F*ck You, I Like Dave Matthews Band

By Lenni Rosenblum Thu., Jun. 28 2012 at 7:00 AM

http://www.facebook.com/davematthewsband

Dave Matthews Band announced yesterday that they'll be dropping their new album, Away From the World, on September 11. Their highly anticipated follow-up to Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King will feature 11 new tracks.

People aren't shy about hating on DMB, but the band's music isn't just for frat boys and hippies. It's for normal people, too, and it's about more than just mellow vibes and hacky sacks. As a longtime fan, I own multiple t-shirts that I wear proudly. Yes, I get funny looks when I wear them in Arizona, and I don't care. (I don't get those funny looks in my home state.) I've seen the band live on multiple occasions, including their headlining set at Bonnaroo in 2010, and every time I saw them I drove at least two hours (and as much as 16).

Bring it on, readers. I am ready to defend your ridiculously negative quips about why you think DMB sucks.

1. Sheer talent

Dave Matthews Band consistently displays exquisite musicianship. Dave's voice is a big draw for a lot of people, but all of Dave's talent aside, let's examine the rest of the band's flair. Have you ever heard a man shred on an electric violin like Boyd Tinsley? Of course you haven't. Wait, is that even debatable? Plus, he makes playing the violin really cool. Stefan Lessard is a beastly bassist, slappin' that thang left and right. Carter Beauford is one of the best drummers out there right now. How is a drummer as good as him even able to concentrate on chewing gum and blowing bubbles while he holds down those beats? Such an ability speaks volumes of his skills. As for LeRoi Moore, may he rest in peace. He could wail on his saxophone like nobody's business, and he did so with flava. Together they've been going strong for over 20 years, and they just keep getting better and better.

2. Epic live jams

DMB is one of those bands that, don't get me wrong, sounds great on their records, but gives the listener a completely different experience when they perform live. They have an immeasurably fantastic live presence. Dave Matthews Band isn't really a jam band, so let's not classify them as that, but at their concerts they truly are collectively a jamming gem. There's a good reason why they're one of the top-grossing bands of our day, and they don't get invited to headline major festivals and events every year for nothing. In fact, DMB grossed $72.9 million on tour in North America in 2010, according to Pollstar. Bands that suck don't make that much money. Alright, maybe Nickelback, but that's it. Just kidding...but seriously.

Tags:

Away From The World, Before These Crowded Streets, Boyd Tinsley, Busted Stuff, Carter Beauford, Dave Matthews, Dave Matthews Band, El Camino, Jack Johnson, jam, LeRoi Moore, Sleep Through The Static, Stefan Lessard, The Black Keys

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Macky Paige

I am loving their first single, mercy. Here's the link if you haven't heard it yet. http://www.vevo.com/watch/dave-matthews-band/mercy-official-lyric-video/USRV81200231

Jon

Busted Stuff is good, just not as good as the Lillywhite Sessions which was dissapointing. Worst album has to go to Stand Up or Everyday no doubt about it.

Lenni Rosenblum

Busted Stuff has a few gems, that's for sure. I just meant as one entity, as an entire album, that's the only one I ever found disappointing.

Greggsquires

Busted Stuff is awesome. Raven, Grey Street, You Never Know great album. Actually they have not one bad album. Not even sure they have a bad song. 10 years 73 shows. I'm done defending.you don't like? It's [their] loss Gregg

Gotcha

The funny thing is, we now live in a world where you have to justify what you like.....because there are legions of chicken-sh!t little b!tches out there waiting to run off at the keyboard with no opportunity for discussion, much less an opportunity to shatter their eye-socket with an elbow. When was the last time you were at a party, turned to a couple of strangers, and said, "You know, I really like Iron Maiden", and had the two strangers immediately begin belittling you and cursing in your face. It doesn't happen. Normal, respectable people don't do that shit. By the way, I'm not a huge DMB fan, but the band has mad skills and I respect the hell out of them. OK children, bring on the GIFT.

Gotcha

Way to represent GIFT!!! http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/greater-internet-fuckwad-theory

Boz

Yo tims, does the word troll mean anything to you? If you hate DMB please feel free to ignore postings from his fans. If you feel his music is super-boring then you should ask yourself: Why am I commenting on it? Maybe that hook from Crush is still stuck in your head somewhere and you just don't have the balls to admit it.

Tim S.

Sheesh, take it easy. I just had to comment because the first part of the title is F*ck You...". Why eff me right off the bat? I hadn't done anything wrong. I actually have never trashed a story in the comments before. Just being a wise ass. :) But DMB and Jack Johnson do suck. Snore!