iTunes

Opening the iTunes Store.If iTunes doesn’t open, click the iTunes application icon in your Dock or on your Windows desktop.
iTunes 9

iTunes is the world's easiest way to organize and add to your digital media collection.

We are unable to find iTunes on your computer. To preview and buy music from Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King by Dave Matthews Band, download iTunes now.

Already have iTunes? Click I Have iTunes to open it now.

I Have iTunes Free Download
iTunes 9 for Mac + PC

Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King

Dave Matthews Band

View More by this Artist

Open iTunes to preview, buy, and download music.

iTunes Review

DMB saxophonist LeRoi Moore died from complications suffered in an ATV accident on his Virginia farm and the remaining band pay him tribute throughout 2009’s Big Whiskey. Moore is the “GrooGrux King” and there are references scattered throughout the album that the band’s loss is never far from Matthews’ mind. Yet, the band also pays strong tribute by turning in one of its most assured performances to date. DMB have always been known for their loose, supple grooves, their ability to slip into rhythmic gymnastics without losing their pulse, but here they tighten up and solidify their punch with tunes that feature a powerful forward force. “Why I Am” (where Matthews asserts he’s “still here dancing with the GrooGrux King”) hangs onto its notes with a determined grace that explodes into quick, instrumental moments. “Dive In” throws the piano to the middle for a contemplative ballad. “Spaceman” throws its hands into the doomed air wondering why things couldn’t have turned out differently, while “Squirm” adds a serious tension that’s unusually desperate. Big Whiskey is understandably DMB’s most emotionally affecting album.

Customer Reviews

It's always easier to leave than be left.
     

With the passing of founding member LeRoi Moore, the boys become the band they always wanted to be. The twangy coffeeshop sound of the 90's is left behind, they kick it proper with Tim Reynolds rejoining them on lead guitar for the first time since the groundbreaking Before These Crowded Streets album and Jeff Coffin of Flecktones fame picking up the pipes. Rashawn Ross of Soulive plays trumpet. The music here is about as rich a tapestry as can be woven, varied in style and big on flavor. In my opinion, nothing will ever beat Before These Crowded Streets, but this gives it a run for its money. There is the occasional corny lyric here and there (see: Dive In's chorus) but it's also in stark contrast with lyrics the likes of which we've never heard from Dave (See: Lying In the Hands of God). Time Bomb rules, Dave sounds like Vedder here. Squirm uses some big strings effectively. Points lost only because of the occasional corny lyric and Matthews' signature awkward note choices for some choruses and bridges; it's almost like he was like "Alright, well, this song needs a bridge. These notes KINDA go. Alright, I'm just gonna settle for them." But most of the songs are near flawless.

best DMB album since '98's Before These Crowded Streets
     

its been a loooong time since DMB has put out an album that can compare to when they were at their peak in the mid to late 90s. the big 3, under the table, crash and streets, have been hard if not impossible to top. since 98 there have been some good songs off of Everyday, Busted Stuff / the lillywhite sessions, Stand Up and unreleased new songs, but there seemed to be a timidness to recording layered, complex songs. Big Whiskey sounds like the band many of us have been missing since 98, in terms of a studio album; the irony being that DMB every summer has gotten better performing live.

The only negative towards this album is it that it doesnt have any long tracks, not surprising given the last 3 studio releases. Tracks like Lying and Time Bomb feel truncated. Also there arent as many violin/sax solos, mostly Tim Reynolds solos, something thats has been missing since 98.

The beginning and middle of the album is very fresh, but very DMB, while tracks 8-12 feel different and take a few listens to warm up to, but you will warm up to them. Ending with You and Me, something that feels like a soundboard / bootleg from 1994. The hidden track (#35) and Grux make a perfect beginning and bookend to the album and sums it up perfectly.....a tribute, toast and celebration of Leroi Moore.

If you havent been into DMB since high school and college (late 90s/early 00s) this is the album, along with live trax 15, is the album to remind you why this band is so great.

For First Time Dave Fans or Vets, This Album Will Capture You With Energy and Heart
     

After seeing DMB multiple times, including front row this past spring in the hometown, it is obvious this album was going to be huge for me and fellow fans. It marked a shift in the band's character, style and outlook with the passing of friend and musical master the late, great Leroi Moore. Thankfully, after a few listens it is safe to say that the Dave Matthews Band has returned with a sense of life and energy that hasn't been heard since Crash. It is the sound that we all miss, the feeling that we all want, and the tune that makes us smile and say "yeah.. that's the Dave Matthews Band.."

Here is a brief rundown of all the songs:

Grux 10/10 - A beautiful improv by Leroi. I couldn't think of a better way to start off the album

Shake Me - 9/10 - Best opener since Rapunzel. It's energy explodes in your face and leaves you wanting more of the album. While the lyrics are a bit shaky, they definitely will have you going through your mind for days.

Funny - 8/10 - A solid single. Gotta love the Boyd and Tim solos in one song. Good groove and musically tight. Lyrically good too.

Lying - 10/10 - One of the best on the album, you can genuinly feel the emotion from Dave and Leroi in this easy, moody ballad

Why I Am - 6/10 - A little weak but definitely radio friendly. You can't help but smily at the Groogrux king reference. Full of energy.

Dive In - 8/10 - The closest song to Coldplay that DMB has ever come to. Simple 4/4 beat but Carter turns it into a gem. Drumming is insane. Tim's solo makes the song.

Spaceman - 9/10 - One of my personal favorites, lyrics and music are both equally as great and unique. Has a good vibe and very easy to listen to.

Squirm - 10/10 - Best on the album. Closest thing they've come to BTCS since the release of the album. Dark, mysterious, egyptian and EPIC! This song will send you to your knees. Think Last Stop mixed with Viva la Vida. Yeah, it's great.

Alligator Pie - 9/10 - Lyrically one of the best songs. Intimate but also incredibly rockin. This song will keep you shaking.. Boyd is masterful on this cut.

Seven - 8/10 - While at first listen this song might come off as weak, give it a few more and watch it grow on you. Dave's false-setto is actually strong in the studio and the run actually turns out to be insanely catchy. "Dark little place she digs to go" will not leave your head.. ever.

Time Bomb - 9/10 - Dreaming Tree and Halloween had a child.. and it was Timb Bomb. Not as solid as those two cuts but still incredibly emotional when Dave screams for faith and a desire to know Christ.

My Baby Blue - 9/10 - Not a strong track.. but that's why it's so good. It's subtle and filled with emotion. This song is from Dave to Roi. Dave's voice cracks, guitars flutter and emotions rise in a ballad fit for a king.

You and Me - 8/10 - A simple, optimistic way to end the album. I've heard reviews saying it's too 'corny' and others saying it's incredibly appropriate. I think it's a strong closer and a solid way to end a spectacular album.

With lots of energy and strong songs, DMB has produced an album that would make LeRoi proud and has stirred up incredible anticipation in the DMB community.

LONG LIVE THE KING!!!

Biography

Born: January 09, 1967 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '90s, '00s

Formed in the early '90s by South African vocalist/guitarist Dave Matthews, the Dave Matthews Band presented a more pop-oriented version of the Grateful Dead crossed with elements of jazz, funk, and the worldbeat explorations of Paul Simon and Sting. Matthews populated the group with several Virginia-based musicians — bassist Stefan Lessard, saxophonist Leroi Moore, violinist Boyd Tinsley, drummer Carter Beauford, and short-lived keyboardist Peter Griesar — and the band built up a strong...
Full Bio

Top Albums and Songs by Dave Matthews Band

Listeners Also Bought