This weekend Concert Panther and I embarked on two separate journeys to go see one of our favorites, Dave Matthews Band. Here are each night’s set list with my personal review. I have bolded the songs that are extra special to me.

Our seats were not the best for this show. We were in section 6, row fuck all so I had very little room to see since I’m 5′3″ and everyone else is gigantic. Not to mention, a douche next to me spent most of the show being drunk off of his ass and dancing erratically in front of me. I actually had to forcefully push him away so that I could get past him to get to the bathroom when all he wanted to do was dance with me. You would think that all of these factors would upset the experience for me. On the contrary, this is probably one of the best shows I have been to. As you see, most everything on that set list was bolded for me. I heard a lot of favorites and being so far back allowed us to get a full stage perspective, which includes a fantastic light show and video artistry. Even when we had to sit down (I got a little dehydrated), we couldn’t see anything obviously since everyone else was standing, but we could appreciate the sound of it on a completely different level. It was kind of like Dave was singing just for us behind a curtain of hippies.

We went home satisfied with our experience, albeit broker after wasting our money on $8 beers and a $7 cup of wine, not to mention $4 waters. Regardless, we were excited to come back the next day to see what the band had in store for us.

Now not as much is bolded on this one, but I think the atmosphere around this certainly overshadows the last. Once we arrived it immediately began a torrential down pour. Oddly, I did not seem to mind and only wondered how they would incorporate the rain into the show if it continued like they have done in the past. We got to our seats, soaked but ok while we listened to the band Gomez for the end of their opening set. Our seats were MUCH better. They were identical to the seats we had last year, section 3, row U (I think?). AKA - We were just feet away from the stage. I could see perfectly, no one was in my way and I didn’t even need the screens. Plus, being soaking wet helped with any sort of heat exhaustion I could’ve potentially experienced! Pneumonia saves the day again!

The rain stopped just before DMB hit the stage. I’m so grateful to have the seats that we did since we could now get a more up close and personal view of the happenings on stage. The light show did not have as much of an effect on us, but what I did enjoy was seeing the band interact with each other throughout the night. Every time they would smile at one another acknowledging the rights, wrongs, good jobs or whatever of the night was ours to share with them. I especially enjoyed seeing Dave and Carter fist bump after almost every drum solo. I want to say Carter was having some sort of malfunction with his set up yet he was remarkable in his playing. Still smiling, laughing and blowing bubbles with his gum all the while.

Obviously this show has a special place in my heart since it’s the first time I heard my favorite song, Crush live. It did not disappoint and included great solos from everyone. I’m pleased that I got to hear it last night as opposed to Friday since we had better seats.

Crush - Dave Matthews Band (Live in West Palm Beach, FL. 07/12/08)

Also - last night appeared to be the night of cover songs and they had some great ones. The “Money Medley” was a particular favorite of mine and “Thank You” was great as it included audience participation, with the cameras turned onto us singing the chorus. It was a great way to close the show.

The two concerts made for a very memorable weekend for me. Props go to my #1 concert buddy, Concert Panther for sharing it with me!

Today is my 25th birthday, which means I was born in 1983 and I was born female. This also means that I was one of the screaming, obsessed, and devoted fans to the New Kids on the Block in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Sure, I was young but I was in love.

Imagine my birthday surprise when twenty years after the release of their multiplatinum album, “Hangin’ Tough,” the band has announced that they will be reuniting. All original members of the band will be included: Donny Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood. This isn’t just a “nostalgia tour,” they say and have been recording all new music. Most of which was written by band member, Donny Wahlberg with the help of bandmates Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight.

The teeny bopper in me is thrilled! The older, feminist, anti-mainstream personality in me wants to protest, but whatever. JONATHON IS LIKE SOOOOO CUTE!

But for some reason when thinking of the song “The Right Stuff,” I can’t help but sing Weird Al Yankovic’s version, “The White Stuff.”

“You’ve got the white stuff, baaaaby. In the middle of an Oreo!”

No April Fools here, fans! On September 11th and 12th 2007, Ani DiFranco played live at Babeville, home of Righteous Babes Records to sold out audiences.

The DVD features her entire 90 minute set list that includes:
01 - napoleon
02 - present/infant
03 - swim
04 - not a pretty girl
05 - fuel
06 - independence day
07 - paradigm
08 - marrow
09 - sunday morning
10 - unrequited (solo)
11 - shy (solo)
12 - you had time
13 - alla this
14 - in the way
15 - gravel
16 - little plastic castle
17 - overlap
18 - hypnotized
…with BONUS FEATURES (band sound check)
19 - 78% h20
20 - shy
21 - 32 flavors

Over at righteousbabe.com there is a beautiful description of the show that will make any Ani fan melt at the thought of not going. I know I did.

On September 11 and 12, 2007, singer/songwriter/guitarist Ani
DiFranco played two sold-out shows before a hometown audience in Buffalo, New
York. What made those nights so special wasn’t just the music—because
that’s always special at an Ani show—but the fact that she was playing
the inaugural shows in her very own venue, a downtown church once slated for
demolition that has been beautifully restored as a state-of-the-art music hall
and newly renamed “Babeville.” Ani took the opportunity to fashion a two-night
retrospective of sorts, performing songs from every stage of her fabled career
in breathtaking new arrangements with her latest touring band; Allison Miller on
drums, Todd Sickafoose on upright bass and Mike Dillon on vibes and percussion.
The spirit of celebration was in the air, and energy in the room-both onstage
and in the audience—was extraordinary.

Six cameras were on hand to capture the excitement in high definition video
and 5.1 surround sound, and now the highlights of the two shows are available on
a single DVD featuring eighteen songs (two of which have not yet appeared on her
studio albums), plus interview and sound check footage. The result is both a
must-have memento for fans and an ideal introduction to Ani at her
finest—onstage, playing her guitar and singing with all the passion, intensity,
and joy that have made her a legend.

You can order the DVD from Amazon.com now.

According to a CNN article published on Monday, March 24, 2008, singer Corinne Bailey Rae’s husband, Jason Rae, was found dead on Saturday. Upon examination of the body, the cause of death was inconclusive and police were awaiting a toxicology report. Several articles since then, however, suspect a drug overdose.

Jason was a Scottish-born musician that played the saxophone with the funk group, Haggis Horns that played as a back up band for Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson as well as Corinne herself.

I personally have never heard of Haggis Horns, but I have definitely heard of Corinne Bailey Rae and I love her music. So, I suppose I could have heard of Haggis Horns if they were ever playing on a track that I was particularly digging. My heart goes out to Corinne in this time of loss and hope that it turns out to be something beyond a drug overdose. It seems that is happening all too often lately.
If you haven’t heard of Corinne Bailey Rae, I suggest you check her out.

I’d Like To - Corinne Bailey Rae

Buy from iTunes

Metisse has been around for awhile but I only just discovered them about a year ago. They were featured consistently throughout one of my favorite shows, Dead Like Me.

If you’ve ever watched the show, the song you’ll hear the most is “Boom Boom Ba”.

Boom Boom Ba -Metisse

Purchase on iTunes

Lead singer, Aida’s haunting voice over an almost bossa nova beat is intriguing. Combine that with the French language and you simply can’t go wrong! The use of their music throughout the show is brilliant and it’s really such a shame that neither the show nor the band have gotten the recognition they deserve.

Metisse is an Irish/African Soul/Electronic Band . Holy multi-genre, batman! It makes sense, though, as “Metisse” means “mixture” in French. And while I’m still getting to know them, I’ve loved what I’ve heard.

They currently have two albums, My Fault and Nomah’s Land. You will find Boom Boom Ba in My Fault. Another favorite song of mine by them is “Nomah’s Land” from their same-title album. This one was also featured in a Dead Like Me episode called, “The Shallow End.”

Nomah’s Land - Metisse

Purchase on iTunes

I think using these two songs in this Swamp full o’Beats proves how extremely versatile the band can be. Unfortunately it looks like they haven’t been doing too much since 2007 after the release of Nomah’s Land. Their full albums are also available for download here.

Spread the word so maybe they’ll get back in the studio for us! I absolutely adore this band.

May 2008 starts the tour of one of gFly’s favorite bands, Dave Matthews Band. Although, not everyone here on Beatswamp will agree with me, I find them to be an oldie but a goody. Honestly, every concert that I’ve attended by them have been some of the best concert experiences of my life. Because not only do I have a deep connection to years of great music by them, but the talent that emerges on stage in a live venue is remarkable. And so, here I am remarking on it. If you’re interested in experiencing raw talent by people who obviously love what they do, I suggest you check them out when they come to a city near you.

For you hardcore fans, according to The Warehouse, you’ll be able to get a sneak peak of their debut album while on tour. They’re currently in the studio with Rob Cavallo, who has worked with other big names such as Green Day, Alanis Morissette and My Chemical Romance (are you listening, Madrock?). The album is yet to be named but will also include the musical stylings of Tim Reynolds who hasn’t played on an album since 1998’s Before These Crowded Streets.

Intrigued?? Check out these dates…

2008 SUMMER TOUR DATES

with State Radio
Fri / May 30 / Post-Gazette Pavilion / Burgettstown, PA
Sat / May 31 / Post-Gazette Pavilion / Burgettstown, PA
Tue / Jun 3 / Susquehanna Bank Center / Camden, NJ
Wed / Jun 4 / Susquehanna Bank Center / Camden, NJ

with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Fri / Jun 6 / Toyota Park / Bridgeview, IL (VIP Packages Available)

with The Black Crowes
Sat / Jun 7 / Busch Stadium / St. Louis, MO (VIP Packages Available)

with Paolo Nutini
Mon / Jun 9 / DTE Energy Music Theatre / Clarkston, MI
Tue / Jun 10 / Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain / Scranton, PA
Fri / Jun 13 / New England Dodge Music Center / Hartford, CT
Sat / Jun 14 / New England Dodge Music Center / Hartford, CT

with Paolo Nutini
Tue / Jun 17 / Six Flags Darien Lake - Performing Arts Center / Darien Center, NY
Wed / Jun 18 / Molson Amphitheatre / Toronto, Ontario

with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Fri / Jun 20 / Saratoga Performing Arts Center / Saratoga Springs, NY
Sat / Jun 21 / Saratoga Performing Arts Center / Saratoga Springs, NY
Tue / Jun 24 / Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts / Mansfield, MA

With Michael Franti and Spearhead
Wed / Jun 25 / Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts / Mansfield, MA

with Black Crowes
Fri / Jun 27 / Hersheypark Stadium / Hershey, PA

with Michael Franti and Spearhead
Sat / Jun 28 / Nissan Pavilion at Stoneridge / Bristow, VA

with Michael Franti and Spearhead
Tue / Jul 1 / Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre / Charlotte, NC
Wed / Jul 2 / Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek/ Raleigh, NC

with Old Crow Medicine Show
Fri / Jul 4 / Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park / Charleston, SC

with Gomez
Mon / Jul 7 / Lakewood Amphitheatre / Atlanta, GA
Wed / Jul 9 / Ford Amphitheatre / Tampa, FL
Fri / Jul 11 / Cruzan Amphitheatre / West Palm Beach, FL
Sat / Jul 12 / Cruzan Amphitheatre / West Palm Beach, FL

with Ingrid Michaelson
Tue / Jul 22 / Qwest Center / Omaha, NE
Fri / Jul 25 / Verizon Wireless Music Center / Noblesville, IN
Sat / Jul 26 / Verizon Wireless Music Center / Noblesville, IN
Tue / Jul 29 / Crew Stadium / Columbus, OH (VIP Packages Available)
Wed / Jul 30 / Blossom Music Center / Cuyahoga Falls, OH

with Willie Nelson
Fri / Aug 1 / Louisville Slugger Field / Louisville, KY
Sat / Aug 2 / AutoZone Park / Memphis, TN

with TR3
Tue / Aug 5 / Riverbend Music Center / Cincinnati, OH
Thu / Aug 7 / Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater / Virginia Beach, VA

with The Black Crowes
Sat / Aug 9 / Alpine Valley Music Theatre / East Troy, WI
Sun / Aug 10 / Alpine Valley Music Theatre / East Troy, WI

with Eli Young Band
Wed / Aug 13 / AT&T Bricktown Ballpark / Oklahoma City, OK
Fri / Aug 15 / The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion / The Woodlands, TX
Sat / Aug 16 / Superpages.com Center / Dallas, TX

with TBD
Tue / Aug 19 / Staples Center / Los Angeles, CA
Wed / Aug 20 / Staples Center / Los Angeles, CA

with Robert Earl Keen
Fri / Aug 22 / Coors Amphitheatre / Chula Vista, CA
Sat / Aug 23 / Cricket Wireless Pavilion / Phoenix, AZ
Mon / Aug 25 / Raley Field / West Sacramento, CA
Wed / Aug 27 / USANA Amphitheatre / West Valley City, UT

with O.A.R.
Fri / Aug 29 / Gorge Amphitheatre / George, WA
Sat / Aug 30 / Gorge Amphitheatre / George, WA
Sun / Aug 31 / Gorge Amphitheatre / George, WA

with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Fri / Sep 5 / University of CA, Berkeley Greek Theatre / Berkeley, CA
Sat / Sep 6 / University of CA, Berkeley Greek Theatre / Berkeley, CA
Sun / Sep 7 University of CA, Berkeley Greek Theatre / Berkeley, CA

Also, since it’s another summer tour, you’re nearly guaranteed a sweat covered Dave! And believe you me, that man can SWEAT.