The Dave Matthews Band has long been one of the most popular groups in the entire United States. With five straight number one albums, more than any other musician or group since the creation of the Billboard Top 100 chard (musical group Metalica also has five straight number one albums). Despite this, the band has made its name with energetic live performances in front of sold out crowds year after year. With countless phenomenal performances, the band has created niche songs that have become fan favorites, most of which have never aired over standard radio waves. These are my top ten live Dave Matthews Band songs.
10. #36
No, I’m not referring to it as the song “Everyday,” but the song from which “Everyday” spawned form. Sure, “Everyday” may be a nice radio hit and one of the most concert friendly songs from the entire album of the same name, but #36 had much more of a sweet sound to it. It is a perfect summer time song, with yes very few lyrics, but possibly one of the greatest drum solos in all of the DMB catalog.
9. One Sweet World
In My opinion, one of the best show openers the group has. The song is upbeat with a great feel to it. The original song had a quicker tempo, but I vastly enjoy the song with a slower rate. When the world is so sweet why would you want to speed through it?
8. Tripping Billies
A classic which, like a fine wine, seems to get better with age. A good portion of the songs on this list will feature solos from Boyd, and “Tripping Billies” is of no exception.
7. Jimmy Thing
“Jimmy Thing” is a nice song, yet it is often overplayed. However, I do find it is one of the best songs for a guest artist to sit in on. The added electric guitar (typically) adds a layer to this song which is sometimes greatly needed and possibly the sole reason why the song made it onto my top ten live songs.
6. Two Step
I like this song closer to the beginning of the set list, rather than the end. Many of the times, I feel, when a concert ends with “Two Step” it tends to go on for just a little two long. I know that may sound like blasphemy, but eventually there can be too much of a good thing. I like the ten minute” Two Step”, not the twenty minute two step. As long as it’s the first of the two choices, the song stays in my top ten.
5. Stone
Bringing in the top five is my only song from Before These Crowded Streets. I find “Stone” to be perfectly wielded between all of the musicians on stage. It is great musically as it is lyrically. The song also doesn’t drag at any point and flows beautifully.
4. Lie In Our Graves
Although the song doesn’t overly stand out on the wonderful “Crash” album, “Lie In Our Graves” shines brilliantly on the road. The song has a beautiful opening and a great bridge between the beginning and the end of the song.
3. Ants Marching
One of the bands staples, “Ants Marching” may be one of DMB’s most popular songs. It has long been a live favorite, and with each new tour season the song seems to grow stronger and crisper. And might I add, the violin solo also seems to get longer as well (which isn’t a bad thing).
2. Warehouse
No song may pump the crows up more at a Dave Matthews Band concert more than “Warehouse.” This is one of the few songs which has, or should I say requires a fans involvement by screaming “Whooo” in between the opening riffs of each instrument.
1. Watchtower
Is it strange that, in my opinion, the bands top live song is something they didn’t even pen? I’m not sure, but DMB’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Watchtower” has been rocking since day one. And I’m sure I may tick off a lot of tradition rock and roll fans with this comment, I believe the Dave Matthews Band’s version even eclipses and passes that of the great Jimmy Hendrix. But again, this is just my opinion.
In case you have noticed, there are no Big Whiskey and the Gru Grux King songs listed in this top ten. I’m not discriminating because I have not yet gone to a concert this summer. I have tickets for the upcoming Chicago show and have been painstakingly waiting for the late September show to come. Once I can fully experience these new songs this list may somehow change in some shape or form
