I think I owe all of my musical maturity to that man.
When high school ended, I was faced with a choice: to continue with trumpet or not? I chose not. I never regret my decision, but often I miss playing with a band. I've found that when I'm not playing the trumpet, it's impossible for me to survive without some form of music making. I've replaced my first love, the trumpet, with the challenge of learning the guitar.
No matter what the instrument or how well I can play, who I'm with, where I am, I'll always have the need and urge to be a musician. Music is perfect. And the world is perfect when I'm playing.
One of my earliest memories about music was when I was just before starting kindergarten. My mom and dad had a huge stereo system in our living room that was off limits to me and my brother, Cody. As a kid, I was more of a rule breaker than rule follower at home, so naturally I ventured into the territory I was forbidden. I remember finding dozens and dozens of records and tapes, but what caught my eye was a small box of CDs. I found one with a black and white picture of a man's face and decided I would attempt to listen to it. I have always had a knack for figuring out technology, even at a young age, and I managed to start playing the CD. I had jacked the volume way up and the first thing I remember was this massive wave of sound rushing into my head. Scrambling to turn it down, I fumbled with the controls. Then, I started to listen. I remember falling in love with how it sounded. Not the words, but how the combination of notes, rhythms and sounds layered on top of each other to create a new, more interesting sound. Turns out, it was Elton John's self titled album playing "Your Song."
I remember bugging my mom about wanting to play piano from a very young age. My grandma had an old upright at her house and every time I'd visit, the first words out of my mouth were, "Can I play the piano?" I never really knew what I was doing, but I knew I loved the sounds the instrument made each time I pressed the keys. I loved the sensation of the white ivory under my fingers, having the power to create a smooth, rich sound by merely striking the keys downward. I was fascinated by the ability to control the volume of the sound by striking harder or softer. I eventually began to teach myself basic theory, note names, where they're located on the keyboard and scales. I so clearly remember my aunt teaching me proper form, "Hold your hands like you're holding a bubble, but don't pop it!" Soon after, I began piano lessons.
While quitting piano is one of my greatest regrets in life, I have to admit, I've never really like people telling me what to do and how to do it. Eventually I got to a point where I knew pretty much everything I needed to know in order to be successful at the piano. All I needed was practice. So I quit and begged my mom to buy me a violin so I could be in the orchestra at school. No matter how much I pleaded my mom reiterated her nightmarish past with the violin, listening to her sister practice as a youngster, screeching away. She insisted I wait one more year for band.
My mom played clarinet when she was in school, so naturally, so did I. It turned out, my cousin Mike had an old trumpet he used to play when he was in school, and since money was always tight growing up, I became a trumpeter. Before I even got my hands on the thing, I was at a sleep over at my friend, Sonya's house and her dad was a trumpet player. We found his old trumpet and all of us had a go at trying to make a sound. I was the only one who could get a noise out of it. I remember as soon as I heard the the warm buzz out of the other end of the bell, I just wanted to hear more. Then I got my own.
In band, I picked up on the trumpet very quickly. I memorized notes, scales, and whole pieces of music. I loved to play, night and day, for hours. But after my first year, I hit that point again where I got burnt out. I felt like I knew everything (ha!). I wanted to switch to french horn. Even at that age, I knew the french horn was in higher demand and I could probably get a lot further with a career in music as a french horn player. But my mom insisted I stick with the trumpet. And so did my music instructors. From Mr. Bradley's constant encouragement, Mrs. Carpenter's pushing me to be more confident and Mr. Rine's belief in me, I fell back in love with the trumpet.
In eighth grade, I moved from the middle school band to the junior high. I can't remember if we had auditions that first year, but I so clearly remember the first day of band. The new band teacher was Mr. Rine, and he scared the crap out of me. Actually, I was the first kid to get in trouble in his class for whispering something to my buddy Riley. I was embarrassed and made my mind up that I didn't like Mr. Rine. As the year progressed, I started to notice Mr. Rine's genuine interest in bettering me as a trumpet player. He would answer my questions, spend time with me to get rhythms right and if he couldn't help, would get me the help I needed. At the end of the year, he encouraged me to try out for jazz band. I was nervous and I just assumed I wasn't good enough, but I knew I didn't really have much to lose. I auditioned and Mr. Rine placed me as the second trumpet player for the jazz band. That next year in jazz band literally changed my life as a musician.
Jazz totally redefined what I thought was possible as a musician. I found the rhythms intoxicating, the scales delightful and the improv a challenge. I fell in love, harder than I've even fallen before. I started listening to jazz musicians every waking moment. I bought album after album of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Louie Armstrong. I learned as much as I could as fast as I could. I ate it up like it was a big bowl of chocolate pudding. And I never looked back.
It so happens, the same time I fell in love with jazz, I took a particular liking to Mr. Rine. I suspected he also had a fondness for me, though I never knew for sure. He had me playing in the top bands at the junior high, gave me solos I never thought I deserved, and put me in full orchestra. When the year began to end, I couldn't help but feel sad to leave the next year. And auditions were coming up. I don't think auditions ever become easier as a musician. I've been to a million auditions, and every single one is as hard as the one I had at the end of ninth grade for jazz band at the high school.
I remember every moment of that audition. I remember sitting in the practice room at the high school, a strange foreign place with a hobbled piano and broken music stands. I remember staring at the sheet music, "Blues In Hoss Flat," trying so hard to get each rhythm right. I remember frantically studying blues scales. One by one, each of us in that practice room were called into the band room. 4 people left. 3 people. 2. Then just me.
Funny, I don't actually remember what the hell I did during the audition. It was sort of like blacking out, because I have no memory of what happened during those 10 minutes until Mr. DePalatis said, "So I think you'll be the lead next year." Wait, what?? I wanted to blurt out, "Do you know who you're talking to? I'm just a freshman! I don't know what I'm doing!" But I just smiled, said thank you and left.
Now I know that was one of the most important moments in my career as a musician. Mr. DePalatis taking a chance on a freshman, a kid he maybe only heard place a few times before, to be the lead in a band full of upper classmen with years more experience than me. That first year playing lead transformed me from a shy, timid band member into a confident leader of the band. I think I owe all of my musical maturity to that man.
When high school ended, I was faced with a choice: to continue with trumpet or not? I chose not. I never regret my decision, but often I miss playing with a band. I've found that when I'm not playing the trumpet, it's impossible for me to survive without some form of music making. I've replaced my first love, the trumpet, with the challenge of learning the guitar.
No matter what the instrument or how well I can play, who I'm with, where I am, I'll always have the need and urge to be a musician. Music is perfect. And the world is perfect when I'm playing.
DMB Cover Songs
This list is short, with only five entries and one honorable mention. Dave has covered a huge number of songs in the 20 years of touring, though there are few that I've had the privilege to hear live or on a Live Trax. In addition to the smaller number of cover songs I've heard, cover songs are my least favorite of the variety the band plays. They're still fun and exciting to hear, of course.
Each post for this section will contain:
Song Title
Original Artist
Why I Love It
Memories
Favorite Lyrics
My Favorite DMB Songs
Twitter so kindly reminded me that today is Dave Matthews birthday and that got me thinking. Since it's a new year and considering my undying love for the Dave Matthews Band, I wanted to follow in the vein of so many before me and create a list of my favorite songs. While writing my list, I quickly came to realize there are so many songs I love for different reasons that I'd have to split them into categories:
Top 50 Dave Matthews Band Songs
Top 10 Dave Matthews Solo Songs
Top 5 Dave Matthews Band Cover Songs
My project for this quarter is to reveal each of my lists, one song at a time with a brief description of why the song is located where it is on each list. I've also decided I'll start from the bottom and work my way to the top. Stay tuned for my musings on each of my favorite songs from my favorite band.
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