A few days ago, to my surprise, my wait for the release of the new DMB album, Big Whiskey and The Groogrux King, was over. The album doesn't drop until June 2, but Pandora radio has been streaming the album in its entirety on Pandora's Dave Matthews Band site.
Big Whiskey and The Groogrux King is the first album after the passing of one of the founding members, Leroi Moore. It is the first studio album since 2005, and their 7th studio album overall.
The name GrooGrux is a nickname for Leroi, Carter, Tim Reynolds, a friend Tim Wicks, and now Matthews, Lessard and Tinsley "[ have become] graduates of The GrooGrux Academy," according to Carter Beauford. The word is a description of a certain energy and vibe that they find in obscure, exploratory rhythms while they play together. Big Whiskey, according to Dave Matthews, comes from a drunk guy in New Orleans asking for money to buy "a big whiskey." Stefan gave him a 20, much to his celebration, and Rashawn suggested it as a title, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.
I've been listening to the album, and the following is my breakdown from song to song after a few listens.
Grux - A slow, heavenly sounding saxophone lick from the late Leroi Moore. Carter and Boyd play softly in the background leaving the ghostly sound of Leroi's saxophone to stand alone. The CD starts and ends with Leroi, an appropriate goodbye to one of DMB's founding fathers, as they complete their first CD in his absence.
Shake Me Like A Monkey - This song smacks you in the face after the slow Grux intro. There is a very strong horn presence in this song which will leave you shaking like a monkey, with Rashawn Ross and Jeff Coffin laying down the tracks. Tim lays down some classic rock riffs, as Dave shows off a new found voice range as his sexual lyrics dance over the big band sound. Get out your seat for this one.
Funny The Way It Is - The first single off this album provides great images, as its lyrics point out the ironic aspects of life. This poppy tune contains a very catchy hook and some nice lyrical bridges that are very fun to sing along with. There are some subtle, nicely placed piano parts along with our first glimpse at Boyd Tinsley as he contributes a smooth violin solo, and a solo from Tim Reynolds. A vast improvement over singles from the previous couple albums.. i.e. American Baby, I Did It and Where Are You Going.
Lying in The Hands of God - In my opinion, one of the best songs of the album. The song contains licks from previous recordings by Leroi Moore. There is also more Dave style guitar licks in this song, with nice additions by Tim Reynolds. Carter rips on the drums as if it were a live performance, but in a very subtle way as the song focuses on the lyrics. Dave once again is showing off amazing lyrical ability and voice range. TR throws in some sitar as well. This might be one of the best songs Dave has ever sung, in terms of his voice alone. His lyrics are at the focus, and they do not fail to impress even the most critical of Dave fans. It has Great production value. It makes you want to lay down somewhere with mother nature and just look up to the sky "lying in the hands of God." I love the mini acoustic licks, and solos. The little things make this song great. One of the best slow songs in the DMB catalog.
Why I Am - the most obvious tribute to Leroi Moore. Hearing the live version before hearing the studio version makes this one of the disappointments of the CD. Its a good song with neat musical value, although a little awkward at times. The studio version seems a little slow as if the band wasn't too sure the pace to take on this song. In my opinion, Tim Reynold's presence is a little overdone in this song. The studio version is a little too electric for me, although its not bad at all. The highlights of the song are the bridge and the chilling lyrics at the end. "Still here dancing with the Groogrux King, well be drinking Big Whiskey while we dance and sing, when the story ends it will end with him, heaven or hell, Ill be here dancing with the Groogrux King."
Dive In - The beginning has a Coldplay type piano sound to it and the song maintains that slow catchy feel in its entirety. There is an out of the ordinary, over dubbing of Dave's voice that adds a new sound that I actually really enjoy. A very tasty lick from Tim Reynolds appears towards the end of the song as the band lays down a solid simple track in the background that is consistent throughout. The lyrics of this song are simply.. nice. "Dive In" is growing on me with every listen, and is slowly becoming one of my favorites. "Wake Up sleepy Head, I think the suns brighter today, smile, watch the icicles melt away and see the water rising, summers here to stay, and that sweet summer breeze will blow forever, go down to the shore, kick off your shoes, and dive in the empty ocean."
Spaceman - I love the way Dave sings this song, only he can sing with the style he throws down on this witty track. The lyrics seem to have a New Orleans feel to it. "All the freaks are on parade, thought I saw a spaceman trying to get laid." Dave's acoustic play is more visible in this song than on other songs on this album, where his guitar might get drowned out by TR. There are many neat lyrics in this song, and it does translate live. Mini, quiet scats can be noticed throughout. This song is quietly one of the better recordings on the CD, very solid. Danny Barnes throws down a nice little banjo lick to end the song that is awkwardly, yet cleverly placed. "Doesn't everybody deserve to have a good life?"
Squirm - My first impression of this song puts me in a scene in Aladdin. The saxophone adds a middle eastern sound appropriate for belly dancing. Death finds itself a common theme throughout the song, supported with some dark visuals. Dave's singing is very creative, and uniquely composed on top of interesting guitar tracks by TR, as well as himself. The song comes to a stop and comes back with an orchestra sounding climax, setup for a potentially amazing live interpretation. Boyd shows up again towards the end, leading to the middle eastern sound of the saxophone to end the song. This song might go down as the best on the album, it is simply epic and will be sure to translate into an AMAZING live song. "drum beats louder, drum beats louder"
Alligator Pie - If you like Louisiana Bayou, this is the Big Whiskey and The Groogrux King version of it. Danny Barnes lays down the basis of this track, with his knee slapping banjo riffs. It puts me in a backyard barbecue by the bayou. Beginning with a simple dog bark, banjo playing, a reference to his daughter, Stella, and eating "Alligator Pie", you can't help but put yourself there having a good time with your family and friends. The lyrics of this song throw me for a loop, but it seems "Daddy will you put me in a song" is a strong focus of the lyrics, referring to his daughter. There are a few breakdowns that will make dancing to this song one hell of a work out. Dave's singing reaches many different levels here with a unique Dave style that you usually only hear live. Carters drumming throughout this album is amongst his best; he really takes the reigns of the band on this release and brings his fans a gift we have learned to love from Carter - particularly live - into the depths of the studio. This song is his climax for this album. Kick off your sandals, roll up your pant legs and sleeves and let loose to this one, it is sure to be one of his premiere live songs.
Seven - DMB took it to a new level here. The song is focused, I would say, around Tim Reynolds heavier electric riffs. The band falls into a 7/8 time signature, which is always a nice switch up on an album, much to the pleasure of musicians everywhere. The lyrics are heavily sexual, but clever as usual. The new sound gives Dave a chance to explore his new found lyrical, rhythmic style with an extremely solid, smooth and catchy chorus. This will be a very fun sing along once the words are ingrained in our minds. I really enjoy it and I am curious what it will be like live. I can see Carter blowing bubbles, Dave getting really into it, and the band just having a great time on a song like this on stage in front of 30,000 people. Enjoy.
Time Bomb - I have a feeling, this is going to be a lot of peoples favorite on this album. The song starts off slow and simple - slowly progressing into a heavy, powerful, full band rock song where everyone is contributing their best - as Dave screams, and pleads and spills his passion into our speakers. There is a lot of heart in this song. The second half of the song reminds me of Neil Young live - loud, passionate and in your face.
My Baby Blue - Isn't that Sister? Yes - and No. Same guitar, same guitar riff - different lyrics. It seems to be born from the unreleased, Sister. This is one of those slow songs that finds itself onto the CD. Great song, but one where you might want to go use the bathroom and grab a beer. Very simple, no drums - acoustic guitar - soft melody, but again with very meaningful lyrics. Nice little diddy.
You and Me - I love singing along to this song, it has a very fun flow to it - especially the chorus. Another heavily acoustic song, a song I would love to learn on the guitar and sing along with (which I plan on doing). There is some beautiful violin parts as well, very orchestra sounding. What a way to end the bulk of the CD before the hidden track outro - a nice little simple acoustic guitar riff - ending the album PERFECTLY. "You and me together, we can do anything, baby - You and me together, yea, yea."
Leroi Outro - Whatever it is, it is the outro of the CD. The CD began with Grux - a simple sweet diddy laid down by Leroi before his death, and ends with a simple sweet diddy laid down by Leroi - parts of the band playing quietly in the background for a few seconds - very appropriate. R.I.P. Leroi.
Overall, I love this CD - it is growing on me with every listen. The only negative thing I can say is that it is lacking the violin with Boyd Tinsley. His sound is vital to the "typical" DMB sound that we all love from the earlier days, but he should be a key contributor live, which will only make these songs better. The new sound is actually, in my words - the old sound enhanced. The production value is amazing, and the contributing members didn't over contribute, so to say - but add great value to this album. Definitely what we have been waiting for. This album may creep up on the "Big 3" hardcore DMB fans like to refer to, and become a "Big 4." In my opinion, the highlights of the CD are Dave's new found vocal range, and his lyrics throughout the entire CD. The horns in this CD sound great as well, and the songs are very catchy. A great CD full of great music, played by great musicians, especially Carter Beauford, who shows why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. Enjoy the CD, and listen to it a few times before you make an official opinion of it, it will grow on you.
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