Hi DMB fans everywhere, this is Steve Lillywhite reporting from a secret location somewhere near Charlottesville, Virginia. Let me start at the beginning and hope I don't bore you.
Last fall the band thought it would be a good idea to make their new CD in their hometown so they could be closer to their families. As there are no top-of-the-line recording studios in Charlottesville, they decided to look for a space where they could install the masses of equipment they were buying. This proved to be tricky, as most people with big houses to rent didn't want a band, however clean and tidy they are, to move in for 5 months or so.
We looked far and wide, and were just about to give up and use the band's rehearsal room, when we found our secret location!! A local builder had decided to build himself a house with a large dance hall attached so he could throw parties for all his friends and family. The only problem was that he was so far out of the way that no one came out to play with him.
The house was then put on the market and, due to its peculiar features (who needs a dance hall?), prospective buyers were hard to find. Along come me and the band and immediately we realize this is the place to record.
Anyway, fast forward to mid-January. The equipment is purchased and the band is ready to start. So to start with, the band did what they love best, which is jamming around the tunes Dave had started playing last tour, like "Bartender" and "Digging a Ditch", as well as new songs like "Sweet Up, Sweet Down", and whatever grooves came about.
I suppose the biggest difference on this CD, so far, is the big fat 12-string guitar Dave plays. Also, after enjoying themselves so much on the last tour with just the 5 of them, they decided to do the same in the studio. The resulting sound is sparse, but very much in your face.
I've heard some fans mutter things that "Bartender" and "Digging a Ditch" are not new songs, but to be honest, when you hear the full band play them, you will be surprised at how far they have evolved.
Some people may have heard Boyd mention a country song... well "Grace is Gone" has become more reminiscent of a Daniel Lanois style tune than a Garth Brooks one!
John the Revelator" has been overhauled and is now known as "JTR" because the "John the Revelator" section has been replaced. The song also includes one of the most intense outros we have ever recorded!!
We have about 12 songs we are working on at the moment, some with working titles as diverse as "Kit Kat Jam", "Golden Monkey" and "She My Bitch.
There is much more I could say about this recording, but I will leave it for now as the band members are beginning to arrive for work. Watch out for the next installment!"
I remember reading this way back in 10th grade and being so excited. Its so sad to read this now and know how it all turned out and where this band stands today in relation to the kind of music they use to make.
I remember reading this way back in 10th grade and being so excited. Its so sad to read this now and know how it all turned out and where this band stands today in relation to the kind of music they use to make.
I remember reading this way back in 10th grade and being so excited. Its so sad to read this now and know how it all turned out and where this band stands today in relation to the kind of music they use to make.
I have high hopes for the next cd. RR is guesting
He's great and all, but to be honest, I don't think that will help this next album at all. I'm 100% positive that the next album will suck a big fat chode that even Robert Randolph can't save.
I remember reading this way back in 10th grade and being so excited. Its so sad to read this now and know how it all turned out and where this band stands today in relation to the kind of music they use to make.
I have high hopes for the next cd. RR is guesting
He's great and all, but to be honest, I don't think that will help this next album at all. I'm 100% positive that the next album will suck a big fat chode that even Robert Randolph can't save.
They've got to 86 Batson. Plain and simple.
Forget about the reasons and the treasons we are seeking
Forget about the notion that our emotions can be swept away, kept at bay
Forget about being guilty, we are innocent instead
For soon we will all find our lives swept away
I'm probably going to catch hell for this - but I am so tired of the criticism that the band gets these days. Let them be! Let them play their music - it is expression - and if they enjoy doing it than that is what matters the most to me. Are the tunes from the last few years different than before? Of course. But, change is constant in this world, and to hold on to something or someone and expect them to stay the same way forever..
All I'm saying is that the band perfoms what is in their heart. Do you honestly believe that ANY outside influence (producer, critic, whatever) is going to change that? Do you really believe that one guy can come in and 'ruin' their music?
DMB, like any of us, is a creation is progress. We aren't always going to love their music - but the constant criticism and complaining about them these days is a real downer, and it seems like that sentiment has really taken over at times among fans here. I'd just like to see people get back to what they enjoy - and not worry as much about what they don't.
