In defense of a Dave Matthews fan

I earnestly love Dave Matthews Band. Before you click away, give me a chance! I've never been a huge fan of jam bands or anything, but I've always liked Dave Matthew's music. In college, I found out that hating on DMB is kind of a big deal in the music world. It's fun to hate Dave, like it's fun to hate Creed and Nickelback. Stereotypes are that only air headed jocks listen to DMB and bro out with each other. I'm here to convince you to give them a try. Their discography is large enough that there's a sound for everyone, but they're fantastic enough that >90% of their music is awesome. Here's why:

Flat out- they're talented musicians. In the ages of auto-tune and shallowness in pop music, there's something about a mega popular band that's writing original material and can rock shorter and longer songs. It can be bumming to dig a band's studio work, and have them disappoint live. I saw DMB with my mom in Michigan a few years back and they blew me away. They were touring Big Whisky and gave such a high-energy show with the most perfect covers (Talking Heads, anyone?). Carter Beauford is a super diverse, charismatic, ambidextrous drummer and my fav :)

They have talented friends. Listen to absolutely anything Dave plays with biffle Tim Reynolds for some amazing amazing guitar work, especially Dancing Nancies and You Are My Sanity. Alanis Morisette sings on a track and one of the members played with Bela Fleck.

I love bands with 'unconventional' instruments. DMB uses violin, saxophone, and trumpet. They've released both fantastic acoustic and studio albums. They've got beautiful songs (Crash Into Me, Proudest Monkey, Baby), angry songs (Halloween, Don't Drink the Water, You Might Die Trying), funky songs (I Did It, Cornbread, What Would You Say, True Reflections), and great covers (No Rain,  Sweet Caroline). DMB is quintessential summer music. Go give them a shot. Try something new, try something old.

Their music will always make me happier, and that's why no matter the hate, I'll always be a huge Dave Matthews Band fan.

Favorite DM pic