Music Op-Ed By David Reiersgord

There's a huge lesson to be learned from the TLC reality series, 'Jon & Kate Plus 8'. Together, these two have destroyed a family, potentially ruined their children's lives, and seemingly picked fame over family. So, my question is, when does fame grow stale?

I don't watch the show, but unfortunately its been dominating news coverage at a time when Iran is struggling with its political freedom, North Korea continues its nuclear threats, and our economy continues to decline. 

UPDATE: Thanks to all those who submitted videos and to those who voted for their favorite. Congratulations to swerty for the success of his video. He won the pair of passes to the 2009 10KLF.

Dance Your Way to 10klf 2009!

Do you remember all of the different covers that the Dave Matthews Band played in 2008? Do you remember the tune, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)"? If you're unfamiliar with the song, you most definitely have heard about Dave's wild dancing during the song while the crowd clapped their hands in unison with each other, singing, "Thank you for lettin' me, BE MYSELF... AGAIN!"

by Diana Schwartz

Have you ever wished you could have a shot playing music with the Dave Matthews Band? While that dream may come true for a few hard working folks in the music industry, those fortunate enough to have an iPhone and Tap Tap Revolution, an application produced by Tapulous, get the next best thing - Tap Tap Dave Matthews Band.

For those not familiar with the game, it is somewhat like many rhythm gaming platforms - keep time with the music by pressing buttons. In this case, it's three small buttons at the bottom of the screen; points are scored by tapping these buttons as discs pass over them.

The video for 'Funny The Way It Is' is now on VH1 and was featured on the June 20th Top 20 Countdown as an "Artist Spotlight".

Directed by Fenton Williams and John Crane, 'Funny The Way It Is' is very similar stylistically to the 'Eh Hee' video released in September of 2007, also directed by Williams. Completed in nine minutes and taking only one take, the video features Dave moving from scene to scene in almost puppet-like fashion.

by Rob Banagale

In our coverage of Bonnaroo this past week, we had the opportunity to speak briefly with singer, songwriter and downright groovy performer, Grace Potter.

At just 25 years of age Grace, with her band the Nocturnals, has been lighting up stages across the country with her special mix of funky blues, soul and sixties infused rock. In 2008 she opened for Dave Matthews Band at three dates, two SPAC shows and the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA.

Grace did a total of five performances at Bonnaroo, taking the opportunity to perform about a half dozen new songs from the new album which is titled Medicine. The album was created in just two months with famed producer T-Bone Burnett. T-Bone was awarded the 2009 Producer of the Year Grammy award for his work on Robert Plant & Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand.

Below is a transcription of the interview.  Also available is the audio of the interview in mp3.

by Joe Leverone

Like some of you, I made the trip to SPAC last weekend. I was only able to to make it to the second of the two nights this year, but it turned out to work out perfectly. Located in the beautiful town of Saratoga Springs, NY, SPAC is undoubtedly my favorite venue to see Dave Matthews Band. Not only does the energy of the crowd surpass what I've seen from fans at other venues, but DMB generally plays outstanding setlists at SPAC--these shows are always shows to remember.

By Melissa Scalzo

Okay, I admit, I got the leaked version of Big Whiskey. You probably did too. I couldn’t wait, just knowing it was out there, I had to hear it. With all intentions of buying the record, I opted for the special deluxe box set. Prior to listening to the advance copy, I had only heard a couple of songs: Funny the Way It Is, Why I Am, and Spaceman; mostly what they had been playing live.

So when I downloaded The April Sessions, I was more than surprised to find that none of the songs I knew from the past couple of tours were included. I did not know the tracklisting before, mind you, as I wanted to make it a surprise for the first listen. Much to my chagrin, there was no studio Break Free, not to mention Shotgun, Kill the King, Eh Hee, Falling off the Roof, #27, Can’t Stop, Idea Of You, the list goes on. There was easily an album’s worth of material, and the songs were powerful, and clearly better than we had heard in years.

By David Reiersgord

I was at a cabin in northern Minnesota earlier this week, speaking on the phone with my mother about her thoughts on game 3 of the NBA Finals. She was happy the Magic had made things interesting; she still couldn't stand Dwight Howard. Not much sticks out in my memory from the conversation, except for a story she was describing to me from the halftime show about an autistic boy.

According to her description, this four-year-old boy hadn't spoken a word, prompting his family to grow anxious. However, everything changed the first time he watched the Orlando Magic on TV. Suddenly, he spoke, "play", both baffling and surprising his father at the same time.

There's a lot of great DMB collectibles for fans. Carter's drumsticks. Pictures with members of the band. But how about a guitar autographed by Dave Matthews himself? And did we mention he'll autograph it right in front of you?

Live Nation, Taylor Guitars and MusicToday could be giving you a trip to see DMB at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA on September 13th, where you will meet with Dave as he signs a Taylor guitar just for you! The lucky winner will also get hotel accommodations, $300 in cash and the complete Live Trax series 1-15.

Fans were surprised today to learn that the 'Funny The Way It Is' music video made its way onto the internet earlier this afternoon. The video itself was directed by Fenton Williams and Jeff Crane, and uses much of the stop motion animation that we have seen in the 'Eh Hee' music video, as well as Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer'.

You can view the video on Spinner.com.