DMB

I wonder which is more rare. Getting struck by lightning while being mauled by a shark, or spending a day with me when I don't play or (at least) allude to a Dave Matthews Band song.

I started listening to DMB during my senior year of high school. Ironically enough, my sister (ironically because she is NOT a fan...at all) introduced me to the band. Fate brought me across a cast away mix CD that was lying around her room. And always open to hear new music I gave it a play. Seconds later the fetching sound of a snare drum setting the beat for the inevitable break out resounded. The song was Ants Marching, the impetus to my new obsession.

I guess I understand why some people don't like their music. Dave's voice can be a bit raspy at times and others dislike the overriding jazz/jam-band influences. But to me there is nothing better. Carter Beauford's drumming is world class, Stephan Lessard's bass lines are original, and LeRoi Moore and Boyd Tinsley have equally sick solos on their respective instruments. Then there's Dave. The glue and backbone of one of the most popular and iconic bands of our time. Dave's guitar playing is effortless, his lyricism matched by few, and his funky showmanship draws some of the biggest concert crowds.

I haven't come across many things that are so fitting during any situation. Whether you're happy, sad, high, low, feeling hyper or laid back, there is always a song to fit your mood. Dave stresses the "autonomy of art" with his music. That rule states that when you, the artist, release your work it no longer belongs to you-- its meaning is left up to the viewer. Too many bands try getting you to feel what they felt when they created their songs. Dave says, don't worry about what it means to me. What really matters is what it means to you.