misspoptart

Yessss...Kelli found it and now I'm here to spam it.

I have so much to respond to on this thread but it's all so old. First I'd just like to clarify that sterotyping the fans as pot-smoking bros or yuppies or khaki-wearing GAP patrons is really, really unfair. There might be (or have been) some at live shows back in the day, and they may still be hanging around (probably not), but the reality is that's only one side of them. The band appeals across generations, continents, demographics, and social strata. And that is one thing that makes them exciting.

As a straightedge kid from a low-income family in the woods of Maine, DMB was the first album I ever bought on CD (Before These Crowded Streets), at the age of 10. And I can also tell you that my earliest and happiest memories are of my single mom rocking out to "what would you say" or occasionally "typical situation" on tape in our car. Sweet times. So it could also be a childhood thing, and that also makes it cool. Three or four of my third grade friends also loved DMB. Maybe we were weirdos. Anyway I was happy.

Another great thing about the band is their kickass drummer, Carter. If you haven't seen him play, you really don't know what you're missing. If you've seen/heard his live drumming skills (or even studio versions), and you still don't get it, I'm not going to argue with you. But I think musicians can appreciate his musicianship. The same goes for the violinist, and the oft-overlooked bassist, who has been with the band since he was like 16 or 17.

Grew up with these guys. I guess when I'm 30 or whatever, this will be my Led Zeppelin or Rolling Stones (bands my age and music tastes just inexplicably block me from understanding).

Anyway I mainly wanted to say that the stereotypes are lame about the fans. I don't think that's fair. Every type of music has some ratio of annoying fans. Of course DMB is no exception!!

Kelli

I guess I'll reply to this thread too, haha. I've never been a HUGE fan of DMB but I've always really liked them in general, and I've listened to all (and own a few) of their albums at some point or another in my life. They're one of those groups I grew up hearing on the radio and were always really popular where I live.

Same here! In elementary school I loved a lot of what I guess you could call late 90s alternative/soft rock bands. DMB, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, etc. That's what I grew up hearing. Even if liking them lessens my music credibility or whatever, screw it, I like what I like. Here's their first song I ever heard. This ended up being one of the first cds I bought and still remember listening to this song to fall asleep at night..


Dave Matthews Band - Satellite - YouTube

Also, listened to the '09 album earlier today and the one song that always sticks out to me is Funny the Way it Is. Not their best song musically, but I've always thought the lyrics were fantastic. Just thought I'd mention that one.

Good stuff.

P A N

my sentiments exactly. i've met so many metalheads that seem like their heads are completely empty, but i don't go blaming that on pantera. and i'm not saying this because i like DMB (which i do), i'm saying this because it's kinda ridic to knock a band because of its fans and then blanket the entire demographic with harsh - yet witty - generalizations. no offense, but that makes me want to answer the question "do you listen to music" with "no. snobs like that sh*t."

aside from that little rant, i dig dave cuz he's pretty talented (try learning the vocal and guitar parts to crash and try to tell me dave isn't musically gifted) and carter beauford is an awesome, AWESOME drummer who smiles and chews gum while he pulls off non-stop amazing sh*t on the traps. and rhythmically speaking, they are probably one of the most dynamic and cohesive bands on the planet, IMO. they blend complexity and imagination in such a way that the listener can make a decision about whether or not they want to become cerebrally provoked or just listen and smile cuz some dudes are having a good time with words, rhythms and sounds. they're playful and light-hearted... and dave's pretty sarcastic too. i like it.