Dave's Voice (merged)

[GunsandGasoline]

anyone else think daves voice changed significantly over teh course of his career. i personally like he sounds now, i think he was a little high pitched in the beginning, good example: check out the halloween thread in media.

any thoughts?

[Bryan]

i kinda dig the raspy quality of Dave's voice...but i would take his voice 6 or 7 years ago over today any day of the week. He doesnt even attempt the high falsetto notes in his tunes anymore cause theres no way he can hit them...his voice is too shot......STOP SMOKING!!!

[Paige]

I really like bands that you can tell if its them or not in a split second. Not only is DMB that way(musically)...but I've never heard any voice like Dave's. I absolutely love it. It's got a depth to it...sometimes a growl, sometimes close to a scream. I can't explain it. I love Dave's voice. I love DMB. I went shopping with my mom today and fell asleep in some store and all of a sudden i woke up and i was like "i hear dave"...and sure enough, crush was on the radio. I can't do that with any other band.

[HLShivers]

lol...I did that the other day. I was at a resturant and I couldn't hear the music at all then all of a sudden in the middle of a conversation I was like everyone shut up...I hear something. Turns out Dodo was playing! They all think I'm insane but whatever....
P.S. I like Dave from back when better...he sounds sexier now but singing I liked him in the old days

[LibbyAnn]

I love Dave's voice! And I am def. a newbie...but even I can tell an "old" song from a new one. I personally like his voice at all the stages in his career. Some of the falsetto stuff was way cool, but the raspy, sexy way he sings today really get to me too! But that's one of the amazing things about Dave - you can't get bored! With DMB, the have some damn good rock, so really romantic stuff, alone or with Tim the acoustic stuff is terrific!! Whatever your mood, you can find a sound from him to fit! I love it!

[GunsandGasoline]

his voice fits with songs offa stand up. theres no way he couldve pulled smooth rider back in teh day. i was surprised he got hsi voice high enough on stay or leave, off course that was studio (but bonnarroooooo 04 sounds good too)

[purplejulied]

I like his modern voice.

[gauerke]

Yeah i like the modern day too, but his voice on UTTAD and especially Live at luther college is the dave voice that i know of and love the best

[spaceycrush]

I will never forget the first time I played Dave for my mom, she stopped doing what she was doing and said...."its not the nicest voice, but damn there is something about it..." she loves it!

[PiginWater]

Dave's voice is shit

he can barely sing

Unless he stats taking better care of it, he won't be able to for much longer

[GunsandGasoline]

Dave's voice is shit

he can barely sing

Unless he stats taking better care of it, he won't be able to for much longer

that is a strong statement

[gauerke]

Dave's voice is shit

he can barely sing

Unless he stats taking better care of it, he won't be able to for much longer

Ok, i'll admit it isnt what it used to be, but i wouldnt say it is shit, i too dig the raspiness and i think it sounds cool when he talks..hes inspired me to smoke because of that..lol not really, but shit is a little strong

[HLShivers]

For real - Dave sounds sexy now! And it's probably not from smoking, I've smoked for almost 7 years now and it hasn't changed my voice at all. With how he belts out those songs and all the voice he puts into them, I'm sure after so long that has started to take a toll on his vocal cords. Of course, smoking and drinking hasn't helped any but don't blame it on just the smoking. Unless he smokes like a freaking freight train - It's not that big a deal.

[Trumpetpg]

look heres a couple points not mentioned yet ....his voice has always been strange, he smokes, he's gotten older(common voice changing symptom), and strain...we dont even know if there is someone on the crew who just deals with vocal stuff just like they have guitar techs...if not than they should have one because its just good to have

[HLShivers]

Maybe he should drink some of that tea they give to people like Britney Spears....It's called like vocal relaxation tea or something. Although, I'm still going with the fact that he's just strained his voice from kicking so much ass over the years.

[theponderousman]

Maybe he should drink some of that tea they give to people like Britney Spears....It's called like vocal relaxation tea or something. Although, I'm still going with the fact that he's just strained his voice from kicking so much ass over the years.

Yeah....just a feeling over here, but I doubt that he'd admit to drinking that tea because SHE does. And it's not really like she sings much, come on now lol

Honestly though, his voice kicks ass and he can STILL sing the shit out of any of his songs, hands down. To say his voice has gone to shit though, granted it's your opinion, I would just have to disagree with ya :biggrin:

Christian

[HeatherSzos]

I like Dave's voice now, it does sound sexy. But I miss the way it sounded before too. Alot of singers voices change as they age, I think thats just the way it goes. As long as he can still sing I'll be there to listen! :boings:

[Trumpetpg]

yea herbal tea and honey

[HLShivers]

Christian - It's not just Britney Spears that drinks it...It's a tea for singers. I read about it somewhere - Anywho - Dave is sexy as is his voice - Always has been, always will be. When you got it, you just got it..ya know?

[gmoore4th]

I'm sure this isn't the first thread of its kind, but I'm interested and impressed enough with Dave's voice to start one. First, I will pose my question, that is, the part of this thread that is up for argument:
HOW HAS DAVE'S VOICE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS UNTIL NOW? IS IT BETTER/WORSE? IS IT DEEPER/LIGHTER? DOES HE SOUND HAPPIER/SADDER?

And now, not to be debated intentionally, here's why I started this thread: I was watching the WPB (06) show on AOL, and American Baby Intro scared the crap out of me when I saw him yelling (YEAH). I squirmed, hoping he wouldn't hurt himself (vocal chords) yelling.

Back up for discussion: IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE TO HURT YOUR VOCAL CHORDS YELLING? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?


I ask these questions selfishly for my own education, and if this thread seems pointless, and I can get answers elsewhere, please polightly point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Much love.



Edit: listening again to the One Sweet World Opener, I hear excessive voice cracking. Dave is awesome,. WE ALL KNOW HE CAN DO IT UP SOMETHING FUNKY AS CRAP, RIGHT!!!!??!?!?! heck yeah. I'm just concerned, why is this happening. After all, he so cool he asks for help singing throughoutthe show on the 1st song. How cool? As cool as it gets, rock on.

[mydreamingtree]

have you listened to the Gorge? his voice sounds like shit in it... sorry if anybody has else has a different opinion on that but when i heard Satelitte i was like "dude, let carter sing.." lol... i know thats horrible to say, but i don't really think Dave is having long-term effects on his voice.. if you were singing your heart out to thousands of people at least 3 times a week i think their would be some times when you had an off night... so.. i think he will be ok..

[dmbcrash]

pretty sure its just a cold. he just had a cold gorge 02 as well

[he who rocks]

i love n1 of the gorge, it just shows how i can still love them, carter & co couldve helped though.... dave asked for help, but i think hes ok, and i think his voice has gotten better over time!

[GoodGoodThing]

i think smoking cigs have affected daves voice. If you listen to an early show, you can tell a diffence from the past few years. I dont think he sounds liek shit today, but his voice has changed.

[fonzylover]

If anything I think Dave's voice has only grown stronger over time and still being able to jam out being sick or w/e (e.g., WPB show) only makes me respect him more...just hope he's all well for the Atlanta show on Tues! :biggrin:

[Paige]

I'm a fan of Dave's "raspy" voice which I think has become that way because of time. If you listen to '91 receordings he definitely sounds different.

[cornflake girl]

I'm a fan of Dave's "raspy" voice which I think has become that way because of time. If you listen to '91 receordings he definitely sounds different.

yeah he sounded really nasally back in the day. Now his voice is really smexy and deep and I love when he growls and screams.

[twostep41]

To be honest, I've never really noticed Dave's voice giving out as of late until I heard "Idea of You" from Sat. nites show on AOL...and man it sounded pretty bad. I'm just gonna chalk it up to the frog that mysteriously jumped on up into his throat without him noticing. But in all seriousness...I hope this is a sign of what could possibly come.

[tiglet26]

His voice has gotten stronger and deeper over the years, but this year I've noticed a lot of struggling on his part to get some of the notes out.....no doubt that some of our favorite live songs are taking a toll on his vocal chords (ie: ABI)....

[keithbagwell]

Listen to Remember Two Things vs. Stand Up. He voice has gotten lower and raspier. As far as the live shows go, he seems to get "colds" a lot more often now. I am not saying that he never had trouble hitting high notes back in the day but, on the whole, it seems to be more of a regular occurrence now.

Listen to recordings of Satellite, Pantala Naga Pampa, etc. from years ago. He used to try to hit those high notes a lot more often.

As for the reasons -- In addition to aging, which has its own effects on the voice, I would imagine smoking, drinking, bad form, screaming (Bartender/American Baby Intro) and overuse have all contributed to voice problems.

[AllAlongTheWatchtower]

Listen to Remember Two Things vs. Stand Up. He voice has gotten lower and raspier. As far as the live shows go, he seems to get "colds" a lot more often now. I am not saying that he never had trouble hitting high notes back in the day but, on the whole, it seems to be more of a regular occurrence now.

Listen to recordings of Satellite, Pantala Naga Pampa, etc. from years ago. He used to try to hit those high notes a lot more often.

As for the reasons -- In addition to aging, which has its own effects on the voice, I would imagine smoking, drinking, bad form, screaming (Bartender/American Baby Intro) and overuse have all contributed to voice problems.



i agree. although i love daves voice better now than when he was younger, it seems all these years of touring are catching up with him causing him to have some bad nights.It is a little depressing to see him skip out on some high notes that he would belt out proudly in the mid 90s...but the darker raspier is also really good. so anyway hopefully he can rest his vocal chords before they hit the studio to finish up the album so we can hear dave at his best:thumbsup:

[mydreamingtree]

Dave's voice is shit

he can barely sing

Unless he stats taking better care of it, he won't be able to for much longer
i can tell your new here.. remember this is a dave matthews band website.. just a little friendly reminder so you don't get rotten tomatoes thrown at you

[gaia3441]

daves voice is going the way of fine wine, it has matured to perfection. i often wonder while at shows how he does it, killing it every night, just going all out (even if only a few songs a night). i worry that he might strain his voice, but he seems to make just about all of the shows, and seems to have a great time doing it!

[one0more0drink]

i can tell your new here.. remember this is a dave matthews band website.. just a little friendly reminder so you don't get rotten tomatoes thrown at you


true.the person who posted the one above this quote needs to know this is a dave site and you are entitled to your opinion.but that is harsh


im just saying

[greystreetkevin]

Last night he sounded like shit. I think he may have been sick..cold or something. It was bad i'm pissed they would even broadcast it

[cpxc.]

you try doing 1,611 shows and tell me your voice isn't going to sound a little rough once in awhile.

[wired]

i worry about what will happen to dave's voice if he keeps smoking/drinking at the same pace. if any of you are familiar with leonard cohen, his early work doesn't even sound like the same man. his voice is now so deep and gravelly as a result of smoking and drinking that it could never be considered melodic. i would be so sad to see dave's voice go the same way - it used to be so sweet and smooth to listen to.

[David R]

i worry about what will happen to dave's voice if he keeps smoking/drinking at the same pace. if any of you are familiar with leonard cohen, his early work doesn't even sound like the same man. his voice is now so deep and gravelly as a result of smoking and drinking that it could never be considered melodic. i would be so sad to see dave's voice go the same way - it used to be so sweet and smooth to listen to.

i agree. all the smoking and drinking isn't good for it. he obviously doesn't sound the same, but i really dig his new voice. has an edge to it that no other artist has in their voice.

[miniaturegough]

i worry about what will happen to dave's voice if he keeps smoking/drinking at the same pace...

i like how we apparently know why dave's voice is sounding a little bit off.

[David R]

i like how we apparently know why dave's voice is sounding a little bit off.

haha i guess you're right..we love to jump to conclusions

[firedancer33]

Maybe he is just coming down with a cold or something. He did sound pretty harsh last night!

[Jeff]

Didn't he sound fine the first night of the shows? Because if that is the case I think he is just coming down with something. His voice will probably never be at the level it was when he was younger but it is still great.

I agree with Wierd that he should lay off the smokes. Those are well known to change your voice. The good thing is that it is probably not too late for him to stop the damage and let them repair themselves.

My mom smoked for 15 years before she had her twin boys(me being one of them) and hasn't smoked since. You could never tell in her voice that she ever even smoked.

[wired]

i like how we apparently know why dave's voice is sounding a little bit off.

well, there is a definite change in his voice from even just 5-6 years ago and now. one cannot dispute that. i listened not too long ago to an interview of another singer/songwriter (leonard cohen as i mentioned previously) and when questioned about the change in his voice (an incredible, drastic change, i might add), he directly attributed it (as did his doctors) to the heavy smoking and drinking for years upon years. the change is distinct. and it also caused pre-cancerous growths on that artist's vocal chords, i believe. while i can not presume to know without a doubt what has caused this change in dave's voice over the years, i am smart enough to see the parallels, hear the changes myself, and to know that that kind of damage to the *can* be attributed to that kind of behavior.

edited to add that i am not discussing his performance at last night's show because i did not see nor hear it. i am simply discussing the changes that are easily apparent in his range and depth from years past.

[Jeff]

You can still watch last night show btw...

They are almost up to Boyds amazing solo on Bayou...

mms://wmslive.stream.aol.com/live/aol/netlive_mbr

[nanciestripping]

heck does dave even need to sing at shows anymore

stick mics out in the crowd and everyone knows the words

just kidding

i think dave sounds fine now just different than he used to. but i haven't really listened for his voice changing as much as it appears some of you have

-brad

[jawst]

Dave's voice is showing signs of significant hoarseness which is probably from vocal abuse, including smoking, being around 2nd hand smoke, drinking, overuse and screaming, barring any more serious medical problems. I am a speech language pathologist and I see this all the time. He needs an SLP that specializes in voice therapy. He sounds like he has or is on his way to having some serious vocal nodules.

[warehouse34]

i mean i challenge anyone do go and tour for 15 solid years singing the way he does and not sound a little more raspy. personally i like the way his voice sounds now, it adds more edge and feel to some of the songs, i think

[Rob]

I was just watching the webcast of Idea of You from WPB and man oh man is he straining to belt that out. He prefaces the song with:

"Yaa everybody...This is a tiny little guitar. We've been playing some new tunes we're going to play a few of em tonight for you. I'll do my scratchy version of my vocals. I hope you do forgive me for not having the pure tunes that I want to have for you. But I'll scream my lungs out to try and have a good time."

he8_5IZQ5Oc

[wired]

the problem as i see it is this: i loved dave's sweet, mellow voice - the one that could do falsetto with no problem. i really like dave's current voice - raspy and gruff, occasionally hitting those high notes but more often than not, taking them down to a lower range. (and has anyone noticed that the newer songs (i.e. stand up and later) don't have the vocal range present that the older songs have had? it appears that he is writing the music to accomodate this change in his voice.) my concern is that this current voice isn't the voice we are going to be hearing in 5 years. perhaps his lifestyle wouldn't have had such a significant impact on his voice (though i'm sure many of you are familiar with the "smoker's voice"), but in combination with the constant strain it is subjected to... i would love nothing more than to at least see him stop smoking so that it has more of a chance of lasting a bit longer.

[Proudest Monkey]

He has certainly strained his voice throughout the years. And he has by his own admission not taken care of his vocals they way he should. but we have definitely seen the better days of his voice.

[David R]

i kind of feel bad for him after listeing to that recording..just because he is struggling so much with the words

[cornflake girl]

I was just watching the webcast of Idea of You from WPB and man oh man is he straining to belt that out. He prefaces the song with:

"Yaa everybody...This is a tiny little guitar. We've been playing some new tunes we're going to play a few of em tonight for you. I'll do my scratchy version of my vocals. I hope you do forgive me for not having the pure tunes that I want to have for you. But I'll scream my lungs out to try and have a good time."


his voice sounds terrible there but he just keeps on trying. What a trooper.

[mydreamingtree]

well... the one thing that i have to say is that "were not going to quit likeing DMB b.c. Dave's voice has changed.. "

[mydreamingtree]

true.the person who posted the one above this quote needs to know this is a dave site and you are entitled to your opinion.but that is harsh


im just saying
yeah your right, i was harsh.. but still if your going to disrespect what every one on here loves... i mean that doesn't make much sense to me...

[jawst]

Dave can improve his voice. It will just take work. I read recently that Jagger is now doing vocal exercises. Look at opera singers who know how to take care of their voices. They go on for years. Voice therapy works. Yeah his voice will change over the years that goes with age. Mellow is nice but when you are apoligizing to an audiece and this was not the first time on this tour...Dave seems to want to give alot to his fans he must be feeling bad.

[TheMaker]

He had a bad cold in West Palm ngiht two...give him a break here

[bergs]

I was at SPAC in june and he sounded great then i went to randalls night two a couple of weeks ago and i noticed that he suddenly became more raspy and having trouble (not thinking that bcuz of his age and stuff) but like he just recently got sick or has been partying too much. i think he just needs to chill it outand be with his family between tours and start up some voice therapy* anyone else agree? also maybe not scheduale as many shows although i hate to say that. or maybe take some of the two night stands to make it less crazy.

[David R]

I was at SPAC in june and he sounded great then i went to randalls night two a couple of weeks ago and i noticed that he suddenly became more raspy and having trouble (not thinking that bcuz of his age and stuff) but like he just recently got sick or has been partying too much. i think he just needs to chill it outand be with his family between tours and start up some voice therapy* anyone else agree? also maybe not scheduale as many shows although i hate to say that. or maybe take some of the two night stands to make it less crazy.

i don't think he needs less shows, just a lot of hard earned off time this winter, and voice therapy/lessons wouldn't hurt at all.

[JeniLegs]

i don't understand why people find it necessary to pick apart artists, especially dmb. like people, artists evolve and grow, they write different music, they create different sounds, and, yes, their voice even changes. dave wouldn't be dave if he wasn't yelling and screaming, drinking and smoking. leave him alone for pete's sake and enjoy the music for what it is and how they give it.

"turns out not where, but who you're with that really matters"

jenilegs

[two step 41]

Dave's voice has been raspy before. Whether it's due to smoking, screaming, a cold, or whatever, he always bounces back. Personally, I think it's because of all the screaming he does, which I love. Dave wouldn't be Dave if he did scream the way he does.

[DaveFan01]

I was at both shows and his voice was definately better on the first night. But, he just did tampa right before those shows. Maybe...just maybe...he screamed so much he just didnt have a voice that day. I dont think his voice is gone. I just think with these tours hes screaming for a good 3 hours everynight. You cant hit high notes when your screaming like that. Im sure im not the only one who sings along to DMB. Sing really loud and outa control for like 5 songs Halloween, Laststop, Hunger, etc and see if you can pull a Another Thing. But those songs arent anything like they are live with twice the screaming. You scream your ass off your voice is rough for a day or two. I bet when he does another accoustic tour and hes singing softly the whole tour his voice is going to be much better bc he isnt straining the crap out of it every night.

PS. If another beer is thrown at the out control drunk guy next to me and i get soaked im karate chopping someone!!!

[Dreamingtree71]

I happen to catch this tread today and was looking over some of it.. and felt very compelled to comment.. so please no flames.. its hot outside enough as it is..

Having sang for many years, I feel Im educated enough to comment.. smoking yes can do a number on your cords, but so do other things.. cold weather, a cold in general can just wreck em bad enough to make Dave or any other singer take a break just to heal them.. Lemma ask you this.. after a Dave show.. and all the possible screaming and yelling you do in one night.. how does your throat feel?? scratchy, maybe even a lil sore.. it does the same for a singer.. esp if he or she has been hitting high notes.. Dave.. that man is a screamer.. It is known that he uses a certain throat drop after shows to help his cords.. I forget its name.. but it can be bought OTC at any drug store.. I use it often, esp if I happen to have a cold and my cords just cant work with a cold going on.. Also don't forget he actually does have asthma too.. yet another thing that can work the cord A LOT!!!


I personally like his voice now.. and yes I did get to catch the Livecast on AOL.. but ya gotta give that man some props.. he works at tryin to sound the best he could the other night.. On a personal note.. I think he needs to rest his voice for a while.. a lil time would do them good..

[warehouse34]

i don't understand why people find it necessary to pick apart artists, especially dmb. like people, artists evolve and grow, they write different music, they create different sounds, and, yes, their voice even changes. dave wouldn't be dave if he wasn't yelling and screaming, drinking and smoking. leave him alone for pete's sake and enjoy the music for what it is and how they give it.

"turns out not where, but who you're with that really matters"

jenilegs

i dont think anyone here is picking apart dave or saying that he has let the fans down or anything like that. they're just analyzing the difference in his voice and why that is......

[daisyluvr]

I was at the show on Friday in WPB and I watched the show on AOL on Saturday. I have to say, his voice was NOT like that on Friday. Could just be strain. Hell, I sang along to every song they did on Friday, and along with cheering in between, my throat was toast the next day.

[StrangeOutOfContext]

I gotta say...I literally cringed when he started screaming on ABI....I hurt for him. (He took an extra breath between the last two belts, anyone notice that ?)

[nikki71]

I think his voice was much purerer in the beginning, it has gotten more GRUFF over the years. It's still good though.

[two step 41]

If another beer is thrown at the out control drunk guy next to me and i get soaked im karate chopping someone!!!
Ditto to that! Can't STAND the jerks that get so drunk they don't know what they're doing or where they are. Yuck:pissed:

[David R]

Ditto to that! Can't STAND the jerks that get so drunk they don't know what they're doing or where they are. Yuck:pissed:

That is SO annoying. At alpine, the second there was a high school kid who was so drunk he didn't know he was at a concert and took his pants off and went to piss all over my groups stuff. The guy behind us called security and he was thrown out. So it was easily taken care of. After that too, he smoked us up haha:mon:

[jimithingdrummer]

It's been said, but I'll repeat it, for it bears repeating.

People change, and so do their voices. Speaking voices change a lot over the years, and singing voices do just the same. Dave used to have a very nasal and "lively" sound. Now it's throaty and soulful. Musky. He couldn't do what he is doing now then, and he can't do what he did then now. It's just times changing. He isn't ruining any of the older tunes by doing them differently, he is just... doing them differently. If there's one thing that makes dmb stand out among the crowd is their penchant for changing up how they play a song. Every solo is different, they interpolate popular songs, they have guests, they add segues and bridges, they change intros and outros, add horn lines and piano solos... each song (with a few held in exception) is an everchanging piece of work.

Dave isn't the only member who is changing either, he's just the most noticable. But the other guys are evolving just as well. Anyone notice how Boyd is takiing up more stage space when he solos? He is becoming more and more of an outgoing performer.

Anyone notice Carter's newfound tendancy to make his in-song solos revolve around latin-esque fills between the snare and the timbale he has on his right?

Everyone in the band is changing, which means their sound is evolving. It's in a completely different place than it was 10 years, and this place is no better or worst than the one before.

Personally... If they didn't change, if his voice was the same... I'd grow bored. Who wants to listen to the same old song over and over again with no variation?

Well, except people who go see the Rolling Stones these days...
(cheap shot, I know... But I couldn't resist. I like the Stones... but come on, stop playing unless you're gonna do something new.)

[steve&heather]

all right, i didnt go through all posts, but... we were at both shows at palm beach and cincy on 8-1. i think he was fine until he went freakin nuts on fri at palm beach. it was a hell of a show and if you look at the set list... he was going crazy with his voice on last stop. it really concerned me to hear him on sat night. of course it would be a good idea to quit smoking at least cigs but if he is anything like my husband, forget it. anyway be assured i am positive he just overdid it on friday night. first time i can remember a first night show being the best. i am sure he will have his shit together by next time we see in cville. heather

[funkyteaparty_OFMYOWN]

Dave's voice is shit

he can barely sing

Unless he stats taking better care of it, he won't be able to for much longer

yesssss.. my god i love daves voice and he sounds great but my mom tells me that he really is struggling with his voice. and i agree if he doesnt start taking better care of it then i dont even want to think of what might happen.

i just recently found out that i have a nodule on my vocal cords and im scared shitless cause it could be career ending and im only 14! and and i think about it constantly and it sucks. i just dont want the same to happen to him.

[cmaheras]

oh, dave's voice has changed significantly throughout the course of his career without a doubt... I would say it's definitely a few octaves lower than when started in the early 90's.. I love his low, raspy voice now.. but he's also certainly been struggling with it. At Randall's a couple weeks ago he even made a comment on how he was having a difficult time with his vocals.. and then when I heard him in West Palm, it was even worse than Randalls! (not in a bad way, but it just sounded like it almost hurt).. I think it's not only because of all the wear and tare on his vocal chords, but because of all his smoking. However, regardless of how low/ raspy his voice gets.. he always seems to pull it off smoothly and make everything sound amazing.

[jawst]

Funkyteaparty a typical vocal nodule alone will not end your singing career. With some voice therapy and good vocal hygiene it will disappear. A vocal nodule is like a callous on your hand or foot except it is on your vocal folds. Go to a speech pathologist if you haven't already. It is no big deal if it is treated.

[keithbagwell]

However, regardless of how low/ raspy his voice gets.. he always seems to pull it off smoothly and make everything sound amazing.

Uh...I love their music and their live shows, but I have to disagree. Have you watched the show that was broadcast on AOL or listened to the mp3 floating around of the boys playing #41 with Bela on 08.15.06? Dave cannot hit the high notes with any regularity. It is neither smooth nor amazing.

Don't get me wrong, I will continue to see them live and I love the emotion, but I don't think it's possible to pretend like the vocal issues aren't there.

[cmaheras]

Uh...I love their music and their live shows, but I have to disagree. Have you watched the show that was broadcast on AOL or listened to the mp3 floating around of the boys playing #41 with Bela on 08.15.06? Dave cannot hit the high notes with any regularity. It is neither smooth nor amazing.

Don't get me wrong, I will continue to see them live and I love the emotion, but I don't think it's possible to pretend like the vocal issues aren't there.

I know.. I certainly did notice the vocal issues, as i mentioned.. and I saw how he couldn't hit those high notes as well.. but I don't think he sounded[I]that[I] awful. My friends did, but maybe I'm just too nice about it, I always love the way he sounds.

[Mscam1972]

:confused: I'm sorry to be soo uninformed, but what has been going on with Dave's voice? I heard the Florida Concert on AOL ON Demand, and his voice was terrible. Did he just have a cold, or has he been using his voice too much?

[goldengatepark]

i think he was just sick. ive seen the last three shows now and he sounds great. the yells during AB intro the other night were AMAZING

[gabdp]

yeah i knew he was sick and yeah hes on tour so hes singing the hell out of his voice but there is no doubt that his voice is getting worse and raspier due to smoking...i mean listen to his voice in say 96/97 and pick a great performance in 04/05...its all a combo of things at this point

[mdogg18324]

i think dave's voice sounds pretty good considering the smoking and drinking. i actually like it a lot, although i've always enjoyed the raspier sounding voices. i would also like to mention that i have heard dave make use of his falsetto on tour this summer, i'll see if i can find the recordings and post them. keep well everyone.

[Mscam1972]

Thanks, that exactly what I wanted to know, I love the loaw raspy voice now, is just sounded that he was really struggling at West Palm and was hoping it was a just a horrible cold or something similar.

[Fisherman]

Thanks, that exactly what I wanted to know, I love the loaw raspy voice now, is just sounded that he was really struggling at West Palm and was hoping it was a just a horrible cold or something similar.

Yea Dave mentioned that he had a bad cold during the show, I believe. No actually I think Dave's voice sounds better this year than it has for several years. His falsetto sounded great as someone else mentioned as well. We'll see what everyone has to say about his voice after they hear how great he sounds on the new Fenway Park release. He sounded excellent during that show as did Carter on backup vocals.

[sean52692]

Hopefully not doing a winter tour helped his voice, hopefully he rested it well. I don't expect him at all at nail his high notes like he used partly because he's 41 now, and I don't think many singers can do that...

[cantstop41]

Hopefully not doing a winter tour helped his voice, hopefully he rested it well. I don't expect him at all at nail his high notes like he used partly because he's 41 now, and I don't think many singers can do that...
Yeah I do miss that #41 at Luther College type voice but that's a part of aging as a singer but either way dave will always have a pretty damn good voice even on his bad nights.

[two step 41]

Yeah I do miss that #41 at Luther College type voice but that's a part of aging as a singer but either way dave will always have a pretty damn good voice even on his bad nights.
:woohoo:Ditto that. I think Dave will always have a good voice:biggrin:

[dmbfan9707]

i like his voice much better now, then the early stuff.
too high pitched back in the day, but now, its very calming in a way.

[two step 41]

i like his voice much better now, then the early stuff.
too high pitched back in the day, but now, its very calming in a way.
It has gotten better with age:)

[sean52692]

It has gotten better with age:)

Not really, I always will think of Dave Matthews having his falsettoish (I think I just made that word up) voice rather rgan his lower raspier (only someyimes) voice.

[Dwill26]

Not really, I always will think of Dave Matthews having his falsettoish (I think I just made that word up) voice rather rgan his lower raspier (only someyimes) voice.

I agree sort off, i do really love his earlier voice, but i think i like the new one just as well

[mixedcolors]

I love his voice more now, I think is more edgier and raw and I hear a lot more emotion in his voice, not that he didn't have that before its just better now. Yeah he misses the notes sometimes but he did the same with his old singing to. I don't like his singing on some songs from the 90's, and to be honest I think its why for a long time before I became a big fan I couldn't get into his songs, cause of the singing, It was wayyyy to different for me. But now I love it all, but songs like Two Step and #41 I like his singing now then before. Its why I never really cared for the Crash version of #41, I only listen to live versions. But the rest of Crash I LOVE to death, I couldn't image him singing those songs any other way, his falsetto on the songs were great, same with UTTAD. So certainly his voice worked for the early songs and his new voice works for the new stuff he's doing now.

It does amaze me how much his voice has changed, even his talking voice has gotten deeper ha. I'm not a singer but I dunno how people's voice can change like that, and its not like it happen slowly, if you listen to Crash then just two years later BTCS came out his voice is entirely different, I dunno if that is something you can change on hand or if his voice just on its own did that but its amazing. He doesn't really sing like that anymore but on certain songs like, So Much To Say you can hear it bit and even on Warehouse when he hits high notes you can hear it, so its still there a bit just a bit more raspy.

[SLUzer07]

yeah I think daves voice is still kick ass and i agree that noone else can match it. (especially when ur in a car and someone tries to sing along as if they were him, it used to be funny now its just getting agitating) but his voice is awesome yet, id have to say i miss when he could get into higher registers IE listen to DDTW central park and compare it to last year. when he sings "yes i will call this hhhhooooommmmeee" now he just yells instead of float his voice. not gunna lie i like the change its something new i just dont know if its because he cant get up there or if he just doesnt want to.

[sean52692]

His new one is nice too, I was listening to some 2007 shows and I forgot how nice it actually sounded at times!

[Steph]

Yes, the falsetto notes are great, but I find the audience takes that part over a la DDTW. The screamy growl is fantastic, and is what turned my husband into a fan just 2 years ago. It was about 3.5 minutes into ABI at The Gorge, and Dave just screamed this YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH so hard and so passionately that it blew us away.

[DaveIsGodd]

Yes, the falsetto notes are great, but I find the audience takes that part over a la DDTW. The screamy growl is fantastic, and is what turned my husband into a fan just 2 years ago. It was about 3.5 minutes into ABI at The Gorge, and Dave just screamed this YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH so hard and so passionately that it blew us away.

Yep, I'm also a huge fan. Dave has had to slightly reinvent his voice over the years. It's cool and I think it shows the versatility of his voice. And I can definitely see why your husband became a fan just by witnessing these screams. He just leaves everything on the table. Dave gives you every ounce of energy he's got, he makes sure you get your moneys worth.

[many muchmooses]

anyone know if dave quit cigarettes yet, i suppose he did a couple years ago but im not sure. would anyone say that cigarettes contributed to how his voice sounds now? dont get me wrong by asking, cuz dave's voice is the best and i love how it is. but you have to admit, it has changed so much in the past 5 years.
is it age, cigarettes, all the screaming he does (ABI)

[two step 41]

[quote=many muchmooses;345142]anyone know if dave quit cigarettes yet, i suppose he did a couple years ago but im not sure. would anyone say that cigarettes contributed to how his voice sounds now? dont get me wrong by asking, cuz dave's voice is the best and i love how it is. but you have to admit, it has changed so much in the past 5 years.
is it age, cigarettes, all the screaming he does (ABI)[/quote

Dave pretty much quit smoking, although he still has an occasional one from time to time. As to the change in his voice, it's more than likely a combination of the three = age, butts & screaming.:mon:

[bergs]

quote : Dave pretty much quit smoking, although he still has an occasional one from time to time. As to the change in his voice, it's more than likely a combination of the three = age, butts & screaming.:mon:


haha im just curious to know how you know that

[two step 41]

quote : Dave pretty much quit smoking, although he still has an occasional one from time to time. As to the change in his voice, it's more than likely a combination of the three = age, butts & screaming.:mon:


haha im just curious to know how you know that
From reading about him and seeing him at concerts:screwy:

[many muchmooses]

From reading about him and seeing him at concerts:screwy:

you saw him smoke at a concert haha hey man did it look like a cigarette or a reefer!
that brings me to another question, what do you all think about dave and pot? he seems like a hardcore wine lover now but i wonder about it cuz we all know he was for legalization in '98 (look on youtube) and we all saw his interview at the '06 farm aid haha

but yeah its probably a combo of the 3, but im just amazed how it changed so much since '05. i guess being reminiscent wont help much, just gotta look at what he can do now (hey hey my my!!)