DMB takes it up a notch with Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King

In the debut studio album back in 1994 "Under the Table and Dreaming" The Dave Matthews Band has us Dancing Nancy. Now 15 years later we're Dancing with the Groo Grux king. According to most posts I found on the W3 the Groo Grux King was a nickname for late DMB sax player Leroi Moore who died from complications after rolling an ATV. This album opens up with "Shake me like a Monkey". My first listen to this song I was not sure it would be one of my favorites but I kept listening. The bands good friend Tim Reynolds plays electric guitar and has no problem keeping up with energy of the rest of the band. If I had a chance to interview Dave the first question I would ask him is "why so many references to yourself as a monkey?" On the band's 1996 album "Crash" there is a track entitled "Proudest Monkey". I guess I will never know.

Track two which happens to be the first radio single "Funny The Way it Is" each member of the band does his part to keep up with the vocal energy of Dave. One of my favorite songs by DMB is "Grey Street". For years I have thought to myself, there is something missing from this song Band Synergy. Have a listen for yourself to "Grey Street" and then "Funny The Way it Is". Imagine if the band had the energy that Dave does during that song, it would take it to another level.

The two best tracks on this album in my opinion by far are "Why I Am" and "Baby Blue". If I had a Crystal ball I would say the next radio song that will be released from this album would be "Why I Am". It brings the same energy as "Funny The Way it is". "Baby Blue" does it for right from the start, the guitar picking in the beginning of that song make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It's the style of guitar playing that has made the Dave and Tim show such a popular tour.

This album has been playing in my car CD player since it was realised. It's one of those Dave albums that you can put on and let it play, track after track and you will not be disappointed. I have not felt that way about one of their albums since "Before These Crowded Streets". I have to say as a huge Dave Matthews Fan in the age group of non Abercrombie and Fitch wearing teen, this is by far the bands best work in years. Yes we have had some great tracks on certain album releases over the years but nothing like this. Remember "Everyday"? Yeah either do I.