American Alternative music reviews

Live at Luther College is a great CD for any DMB fan. Tim Reynolds and Dave Matthews collaborate on this great acoustic live show. The show is very laid back and chill and less enthusiastic and upbeat than other live shows. If you're debating on a live CD or a studio CD, there is no question with the Dave Matthews Band. Studio CD's do not capture the spirit and originality of the band. The CD includes great renditions of both 'One Sweet World' and 'Jimi Thing.' Live at Luther College is a great example of DMB live.

The best, simply the best... You can't go wrong with this... Music, passion, love, laughter, honesty, a insanely talented guitar player, very emotional beautiful vocals and sweet sweet melodies, songs and lyrics performed flawlessly from the heart. Buy it right now!

Having lived with two DMB fans, one of whom virtually worships the man and his band, I have been exposed to the vast majority of their tunes. I think they're talented, but between Dave's somewhat indecipherable vocals and the sometimes over-the-top instrumentation, I find that whatever message they're trying to convey often gets buried.

That being said, "Live at Luther College" is most definitely one (or two, if a two-disc set can't count as one) of the ten recordings I'd want with me if I were stranded on a desert island.

I'd give all but maybe one or two songs a 5-star rating. Even the "Christmas Song," which, subject-wise, isn't exactly my cup of tea, is just too perfectly executed to deny.

There are thousands of recordings that use electric guitar and of which I'm a huge fan, but if I had to choose, I prefer the purity of acoustic guitar. The use of acoustic guitars alone gives this set a huge edge.

And Tim Reynolds is a virtuoso--probably as technically gifted as many respected classical guitarist, but with an equally impeccable ability to reinvent each of Dave's songs so that they have every bit as much groove, humor, emotion, and force (and often more) as they did with his full band backing him up. Dave isn't half-bad either.

And while they take their guitars to the very limits of unplugged rock, Dave's voice is still able to shine through clearly, and I can actually understand what he's saying more often than not (I've actually memorized most of the album, although there are some areas where I still mumble incoherent phrases in conjunction with what seems to be coming out of Dave's mouth).

Virtually all of the power and emotion is generated by the musicians themselves, not by special effects or gadgets, and you can really feel what a memorable experience it must have been to attend that show.

"Time and Time Again" is a really good song.

Aside from the hits on this cd, that is a really good song. It really shows off T-Bone Burnett's producing skills. He could've sung that song himself.

I'm not a fan of theirs really, but this is an enjoyable cd. I've listened to track 6 maybe 12 times in a row now. Great song.

I received this album as a gift 12 years ago, I snickered at it when I opened it. I had heard Mr. Jones so many times my first reaction was to shatter the disc. I found it surprising that after a couple of listens this album really started to resonate with me. 12 years later this remains one of my all time favorite albums. The Counting Crows albums released since this debut lack the melancholy tone that made this album stand out. I wonder if there will ever be a Counting Crows album as good as this. Deep inside of me there is a solemn hope that they will eventually try to stop writing big hit songs like Mr. Jones and will release another heartfelt album with more subdued tracks like Anna Begins and Raining in Baltimore.

Well over a decade after the Counting Crows released their debut album, I still am finding myself putting this CD in for a listen. This is my favorite CC album and I don't think they ever quite matched it (although I did love "This Desert Life" which also finds its way into my player). The best thing about CC is that no one sounds like them and they sound just as good (maybe better) live! Adam's voice utilizes every word, every note, and every intonation perfectly and it is impossible not to sing along. Most of these songs are standouts including: Round Here, Omaha, Mr. Jones, Anna Begins, Rain King, and Raining In Baltimore...and while we're at it, you can probably add Perfect Blue Buildings and Sullivan Street as solid tracks. This album has stood the test of time (compared to many bands that tried to copy (Hootie the Blowfish or Wallflowers, anyone?). Every song is like poetry and the music is a perfect compliment. A perfect mix of upbeat and slow, happy and sad, this CD should strike a chord with most listeners who appreciate good music, good lyrics, and good vocals.

"Time and Time Again" is a really good song.

Aside from the hits on this cd, that is a really good song. It really shows off T-Bone Burnett's producing skills. He could've sung that song himself.

I'm not a fan of theirs really, but this is an enjoyable cd. I've listened to track 6 maybe 12 times in a row now. Great song.

I received this album as a gift 12 years ago, I snickered at it when I opened it. I had heard Mr. Jones so many times my first reaction was to shatter the disc. I found it surprising that after a couple of listens this album really started to resonate with me. 12 years later this remains one of my all time favorite albums. The Counting Crows albums released since this debut lack the melancholy tone that made this album stand out. I wonder if there will ever be a Counting Crows album as good as this. Deep inside of me there is a solemn hope that they will eventually try to stop writing big hit songs like Mr. Jones and will release another heartfelt album with more subdued tracks like Anna Begins and Raining in Baltimore.

Well over a decade after the Counting Crows released their debut album, I still am finding myself putting this CD in for a listen. This is my favorite CC album and I don't think they ever quite matched it (although I did love "This Desert Life" which also finds its way into my player). The best thing about CC is that no one sounds like them and they sound just as good (maybe better) live! Adam's voice utilizes every word, every note, and every intonation perfectly and it is impossible not to sing along. Most of these songs are standouts including: Round Here, Omaha, Mr. Jones, Anna Begins, Rain King, and Raining In Baltimore...and while we're at it, you can probably add Perfect Blue Buildings and Sullivan Street as solid tracks. This album has stood the test of time (compared to many bands that tried to copy (Hootie the Blowfish or Wallflowers, anyone?). Every song is like poetry and the music is a perfect compliment. A perfect mix of upbeat and slow, happy and sad, this CD should strike a chord with most listeners who appreciate good music, good lyrics, and good vocals.

I really dont like Dave Matthews music that much, but there is one thing that you have to give him and his band credit for. They are very very good musicans. This is the one album that they have that I happen to like, since I think the Live Material is much better then any of the studio work. This is a good concert to listen to, and I highly recommend it to anyone who just wants to kick back and listen to some real good jams. ENJOY

If "Louisiana Bayou" on the DVD with Robert Randolph doesn't do it for you, you are already dead. Jammin' DMB at their best!

Before I review this album let me share with you a brief bit of DMB's history snce this was recorded

1996: Crash is Released
1997: This wonderful Album is released
1998: Before These Crowded Srteets is released
2000: The Lilywhite Sessions are left
2001: Everyday is released; The Lillywhite Sessions are leaked
2002: Busted Stuff is released
2005: Stand Up is released.

bow alot has changed in 10 years, and so has DMB's sound.

This 2 disc jam fest may be a shock to newer DMB fans, who are used to the radio hits.

while there are a few of those on here, they're not this recordings best stuff.

RR95 (as hardcore fans have abbriviated it) starts off with Seek Up, which dictates the pace for the rest of the concert.

the first disc is golden, straying from the radio singles(except for Satlelite which is amazing on this recording)

the second disc doesn't stop that vibe, and makes this truely a greeat live album.

Disc 1

*1. Seek Up 5/5
*2. Proudest Monkey 5/5
*3. Sattelite 5/5
4. Two Step 5/5
*5. Best of What's Around 5/5
*6. Recently 5/5
7. Lie in Our Graves 5/5
8. Dancing Nancies 5/5
9. Warehouse(pre "Whoooo!") 4/5

Disc 2

*1. Tripping Billies 5/5
2. Drive In, Drive Out 4.5/5
3. Lover Lay Down 5/5
4. Rhyme and Reason 4.5/5
*5. #36 5/5
*6. Ants Marching 5/5
7. Typical Situation 4/5
8. All Along the Watchtower 5/5

*= Reccomended Track

1= terrible, 2= poor, 3= decent, 4= good, 5= great

I was a college freshman in the spring of 1983 and already had "Chronic Town" (just the 5-song EP, on vinyl), and my dorm roommate thought they stank and would never release anything else and would fade into oblivion along with hundreds of other Next Big Things.

I had to admit she was right about the last part, until I got a small package in the mail one day in late April.

It was a cassette tape from my brother.

Side one, "Deep Sea Skiving" by Bananarama.

Side two, this.

It sounds just as fresh and exciting now as it did 23 years ago. And it was only a sneak peek at what was to come.

Now you all know where my "name" came from!

I have no idea or any great interest in how this record impacted listeners in 1982. the point is that the good tunes still hold up today as vital and thoroughly engaging. Their early albums were a bit inconsistent (maybe this one less so) but right from the off when they hit it they really hit it. My favourite track by a landslide is "West of the Fields". The drum and base find a groove that is mesmerising; as far as i'm concerned one of their absolute best tracks; just so good - although I must confess to having no idea as to what the song is about (laughs). I suspect the clue is in the album cover. The other tracks I still really get off on after many years are sitting still, 9-9 and shaking through. They carry interesting beats and melody with delightful vocals that still sound fresh today. Talented bunch.

What a wonderful, magical record this. I was in college when REM appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and caught the indie rock world (which at the time was kind of in a loud SST (Black Flag, Meat Puppets) and Minneapolis (Husker Du, Replacements, etc.) frame of mind, somewhat by suprise. REM quickly became darlings of this world, in part by invoking and evoking some of the quieter, more introspective, elements of music past, particularly the mid 60s folk-rock era of the Byrds and the Lovin' Spoonful. Anyway, this is a record filled with wonderful, hook filled tunes, solid, tasteful playing (particularly by guitarist Peter Buck) and some rather good vocalizing by the then long haired, introverted singer Michael Stipe. In the end product, REM created an iconic record, which like A Love Supreme, Sgt. Pepper, Blonde on Blonde, What's Going On, Rocket to Russia, and Never Mind the Bollocks, is both of its time and transcendent of it, as well.

I was a college freshman in the spring of 1983 and already had "Chronic Town" (just the 5-song EP, on vinyl), and my dorm roommate thought they stank and would never release anything else and would fade into oblivion along with hundreds of other Next Big Things.

I had to admit she was right about the last part, until I got a small package in the mail one day in late April.

It was a cassette tape from my brother.

Side one, "Deep Sea Skiving" by Bananarama.

Side two, this.

It sounds just as fresh and exciting now as it did 23 years ago. And it was only a sneak peek at what was to come.

Now you all know where my "name" came from!

I have no idea or any great interest in how this record impacted listeners in 1982. the point is that the good tunes still hold up today as vital and thoroughly engaging. Their early albums were a bit inconsistent (maybe this one less so) but right from the off when they hit it they really hit it. My favourite track by a landslide is "West of the Fields". The drum and base find a groove that is mesmerising; as far as i'm concerned one of their absolute best tracks; just so good - although I must confess to having no idea as to what the song is about (laughs). I suspect the clue is in the album cover. The other tracks I still really get off on after many years are sitting still, 9-9 and shaking through. They carry interesting beats and melody with delightful vocals that still sound fresh today. Talented bunch.

What a wonderful, magical record this. I was in college when REM appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and caught the indie rock world (which at the time was kind of in a loud SST (Black Flag, Meat Puppets) and Minneapolis (Husker Du, Replacements, etc.) frame of mind, somewhat by suprise. REM quickly became darlings of this world, in part by invoking and evoking some of the quieter, more introspective, elements of music past, particularly the mid 60s folk-rock era of the Byrds and the Lovin' Spoonful. Anyway, this is a record filled with wonderful, hook filled tunes, solid, tasteful playing (particularly by guitarist Peter Buck) and some rather good vocalizing by the then long haired, introverted singer Michael Stipe. In the end product, REM created an iconic record, which like A Love Supreme, Sgt. Pepper, Blonde on Blonde, What's Going On, Rocket to Russia, and Never Mind the Bollocks, is both of its time and transcendent of it, as well.

I rank Double Nickels on the Dime in the top ten albums released in the 80's. I am very glad I held onto my vinyl because for reasons I can't fathom, two songs on the original release are not on this reissue, which is why I am not giving it the five stars this album deserves.

Minutemen really were not like any other band, except perhaps early Wire, so it's hard to compare them to anyone. This album is generally, and rightfully, considered their masterpiece - this is their best synthesis of funk, punk, noise, folk, rock, and whatever else crossed their fertile minds during the feverish recording of this 45-song double (vinyl anyway) album.

Frankly, volumes have been written about this one already and mostly it's all correct - as long as it's saying that this is truly one of the greatest albums ever. It's like ten careers' worth of ideas got crammed into just short of 80 minutes of the most fascinating rock music ever created.

So what's the deal with the missing tracks? Well, I am not going to lie to you. If you ever see this album in some vinyl bin, grab it because both these songs are as good as several relatively weaker songs that are on the reissue:

"Mr. Robot's Holy Orders (Hurley/Watt)" - this was track 3, side 3 ("side george" - the inner clear part of the vinyl has "DANCE MUSIC IS THE NEW PASTURE" etched into it). This is a great funky song that would have been far better here than, say, the god-awful cover version of Doctor Wu (which remains the one song on this album I don't like). But the exclusion of this track is nowhere near as egregious as the absence of ...

"Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" - (Van Halen) yes, this is the version to have. The one on "Tour Speil" was nowhere near as hilarious as this. They bashed out a 38-second version of it which was originally on side 4 (untitled - "CHUMP ROCK IS THE NEW COOL"), and it kills me that they left it off this reissue!!! The song is 38 seconds long! There is plenty of room on the CD for it, and "Mr Robot's Holy Orders" for that matter. (total running time of this album: 74:50 - ATBL would have been no problem at all) It can't be a copyright issue - their other version of the same song is available on Project Mersh Vol. 3. What gives???

That is the only gripe I have with what is still an album for the ages.

By the way, side 1 was "side d." - "ARENA ROCK IS THE NEW WAVE" and side 2 was "side watt" - "PUNK ROCK IS THE NEW NOSTALGIA".

Buy this album. Make a gift of it to anyone who calls him/herself open-minded.

If the show Jackass ever did anything worth admiring, it was choosing "Corona" by Minutemen as it's theme. At two and a half minutes, it's one of the longer tracks on this nearly 45 track album. It's also one of the more conventional punk anthem's they've done, considering how far the horizons stretch when it comes to this band and being creative.

Not to sound pretentious, but Minutemen are someone I admire because they seem like me. That is, they seem to get awfully bored, really quickly. That may just be an allusion created by this bands short and brilliant bursts. Tracks like "Cohesion" are an example--here, in between these polka-influenced punk songs, we get an arpeggiated Spanish guitar demonstration. And, somehow, it works beautifully.

"Nature Without Man" seems to outdue everything Pearl Jam every did, in just over 90 seconds. "Love Dance", along with "Jesus and Tequila" treat us to some blues; and "Do You Want New Wave Or Do You Want the Truth" is just as inspirational as any hymnal.

It's sad that in this "Jackass" generation Mr. Boon and his companions have been forgotten. Minutemen are comprised of ideas, and not just power chords (though, they do those damn well too!). I've tried to introduce this album to the "punks" that I know, but they're so easily turned off when they don't hear pop punk that's been taught to them as though 20 songs about the bands girlfriends have substance; it seems the punk mentality has died.

Very few albums span across so many genre's with this type of skill and tenacity (if you know of some I may not, please tell me). Everything here seems so incoherrent that it begs for repeated listens; begs for that "shuffle" button, too. It should also beg for your attention. Beg to turn your head to a past time, where emotional and political music didn't have to be covered by a label or a haircut or a t-shirt.

DOUBLE NICKELS ON THE DIME ('84) stuffs 43 short songs on two LP's or one CD. The album meshes quite a variety of musical styles: punk, funk, spoken bits, jazzy instrumentation, folk, and even polka!

The MINUTEMEN accomplish this masterpiece album because of its three outstanding musicians - D. BOON (vox, guitar), MIKE WATT (bass, vox), and GEORGE HURLEY (drums, percussion), as well as other guest musicians.

Key tracks include: VIETNAM, POLITICAL SONG FOR MICHAEL JACKSON TO SING, CORONA (*note: The theme music for "JACKASS"), HISTORY LESSON PT. 2, JESUS & TEQUILA, DO YOU WANT NEW WAVE OR DO YOU WANT THE TRUTH?, MAYBE PARTYING WILL HELP.

If you stack this album up against any/all of today's weak & soggy music (i.e. video/pop hits), then you'll discover an album that stands head-and-shoulders above this unfortunate lull in current musical trends...This album more than makes up for today's lack of creativity in most forms of music. Buy it - try it!!!!!

okay, okay, okay: everyone knows this is a classic garage/punk/whatever album. of course it is. buy it! but i've heard some information about the band itself that you may find interesting: it seems that back in the day, when they made this album, they consumed alcoholic beverages to a degree that was not entirely healthy for young men. somehow, despite this behavior, they still made great rock 'n' roll records. go figure!

To these guys! Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day, etc...This is the blue print for you guys. What else can you say about "The Replacements" except this is pure genius and pure rock and roll. Anyone that doesn't own one of their albums just doesn't like music. They were the best band of the 80's. I think I've listened to "Unsatisfied" about 100 times in my lifetime and get goosebumps everytime!

The Replacements were one of the 5-10 greatest rock bands ever. This is arguably their greatest album.

Their entire career (1981-1991) was sadly during the era when radio was dominated (obliterated..) by the retro "Classic Rock" format. As a result, the 'Mats were never heard by most people. Their legacy is the dozens of major bands who, by their own admission, owe part or all of their sound to the influence of the Replacements ( including: Nirvana, Wilco, Goo Goo Dolls...)

If you are a fan of punk, grunge, or Alt Rock, you should own this record.

If Iggy Pop helped, as he has claimed, "to wipe out the 60s," Bob Mould, Grant Hart and Greg Norton then helped to bring it back. That is, this band managed to expand upon the musical/emotional/cathartic possibilities in high speed hardcore by drawing upon 60s (and 70s) psychedelic and hard rock influences. For instance, elsewhere, the band cover such iconic 60s performers as Donovan (Sunshine Superman) and the Byrds (Eight Miles High).

Here, such influences abound. For example, Dreams Reoccurring's psychedelic guitar freak out is followed by the absolute hardcore pounding of the great Indecision Time. Hare Krishna - based on the street chant by the well known western Hindu cult - then combines the hardcore, the psychedelic, and the religious even; just listen to Mould's crazy and unbelievable guitar playing on it. And then, a few cuts later, the song Pride. You can practically envision the band levitating off the floor of the recording studio, and it demands that you turn the volume way up, and maybe blow out a window or two to your house, till your neighbors come over, screaming at you to TURN DOWN THE NOISE. And this you cannot do, as you are caught up in a Husker Du trance. Such is the power of this 1984 masterpiece.

This then was the record that made me a huge fan of this group, and I will always be convienced that this remains one of rock's classic recordings by one of its all time greatest bands. I have mixed feelings about the idea of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but given that it exists to enshrine the greats of rock history, I predict that one day Husker Du will be enshrined there, and deservedly so.

Current day punk bands, I challenge you all to do anything half as raw and intense as this, I absolutely challenge you!

I bought this when it came out in the 80's and was blown away. Why was no one else listening to this? Why wasn't this being played on the radio? Why was everyone else listening to Poison, Motley Crue and the endless parade of hair bands and not Zen Arcade?
To this day, this remains one of those recordings that will always stand the test of time. Mould, Hart and Norton put this out in almost one take and blew away whoever was listening in the music industry(unfortunately not many). Total power from the opening track "Something I Learned Today" to the final mind bending second of "Reoccuring Dreams." Nothing in between disappoints, with standout tracks in Grant Hart's "Pink Turns to Blue" and the legendary "Turn on the News", to Bob Mould's gut wrenching vocals in "Chartered Trips" and "Indecision Time."
"Never talking to You Again" remains a classic, and seeing that Mould and Hart have barely been on speaking terms since the breakup of Husker Du several years after Zen Arcade, was quite prophetic.
1984 is a long time ago, but Zen Arcade sounds just as good as it did when it was released. Pure emotion, excellant songwriting, and some of the most ferocious and disturbing guitar that has ever been recorded has earned this record an esteemed place in rock and roll history.
Husker Du was one of the greatest bands of all time. Their music remains crucial and influenced a string of less talented, but commercially successful, bands in the 90's. To truly appreciate Zen Arcade play the whole CD through, play it loud and feel the power and emotion in what can only be described as a "sonic masterpiece."

Its kind of hard to explain. IN 1984 there was a division. A division between the bands on the radio and the bands touring the country. A division that lead lots of kids to give up on mainstream music and try to be in bands outside the mainstream- damn the consequences. Husker Du along side bands like the minutemen, Black Flag, Flesheaters, DOA, Avengers, Dead Kennedys, and many many more- it became apparent that these overlooked bands we better musicians then the top 40 of the day. Not only could they play there instuments better compare such works as "dancing on the ceiling" (same time period) to "Turn on the news". Which is more relevant now? Someone else mentioned "Our band could be your life" the book-read it now you'll understand. But back then no one sounded like this. Not punk, not heavy metal this was something new. Yes i do admit it, this does sound a bit dated. Still it is required listening to those who would understand the punk/hardcore of the 80's or the 90's the years that "punk broke".

Okay, somebody should have made these guys more famous! Not that it's stopping them from being on of the best rock bands ever, or hometown heroes for all of us down here in Gainesville...
This album is great because it's not trying to break into pop culture. It's semi-pop, quasi-country southern rock that represents the band's roots to a "t": a southern college town. That's probably why G'ville is only place in the world where chain bookstores and music outlets sell out of their albums on a daily basis. And no one has had the full experience of SH until they've been to a G'ville show (seriously, when the whole crowd breaks into the chorus of "All For You", or more recently when the guys did "A little like Heaven" from Drew Copeland's solo debut, and we all went insane, the (literally!) five minute standing ovations... you just have to be there!)
I highly recommend to anyone, though if you haven't been initiated yet, make sure you go back to the older albums too!

I was a Sister Hazel fan when they were still playing on the side of the road in Gainesville. This is one of my favorite cds of theirs. It's nice to have a cd where all of the songs are great, not just one or two.

I still can't deside if I like this or fortress more, however, Chasing Daylight was undoubtedly one of the best CD's of 2003. ken Block has a very unique voice that adds to the awesome songwriting, and unbelievable music. This CD is definately worth the money it costs. "Your Mistake" starts it off perfectly, and sets the tone for the rest of the album. It is ong of the best song's here. The song is catchy, and just fun to listen to. "Come around" is another unbelievable track, and is also very catchy. It's not as good as the first song, but it is a really great piece of music. "One love" comes next, but proves to be the weakest tracks so far. It has one of the weaker vocal tracks, but its still a good song. Track 4 plunges you into the albums first ballad with the epic and beautiful "Best I'll Ever Be", one of the best songs on the album, and of 2003. I love this song! "Life got in the way" has some great lyrics, and is yet another very catchy song. I didn't love this song the first few times, but it really is good music. "Everybody" is a rather funny song, because it's so happy, but it is one of the weaker songs on the album nonetheless. Still worth a lot of listens. However, if there is one song that hinders this album it's "Swan Dive", the next track. It doesn't even sound like sister hazel, and is by far their worst song ever. Its far to hard, and is just not what the band is good at. It sounds like some really crappy band would release this song, and it doesn't even come close to living up to the rest of this album. Even though the song is a letdown, "Killing me too" makes up for it comepletly. Excellent lyrics and music make it one of the best tracks on here, and just in case you haven't gotten over "Swan dive" yet, the band gives you "Sword and Shield" which is just plain cool music. An excellent guitar solo graces this song like no other. Now that the band figures you've forgotten "Swan dive" they give you the six minute "hopeless" which is great. No more and no less. After ten amazing songs, the band finally gives you the greatest song on the album. "Effortlessly" is the albums center masterpiece, and one of the best songs on the album. I could listen to it dozens of time and never get tired of it. The second best sister hazel song ever, right behind "your winter". "Can't believe caps off the album perfectly. Overall, this is one of the best albums in years, and should not be missed.

1.Your Mistake: 5/5 (tied 3rd best)

2.Come Around: 5/5

3.One Love: 4.5/5

4.Best I'll Ever Be: 5/5 (2nd best)

5.Life Got in the Way: 4.5/5

6.Everybody: 4.5/5

7.Swan Dive: 0.5/5 (What in the world?)

8.Killing Me Two: 5/5 (tied 3rd best)

9.Sword and Shield: 5/5

10.Hopeless: 4.5/5

11.Effortlessly: 6/5 (BEST)

12.Can't Believe: 4.5/5

BUY IT NOW!!!!