What's up with all these Dave Matthews clones?

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Mraz has an awesome voice when he really wants to. He just sings too high IMHO...but has the talent to.

Dave just puts himself into the jam and into the passionate singing he does. (when he breaks out) He's also a good love-song writer. (Lover Lay Down and Rapunzel are good examples)

Lover Lay Down is awesome...but I've never cared much for Rapunzel (a bit to fast and "carnivally" for me).

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: NFS4


Anyway, DMB and John Mayer rock. I'm going to DMB's concert next month here and John Mayer & Counting Crows in September.

Damn! I'm sorry. Did you lose a bet or something??

amish

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Mraz has an awesome voice when he really wants to. He just sings too high IMHO...but has the talent to.

Dave just puts himself into the jam and into the passionate singing he does. (when he breaks out) He's also a good love-song writer. (Lover Lay Down and Rapunzel are good examples)

Lover Lay Down is awesome...but I've never cared much for Rapunzel (a bit to fast and "carnivally" for me).

Rapunzel is fast, but it's fun to play on guitar. He's singing about sex...but like all his songs, it's hard to pick up on because you get stuck on the name of the song and its theme.

"Up and down we go, from the top you push me, this is such a thrill, to be lost in love and dancing"

Dave is a pimp. His new studio album sucks though because he lost his roots. He ended up listening to the producer too much because of a deadline.

 

[yellowperil]

If DMB played here (Gainesville, FL), it would surpass the second coming of Christ.
1) There is actually a local band called Dave Matthews Cover Band.
2) One of the student government parties' campaign planks was a promise to get them to play here with free admission (they ended up winning the election but it never happened).
3) Back when I was undergrad there was always someone with a guitar playing DMB in the middle of the campus plaza (probably a desperate attempt to pick up chicks).

To each his own I guess.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Mraz has an awesome voice when he really wants to. He just sings too high IMHO...but has the talent to.

Dave just puts himself into the jam and into the passionate singing he does. (when he breaks out) He's also a good love-song writer. (Lover Lay Down and Rapunzel are good examples)

Lover Lay Down is awesome...but I've never cared much for Rapunzel (a bit to fast and "carnivally" for me).

Rapunzel is fast, but it's fun to play on guitar. He's singing about sex...but like all his songs, it's hard to pick up on because you get stuck on the name of the song and its theme.

"Up and down we go, from the top you push me, this is such a thrill, to be lost in love and dancing"

Dave is a pimp. His new studio album sucks though because he lost his roots. He ended up listening to the producer too much because of a deadline.

I'm actually quite fond of "Busted Stuff" and felt that he "was" getting back to his roots. "Everyday" OTOH was pure crap to me with the exception of Sleep to Dream Her.

 

[Jzero]

AND WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY THAT JOHN MAYER SOUNDS LIKE DAVE MATTHEWS...I JUST DON'T HEAR IT!!!

It is unmistakeable. I was recently introduced to John Mayer's music just about 2 weeks ago, and the first thing I thought was "Man, he sings like Dave Matthews" and I almost wrote him off, but I decided to listen to the whole disc and I ended up really liking it.

My brother got in the car and as soon as it came on he said "I thought you hated DMB!"
"It's NOT DMB!!!"

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Jzero

AND WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY THAT JOHN MAYER SOUNDS LIKE DAVE MATTHEWS...I JUST DON'T HEAR IT!!!

It is unmistakeable. I was recently introduced to John Mayer's music just about 2 weeks ago, and the first thing I thought was "Man, he sings like Dave Matthews" and I almost wrote him off, but I decided to listen to the whole disc and I ended up really liking it.

My brother got in the car and as soon as it came on he said "I thought you hated DMB!"
"It's NOT DMB!!!"

Well, maybe that's you When I first started listening to John, I had no idea of DMB in my head. The only time that I even began to notice similarities was after people started calling him a DMB clone. Even then, it's still not that GREAT of a similarity to me.

But I never really put the two together. Dave just has this deep, guttural sound. No one can compare and NO ONE sounds like him.

 

[nitsuj3580]

I can't even think of another band that puts on a live show like DMB. I started listening to them like 7 years ago and it's just awesome the way they improvise on stage

The best rendition of All Along the Watchtower by far! DMB's stuff is just a nice change of pace from everything else these days.

Rock bands consist of various guitars and drums.
Pop consists of synthesized crap and can make anyone sound good

DMB jams with a guitar (dave), violin (Boyd), flute and saxophones (leroi), keyboard (butch), bass (stefan) and carter on the drums. just an awesome sound. when Tim Reynolds plays with them, it just blows me away.

been to 6 dmb shows and hope to the one down in Va Beach this year

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: NFS4

AND WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY THAT JOHN MAYER SOUNDS LIKE DAVE MATTHEWS...I JUST DON'T HEAR IT!!!

I've been listening to Dave for almost 10 years (well, since '94) and I've never really put a DIRECT connection between Mayer and Dave vocally. Sure, there are some similarities (as there would be for just about ANY artist), but a CLONE?? Not even close.

And John's subject matter is way "lighter" than Dave. John sings a lot about relationships and normal everyday stuff. Now Dave on other hand has some f*&ked up songs...good, but deeply demented I remember the first time I listened to Halloween, I was like WTF...yet it put chills down my spine. He has some great songs about some wicked stuff. Like Big Eyed Fish...if you just listen to the song, you may think that Dave was sitting back in a rocking chair smokin' up when he wrote the song. But if you actually listen to the lyrics of the song, it's PURE GENIOUS!!

Well said.

I don't see the link between Mayer and DMB. DM's voice is even gravelly, unlike Mayer. And Mayer is perfectly happy if he produced pop songs that sold millions of copies. He's even said so specifically! He wants to make music that many people will like. So what? It's leaps and bounds better than crap put out by Mariah, NSYNC, Whitney, Janet, Britney, et al.

At least folks like DMB, Mayer, Mraz, Jack Johson, etc. write their own songs.

If you want to expand a bit and head down the road less-pop, check out The Jayhawks, Son Volt (wish they'd not broken up but check out Jay Farrar's new one).

Oh...and...shoot...what's-his-name... OH... Josh Joplin. Dude sounds a lot like Michael Stipe.

 

[djplayx714]

im a huge John Mayer fan and I'm going to the Irvine show. anyways I agree with NFS4 that he doesnt sound like DMB. he does imitations of DMB on stage at times to prove he doesnt sound like them. the influences are the same and so are the producers.

its probably since i listen to the acoustic stuff more than the final production stuff that i dont hear the similarities. anyhow why all the hate for acoustic performers? i would think thered be more disdain for pop bands that try to capitalize off the boyband culture.

 

[PCMarine]

DMB, John Mayer, the whole bunch is for chicks who claim to like rock.

 

[Red Dawn]

The best rendition of All Along the Watchtower by far!

Bwuahahahaha

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

The best rendition of All Along the Watchtower by far!

Bwuahahahaha

When you saw Bob Dylan, did he do All Along the Watchtower? He did it when I went to his show, and it was the best, and the last song he did. It sounded more like Jimi Hendrix's cover than the original though... with "His Band" and all that.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

The best rendition of All Along the Watchtower by far!

Bwuahahahaha

When you saw Bob Dylan, did he do All Along the Watchtower? He did it when I went to his show, and it was the best, and the last song he did. It sounded more like Jimi Hendrix's cover than the original though... with "His Band" and all that.

He might have but I couyldn't tell. It all sounded like incoherent mumbling to me

 

[NFS4]

I find these quotes to be quite fitting for the whole John Mayer is a DMB clone idea. From one of the "famous John Mayer quotes" thread over on Mayer's website:

"I don?t need to be the next Dave Matthews, but it wouldn?t matter if I was the biggest thing in the world either, as long as I can have a personal relationship with the listener.
As long as you give me a guitar and I get to play some real stuff. That?s where it?s at for me."

"In time, what I want to do is find a healthy pattern with my music so when you hear me on the radio, you go, ?That?s a John Mayer thing,?"
"I?m not sure if I have a John Mayer thing yet."

"You want me to play a Dave Matthews song? You know, that's just like getting someone else's mail. It's like if I go to the mailbox and pull out a letter addressed to Dave Matthews and think 'No, that's not for me', and put it back in. Next time you go to a Dave Matthews show why don't you request some John Mayer?"

 

[Rob9874]

I'm glad my rant caused a stir. I'm not going to fall for the trap of listing bands that I think are better, because they will inevitably be shot down. I don't think my musical tastes are any more valid than anyone elses, but I do think I come from a more musical perspective than the average Joe. I'll avoid any bosting of my credentials.

I will state what I don't like with DMB and Mayer. It is my opinion that their music is watered down. Not too much variety, as it might scare off the average listener. They are told to churn out mediocre sludge that will sell well on the radio, MTV, and demographics across the board. I feel that their music is contrived to a certain sound that is "flavor of the month" right now. I also feel that their music is too predictable. I don't feel that much effort goes into songwriting. Each song is just a variation of the next. DMB struck a cord with "What Would You Say" and has released 40 songs that sound just like it. BORING!!!

Record executives love the money DMB has generated, so they went on a search to find the biggest DMB wannabe, and found John Mayer. They made him sound a tad bit different, so they could fool the masses, and voila, they have another cash cow. It's not coincedence that Mayer fans are also DMB fans. Again, predictablilty. Kind of like Deadheads and Phish fans.

I will tell you what I like. Of course, nothing beats the Beatles. One of my favorite CDs is Fleetwood Mac "Rumours". The entire album is genius. Also Joni Mitchell's "Blue". Such wisdom and passion in every song. For modern music, check out Big Wreck. The most talented group of rock musicians I've seen in years. For my fun side, I like DoubleDrive, who have a new CD coming out next Tuesday. I also like Metallica, who are much more talented than one would assume by judging from their fanbase.

 

[Rob9874]

I will say this. I was checking out Mayer's live show on TV, and he began to wail on an electric guitar solo. As a guitar player of 15 years, I will give him props as a player. I was very impressed. I have the feeling he's much more talented as a player than his record company will allow him to show. "Stick with the acoustic guitar, like Dave!"

 

[NFS4]

Each song is just a variation of the next. DMB struck a cord with "What Would You Say" and has released 40 songs that sound just like it. BORING!!!

You just lost all credibility there

I also like Metallica

OK, that about seals it

I won't rag on you about Metallica though. I just don't particularly care for their music...and I don't have a reason to bash it either.

 

[pulse8]

Originally posted by: Rob9874
I will say this. I was checking out Mayer's live show on TV, and he began to wail on an electric guitar solo. As a guitar player of 15 years, I will give him props as a player. I was very impressed. I have the feeling he's much more talented as a player than his record company will allow him to show. "Stick with the acoustic guitar, like Dave!"

What if the guy just prefers an acoustic guitar like Dave Matthews? Is no other artist allowed to do this now?

You sure do assume a lot.

 

[wfbberzerker]

die john mayer! die die die!

 

[Jzero]

Rob, you would say:

I will state what I don't like with DMB and Mayer. It is my opinion that their music is watered down. Not too much variety, as it might scare off the average listener. They are told to churn out mediocre sludge that will sell well on the radio, MTV, and demographics across the board. I feel that their music is contrived to a certain sound that is "flavor of the month" right now. I also feel that their music is too predictable. I don't feel that much effort goes into songwriting. Each song is just a variation of the next.

And then in the same post say:

Of course, nothing beats the Beatles

I love the Beatles, but I can admit that their sound was as contrived and manufactured as any contemporary pop band. The majority of their career was spent cranking out ready-made pop hits, and by the time they really started to explore (Let It Be, The White Album, Sgt Pepper's) is, IMO, not coincidentally the same time that they really started to lose their steam.

If the reason you dislike Mayer and Matthews is what you state, then you really have no business liking any pop band.

 

[Red Dawn]

by the time they really started to explore (Let It Be, The White Album, Sgt Pepper's) is, IMO, not coincidentally the same time that they really started to lose their steam.

That's pure unadulterated Bullsh!t. They were on Top till the Day they disbanded and actually for a few years afterwards. DMB shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles and many other great groups. DMB, John Mayer and the rest of that genre is just whitebread monotonous music that's popular with the generic crowd. They are like the Liza Minelli's of Rock n Roll

 

[CraigRT]

to wrap up all the arguing about DMB..... there is alot of talent there, the music is just plain annoying.. i think that's the entire problem all these people who don't like it have.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

by the time they really started to explore (Let It Be, The White Album, Sgt Pepper's) is, IMO, not coincidentally the same time that they really started to lose their steam.

That's pure unadulterated Bullsh!t. They were on Top till the Day they disbanded and actually for a few years afterwards. DMB shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles and many other great groups. DMB, John Mayer and the rest of that genre is just whitebread monotonous music that's popular with the generic crowd. They are like the Liza Minelli's of Rock n Roll

I think that Red Dawn must have been raped in the ass by a DMB fan or something...b/c he JUST won't let it go.

Some people will make a jab and let it be...Red Dawn keeps coming back for more, like he was deeply wounded in some way. Red Dawn, we have support groups for people like you. I'll get you some help...I won't let you fall through the cracks. WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!!!

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

by the time they really started to explore (Let It Be, The White Album, Sgt Pepper's) is, IMO, not coincidentally the same time that they really started to lose their steam.

That's pure unadulterated Bullsh!t. They were on Top till the Day they disbanded and actually for a few years afterwards. DMB shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles and many other great groups. DMB, John Mayer and the rest of that genre is just whitebread monotonous music that's popular with the generic crowd. They are like the Liza Minelli's of Rock n Roll

I think that Red Dawn must have been raped in the ass by a DMB fan or something...b/c he JUST won't let it go.

Some people will make a jab and let it be...Red Dawn keeps coming back for more, like he was deeply wounded in some way. Red Dawn, we have support groups for people like you. I'll get you some help...I won't let you fall through the cracks. WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!!!

What ever you say Darius