Dave Matthews, Dave Matthews Band - Live at Fenway Park, Boston MA

For a fan since 1995, this is the kind stuff. Get it!

I'd vaguely heard of The Dave Matthews Band when a bunch of us drove up from Tucson to Las Vegas in May 1995 to see the Grateful Dead, not realizing those would be our last Dead shows. Anyway, the Sat. and Sun. shows were at night, but the Friday show was in the afternoon! In May! In Vegas! In Heat! Most people stayed away until the Dead came on. Several of us went on to catch DMB. There was a group of 100 or so folks up by the stage, but we sat up in the stands (in the shade!), checking out the band. They were so good that I eventually got up and went down on the field at Sam Boyd Stadium and walked right up to center stage. (Can't do that any more!) The more I listened, the more I dug these guys and hot afternoon and all, I started moving to the sounds. I was hooked!

I've got all the CDs, all the live CDs, and as a Deadhead music trader, I've got quite a bit of soundboards of shows that circulate among traders. You'd think I wouldn't even think about this 4-CD set, since I have so much DMB. But, wow, the music's great, and there's a great mix of old and (then) new music.

If you're new to The Dave Matthews Band (DMB to us old-timers), this would not be a bad place to start out. DMB, just like the Dead for whom they opened so long ago, are one of those bands that just have to be seen live to really FEEL the music. Not that I don't just absolutely adore Crash, easily my favorite studio effort, but, hey, you gotta catch the guys live.

This gives you a nice overview of where they've been and where they're headed. All the old-timers' faves (that would be me and those of us who go waaay back) are here, plus new stuff. Some people complained about the mix, about the kick drums, whatever. I think the sound selection is great, as is the audio. For $10.99, you get to download FOUR CDs of live DMB. That's one hell of a bargain! You will get MORE than your money's worth! So...stop reading and start downloading this 5-star effort. September 26, 2008

A DMB Triumph!

This Live CD is Outstanding. I took it camping and Blasted it at maximum volume! The Campground loved it! "Ants Marching" Live is a Jam! "Say Goodbye", "Too Much" and "So Much To Say"--It's ALL a Jam!! The haunting melodies of "Last Stop" and "Don't Drink the Water" are Incredible. Can't go wrong with this set. 4 Whole Discs! It's got everything! September 10, 2008

Terrible Mix

The mix on this package of CD's is horrible -- if you have a decent stereo you will get a headache from the kick drum, which is so far forward in the mix it dominates thoughout. More prominent than Dave's voice, more prominent by far than the bass guitar, more prominent than anything else. It is like listing to the band with your head 3 feet from the kick drum. Thud, thud, thud, thud (etc.). I like Dave, but I couldn't listen to all 4 CD's because of the kick drum. James December 13, 2007

Excellent, but not new

I am a big Dave Matthews fan, and have always really loved his shows, and while this CD provided a good amount of classical material, it doesn't provide much new. The three new songs are ok, but not exciting. If you love Dave live, you will enjoy this group of CDs, but if you are looking for some fresh DMB, you might be a little disapointed...

I was not... August 9, 2007

Another Great Piece of Live Material

These are two nights of complete energy and great sound from Dave & Crew. They balance their old fan favorites perfectly with a whole slew of new songs off of the Stand Up album. Songs such as the energetic The Idea of You; the soulful Break Free; and Can't Stop are all featured during the two night stand, along with Fenway Park tradition- Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. Live at Fenway Park is the only set where you can hear these songs live, which is part of what makes it so valuable for listeners.
However, Dave & Crew keep the long-time fans happy with a wide smattering of old fan-favorites, including a powerful Two Step to end the two night stand. Also, such rarities as The Last Stop, Digging A Ditch, and (Don't Burn The) Pig, make this a well-rounded set.
Words cannot describe the awesomeness of this version of "Satellite." Definately the highlight of both nights. Such a beautiful song, and such a wonderful version of it. The crowd reaction is tremendous, and gives me goosebumps each and every time i listen to it.
Buy it. You won't regret it. July 25, 2007

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