The seventh Dave Matthews Band studio album, "Big Whiskey and GrooGrux King," was released on June 2. Greatly anticipated, the album honors the late LeRoi Moore, the previous saxophonist of the Dave Matthews Band who died in August 2008.
Moore was a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band and was the "original 'GrooGrux King.'" The album features several cuts recorded before Moore passed away.
"Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" begins with "Grux" a slow, jazzy intro, opened by one of Moore's solo saxophone lines, that then explodes into the "classic" Dave Matthews Band sound of "Shake Me Like a Monkey."
"Shake Me Like a Monkey," one of the arguably strongest tracks on the album, features seductive lyrics, like "I like my coffee with toast and jelly/but I'd rather be licking you from your back to your belly," and inspired melodies.
Drummer Carter Beauford is especially impressive on this song, unleashing a unique drumming style different from previous Dave Matthews Band albums.
The next song on the album, "Funny the Way it is," includes the instrumentation that makes it the ultimate song for the summer, blended with moving lyrics such as "A bomb blast brings a building crashing to the floor/ you can hear the laughter while the children play 'war'," turning it into an instant favorite for many.
The album then makes a perfect transition into "Lying in the Hands of God," a song that weaves the melodic voice of Dave Matthews through intricate instrumental parts.
"Lying in the Hands of God" is also one of the songs on the album that features snippets of Moore's work, providing the song with its finishing touch.
Next on the album is "Why I Am," yet another Dave Matthews Band masterpiece filled with creative lyrics and catchy beats. "Why I Am," like the majority of songs on the new album, seems reminiscent of Moore.
Matthews sings "Why I am, still here dancing with the Groogrux King/We'll be drinking big whiskey while we dance and sing/and when my story ends it's gonna end with him/ Heaven or Hell I'm going there with the GrooGrux King."
"Dive in" follows and it changes the pace from the upbeat "Why I am" to a slower, contrasting piano interlude that envelops the listener in the harmonic melodies and emotional lyrics. "Dive in" also highlights the bands added use of electric guitars, an instrument that has not been as evident on their prior studio albums.
"Spaceman" is yet another notable track on the album, filled with complex instrumental parts that almost seem to overwhelm the listener.
However, with each added listen, the individual parts of the song deepen and it becomes apparent how well the parts complement each other.
Next is the eerie beginning of "Squirm," one of Dave Matthews Bands' most unique songs, not only on this album but on their others as well. Although a great song, "Squirm" does not have the feel of a song that will end up on anyone's top 25 most-played lists on iTunes.
"Alligator Pie" has the same Bayou feel as numerous previous Dave Matthews Band songs but still should not be disregarded as unworthy of a listen.
However, if one was to buy only one song from this album or judge the album based on one song, it should not be "Alligator Pie," as there are several songs on "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" that are far more inspiring. The song that follows it, "Seven," is a decent song but not the best on the album by any means.
The next song "Time Bomb" feels exactly like its name. Slow, sultry saxophone melodies begin the song and are joined by strong lyrics, then two tapping power chords. "Baby Blue" comes next and feels like a bittersweet goodbye to Moore. "Confess I'm not quite ready to be left/still, I know I gave my level best/you give, you give, to this I can attest/You made me."
"Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" pulls to a close with a final 're-birthing' song, "You & Me." "You & Me" feels like classic Dave Matthews Band music, a blend of great instrumentals, the perfect amount of variation and great vocals, although a slight bit repetitive during the chorus.
From beginning to end, "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" is an exceptional album, made all the more impressive by the inspiration behind it.
"Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King" is an essential addition to any Dave Matthews Band fan's collection or a great starter for someone who wants to try the band out.
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