What Do You Think of Dave Matthews Band's 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King'?

General Music Discussion
1

The Dave Matthews Band’s album ‘Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King’ is really a fascinating piece of music that deserves some conversation! Released in 2009, this album came out after the tragic loss of their saxophonist, LeRoi Moore. It carries a lot of emotional weight and has some fantastic jams that really showcase the band’s unique blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences.

Album Overview

  • Release Date: June 2, 2009
  • Genre: Rock, Jam Band
  • Label: RCA Records

Tracklist

  1. Grux
  2. Seven
  3. Funny the Way It Is
  4. Lying in the Hands of God
  5. Why I Am
  6. What Would You Say
  7. Dive In
  8. Katmandu
  9. Shake Me Like a Monkey
  10. Time Bomb
  11. Oh
  12. Sugar Will
  13. Baby
  14. You & Me
  15. Sister
  16. Spaceman
  17. All Along the Watchtower

Themes and Reception

The album encompasses themes of love, loss, and resilience, which are deeply felt in tracks like ‘Lying in the Hands of God’ and ‘You & Me’. Critical reception was generally positive, with many praising the band’s ability to evolve their sound while still retaining the essence of what makes them unique. It’s interesting to hear how they coped with their loss through their music, creating a nurturing environment in their sound.

Why It’s Significant

In the larger context of DMB’s discography, ‘Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King’ holds a special place as it showcases not just the band’s strength in musicianship, but also their emotional journey. It’s an album that reflects a time of change and represents their growth. From the energetic title track ‘Shake Me Like a Monkey’ to the hauntingly beautiful ‘Lying in the Hands of God,’ there’s so much to unpack.

Let’s Discuss!

What are your favorite tracks from the album? Did you feel it captured the essence of DMB? Or did it fall short compared to their earlier works? Let’s dive into what this album means for the band and how it resonates with all of us fans. Post your thoughts below!

2

I think ‘Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King’ is a tribute to the band’s late saxophonist, LeRoi Moore. The overall themes of loss and hope resonate throughout the album, showcasing their growth both emotionally and musically.

3

Absolutely! The way they blend jazz, rock, and world music is a testament to their evolution. They really pushed boundaries on this one.

4

While I appreciate the tribute aspect, I find that some of the songs fall flat compared to their earlier work. The energy isn’t always there, which is a bit disappointing for long-time fans.

5

I understand the concern, but I think their sound has matured. It might not be the same energy, but I appreciate a more nuanced approach.

6

For sure! Songs like ‘Funny the Way It Is’ really highlight their lyrical prowess. The humor and depth in the lyrics reflect their growth as artists.

7

I believe this album marks a significant turning point for the band, especially after the loss of LeRoi. It’s a fusion of sorrow and celebration that feels really genuine.

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8

Totally! It almost feels like a rite of passage for them, embracing the past while stepping into a new era.

7 Likes
9

Exactly! Plus, songs like ‘Seven’ capture that mystical quality I love in their music. There’s this beautiful soundscape that invites you in.

10

I can’t help but wonder, was the album title just a quirky name or does it hold deeper significance? ‘GrooGrux’ feels very unique and personal.

4 Likes
11

It’s actually a nickname for LeRoi! It really emphasizes his spirit within the album, blending the personal with the musical.

12

That’s cool! The title definitely adds a layer of depth. I smile thinking about how they keep his memory alive in their music. Makes the listening experience richer.

13

I absolutely love ‘Seven’ from the album. The way it builds and the lyrics really resonate with me. It’s a standout track for sure!

3 Likes
14

Totally agree! ‘Seven’ has such a magical quality live. The improvisation the band does elevates it even more.

15

I keep coming back to ‘Funny the Way It Is.’ The lyrics are both playful and poignant, which is a great mix. Anyone else feel the same?

16

I love that one too! The way they incorporate it into their setlist is just fantastic. It gets everyone singing along.

17

I think ‘Time Bomb’ is incredibly powerful live. It’s one of those songs that just takes on a new life in concert. Has anyone noticed any changes in the lyrics?

18

I’ve noticed some subtle lyrical changes! It’s interesting how they reinterpret certain lines each time. Does that change how you feel about the song?

19

The entire album flows well together, but I’m especially fond of ‘You & Me.’ The groove just makes you want to dance!

20

Yes! I actually prefer the studio version over live. The arrangement has a nice polish that’s hard to replicate in performances.