Dave Matthews Band

Listener Supported

Why all the Lavish Praise?

Review Score:

(6/10)
Like everyone else who seems to throw their opinions down here at Amazon on 'Listener Supported,' I'm a DMB fan. Unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control (i.e. DMB's touring schedule as well as my own personal one) I haven't been fortunate enough to experience an actual live show. Therefore, my only experience with them "live" has been from all the CDs they've put out over the last few years. I own them all, and judging by the energy captured on Red Rocks and Luther College (and don't forget Carter's solo at the end of 'Halloween' on the 'Recently' EP - "CARTER BEAUFORD ON THE DRUMS! "), I must say that I'm shocked by the laudatory content of the bulk of these reviews.

'Listener Supported' is good, but far from great in comparison with the other recordings. It starts off quite slowly, with a drastically dragging version of Rapunzel followed by Rhyme & Reason, which sounds as if it were merely plucked from UTTAD - hardly DMB at its best. The 2nd half of CD 1 picks up a little bit, but it isn't until the 2nd disc that the magic comes alive. There are some great solos (as long as you don't mind Boyd's wailing, tuneless saxophone, the rest of the band is fabulous) in store and as well as the beautiful 'Long Black Veil' and a refreshing 'Watchtower.' Dylan's song isn't perhaps as powerful as that found on 'Recently' or maybe even 'Red Rocks,' but it's a bit different so affords a nice change.

BOTTOM LINE: If you're just getting into DMB, buy 'Crash'; if you're just getting into DMB live, buy 'Red Rocks' or maybe even 'Luther,' though it lacks the whole ensemble; lastly, ONLY if you're a total DMB junkie like myself, go ahead and splurge on 'LISTENER SUPPORTED.' It takes a few listenings to grow on you, and is only really worth it if you've already got the others or you need to hear them do some of the newer material live. I mean, let's face it, we've been listening to the same songs now for about 10 CDs!

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