Listening to Dave Matthews on Radio Paradise

One child’s nursery rhyme placed in an overall dark song is no different than 1234567 all good children go to heaven, an English rhyme on Abbey Road. Ring around the Rosie is supposedly refers to the Plague.

Posted 3 weeks ago by iloveradio [ Reply ]

sunward wrote:

The musicianship Dave Matthews brings is often stellar. I love Carter Beauford's drumming, the guitar work, the musical composition. Sometimes the lyrics are interesting...

And then he goes: "... Ring around the rosy..."

This kind of shit takes it to a childish level. So now I understand why 20% of RP listeners rate this song 3 or less. For me it is un-rateable.

I kind of agree. Really liked the song up until that point. I still like the song. I also think this is still better than most of his other stuff.

Posted 3 weeks ago by smartn1 [ Reply ]

This was his best.

Posted 3 months ago by MrRedwood [ Reply ]

The musicianship Dave Matthews brings is often stellar. I love Carter Beauford's drumming, the guitar work, the musical composition. Sometimes the lyrics are interesting...

And then he goes: "... Ring around the rosy..."

This kind of shit takes it to a childish level. So now I understand why 20% of RP listeners rate this song 3 or less. For me it is un-rateable.

Posted 1 year ago by sunward [ Reply ]

After a week of a friend trying to find her missing sister only to find that she was deceased... depression took another good kind sweet person.

Shamir's Lived and Died then Dave Matthew's Gravedigger made me hold my breath for a moment...

We all gotta love each other... at least be kind.

Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv [ Reply ]

Great Artist ! Great song !
When i'll grow up, i'll want to have... Dave Matthews talent !

Posted 2 years ago by jpgozet [ Reply ]

Follow this with Poi Dog's 'Bury Me Deep' and watch the fur fly!
c.

Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

Nick Cave?

Posted 2 years ago by jasko [ Reply ]

Up to an 8 for me. Doesn't deserve a 6

Posted 2 years ago by SnapDragon66 [ Reply ]

Decoy wrote:

Death isn't cruel, just terribly good at his job

The figure of DEATH in Terry Pratchett's Discworld is a quiet and kindly figure. He even appears for non-human creatures.

Posted 2 years ago by fredriley [ Reply ]

Sounds like Dave Matthews is trying to channel Nick Cave, but rather badly

Posted 2 years ago by MM_Prague [ Reply ]

This is an amazing song, powerfully delivered. You should also check out Willie Nelson's version...and the fantastic video that goes along with it!

Posted 2 years ago by Stratocaster [ Reply ]

Saw DMB in Paris for the Come Tomorrow album (they included the digital album with the ticket, which i thought was cool)
Fantastic show despite my standing in the mosh pit for the 2 hours or so.

We find the power with music like this...

Posted 3 years ago by rob0101 [ Reply ]

Not a fan of DM, but I respect a lot him. His music is typically just not my cup of tea. This song I do dig, very cool. I also love his song Don't Drink the Water.

Posted 3 years ago by Relayer [ Reply ]

mortrates wrote:

This is rather painful.

was thinking that about your comment

Posted 3 years ago by bluematrix [ Reply ]

maxjboxer wrote:

Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal. Drove me nuts. Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums. Any suggestions?

This is the first 'unaffected' one I've heard and to me is likewise all the better for it!

Posted 3 years ago by kbs [ Reply ]

maxjboxer wrote:

Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal. Drove me nuts. Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums. Any suggestions?

Don't?
or his next one?

Posted 4 years ago by lizardking [ Reply ]

Lots of people hating on Dave here and after listening to this, I can see why.

Posted 4 years ago by Alastair [ Reply ]

After hearing this, Dave should stick to writing songs that are thinly-veiled references to sex.

Posted 4 years ago by acolt [ Reply ]

This is rather painful.

Posted 4 years ago by mortrates [ Reply ]

Posted 8 years ago by markybx [ Reply ]

not my cup of anything. waste of air space,

-rsn

Posted 8 years ago by rocksaltandnails [ Reply ]

I dig me some Dave Matthews and this one is one of the best. A real gut wrencher. Thanks for playing it. Could play some more DM and DMB!

Posted 8 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester [ Reply ]

A DM song I actually like. I had better sit down.

Posted 8 years ago by ppopp [ Reply ]

Contrary to the last comment: I like this song very much. I usually don't like Dave Matthews that much even though I know he is a major talent. Sort of like Elton John, undeniably a legendary guy, but I always lamented he never made any more music like Madman Across the Water.

Posted 8 years ago by ozzie1313 [ Reply ]

RabbitEars wrote:

I think of this song as an orphan. I love every song on this album except this one, which I always skip. This song is my window to understanding why people don't like DM.

Hahaha---opposite. This is about the only DM song that I get into.

Posted 9 years ago by ericdaryl [ Reply ]

I think of this song as an orphan. I love every song on this album except this one, which I always skip. This song is my window to understanding why people don't like DM.

Posted 9 years ago by RabbitEars [ Reply ]

well stated Webfoot! this music is not for me either (shitty album art too, Dave is looking over his shoulder like "what'd you call me?")

Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2 [ Reply ]

fortheloveofpete wrote:

Just saw Dave in Mansfield perform this on Saturday night. One of the best Dave shows I have seen and the best version of Gravedigger.

I've seen them many times over the past couple of decades, and it is unbelievable to me that the band just seems to get better and better at live shows the longer they play.

I really feel sorry for folks who are sure to trash Dave and my post. Listening to live music is one of the greatest joys in life and Dave is at the top of the heap in terms of a jamming show. 3.5 hours (4 hours with intermission) of raw excitement, community, energy and the love of music.

I'm glad you enjoy their music and their shows, but I do not and don't need your pity because of it. I don't care for their music (which is not trashing Dave, his band or your post), but it's great that others do. Cheers

Posted 9 years ago by Webfoot [ Reply ]

Just saw Dave in Mansfield perform this on Saturday night. One of the best Dave shows I have seen and the best version of Gravedigger.

I've seen them many times over the past couple of decades, and it is unbelievable to me that the band just seems to get better and better at live shows the longer they play.

I really feel sorry for folks who are sure to trash Dave and my post. Listening to live music is one of the greatest joys in life and Dave is at the top of the heap in terms of a jamming show. 3.5 hours (4 hours with intermission) of raw excitement, community, energy and the love of music.

Posted 9 years ago by fortheloveofpete [ Reply ]

Just horrendous. I certainly never need to hear this again.

Posted 9 years ago by jagdriver [ Reply ]

amb599 wrote:

Tried hard to like this song but it feels like the vocals are just being vommited up from somewhere unpleasant. meh.

The Carpenters' original version of this tune is much more melodic.

Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities [ Reply ]

no no no no no no no no no no no no

no

Posted 9 years ago by Segue [ Reply ]

"Bad metaphor, would you spread thin!? Won't you make it shallow, just like my music. It's a pain."

Posted 9 years ago by pcicatar [ Reply ]

MrRedwood wrote:

Incredible. He doesn't get better than this.

Oh, well, actually, "Don't Drink the Water" is better, but that's it.

You're right ! And I rated it a "1" and muted.

Posted 9 years ago by quesarah [ Reply ]

Death isn't cruel, just terribly good at his job

Posted 9 years ago by Decoy [ Reply ]

I understand why he did this song. Willie Nelson Rocks!

Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan [ Reply ]

I'm good

Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan [ Reply ]

I also like Willie's version better. And I think your reason why is probably a HUGE part of the reason.

Highlowsel wrote:

This ain't all that bad....but I like Willie Nelson's version better. Or maybe it's just that 'ol Willie, being a weee bit closer to that grave, sings it with a bit more.....expression? Sorry DM!

Highlow
American Net'Zen

Posted 9 years ago by rvontha [ Reply ]

Tried hard to like this song but it feels like the vocals are just being vommited up from somewhere unpleasant. meh.

Posted 10 years ago by amb599 [ Reply ]

So, what's the name of the song..?

Posted 10 years ago by pcicatar [ Reply ]

Oh good grief.

Posted 10 years ago by QueenLucia [ Reply ]

Incredible. He doesn't get better than this.

Oh, well, actually, "Don't Drink the Water" is better, but that's it.

Posted 10 years ago by MrRedwood [ Reply ]

Highlowsel wrote:

This ain't all that bad....but I like Willie Nelson's version better. Or maybe it's just that 'ol Willie, being a weee bit closer to that grave, sings it with a bit more.....expression? Sorry DM!

Highlow
American Net'Zen

Yup, the redheaded stranger does this song justice. Have you seen the video? Very dark, and Willie plays all the parts.

Posted 10 years ago by Stratocaster [ Reply ]

maxjboxer wrote:

Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal. Drove me nuts. Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums. Any suggestions?

The live album with Tim Reynolds is stunning. (Or horrible, if you're a hater)

The matching DVD adds a lot to the performance.

Posted 10 years ago by Stratocaster [ Reply ]

Dave Matthews acoustic version of this song is way better than this one. I find the background drum line and electric guitar just don't work. Mind you, the acoustic version gets a 10 out of 10 for me.

Posted 10 years ago by jawney [ Reply ]

This ain't all that bad....but I like Willie Nelson's version better. Or maybe it's just that 'ol Willie, being a weee bit closer to that grave, sings it with a bit more.....expression? Sorry DM!

Highlow
American Net'Zen

Posted 10 years ago by Highlowsel [ Reply ]

Grave Matthews is not shallow. I can dig it.

Posted 10 years ago by ThePoose [ Reply ]

Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal. Drove me nuts. Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums. Any suggestions?

Posted 10 years ago by maxjboxer [ Reply ]

People hating on DM are so shallow.

Posted 10 years ago by ccjemmett [ Reply ]

djblitz wrote:

The perceived bias against DMB on RP really gets on my nerves. I agree with some of the other comments that as soon as they hear it's Dave himself, the average tends to go down for whatever reason, I do not know why exactly. Not a 20 something fanboi? Big deal, get over it. I've loved Dave since I was a teenager and now am approaching 40 years old.

"Grave Digger" is one of his best songs and it's appalling to me that we can't even rate it a 6 here because of some of the crumdgeons who have an outright hatred for DMB. Regardless, he isn't struggling and still sells out concerts throughout the world while surviving on longevity that few other bands in the modern era possess. You rating this a 3 in some sort of alternate universe of musical snobbery doesn't change the fact that Dave and company will be long remembered for their musical talents heading into the 21st century.

I'm with you. There seems to be a club of low raters for this guy. I saw him once, and play his live DVD often. The band rocks and nobody can ever convince me they don't. Ignore them, listen to what you like and enjoy it regardless of the haters.

Posted 10 years ago by oldsaxon [ Reply ]

I still wonder why all the criticisms DMB draws specially when the reasoning is "because he sucks", REALLY, I don't know why people hate DMB - or anybody, for that matter. If you don't like someone's music, don't listen to it. Easy, simple piece of advice, huh?

Overall 5.5...man, this is NOT fair at ALL, I'd say, and I' m NOT a Matthews fan by any means. 34 "1" Suck o Barfos,..are these supposed to be non biased opinions, come on guys,...

Posted 11 years ago by aristoteles [ Reply ]

I am diggi'n this Dave.

Posted 11 years ago by 1wolfy [ Reply ]

number6 wrote:

Then prepare to be amazed. 'Cause I've never been able to stand Dave Matthews. In any time, shape or form. I utterly fail to see what there is to like about this guy's music.

Of all the music that I hear on RP, ONLY Dave Matthews gets my unadulterated low ratings. Very nearly EVERYTHING ELSE I hear I enjoy in at least some respects.

But Dave Matthews gets all Sucko-Barfos. He's way overrated ... 'cuase he just sucks.

Exactly what I was talking about, are we rating the song or the band themselves? As stupid of a comment eight years ago as it is today.....

Posted 11 years ago by djblitz [ Reply ]

The perceived bias against DMB on RP really gets on my nerves. I agree with some of the other comments that as soon as they hear it's Dave himself, the average tends to go down for whatever reason, I do not know why exactly. Not a 20 something fanboi? Big deal, get over it. I've loved Dave since I was a teenager and now am approaching 40 years old.

"Grave Digger" is one of his best songs and it's appalling to me that we can't even rate it a 6 here because of some of the crumdgeons who have an outright hatred for DMB. Regardless, he isn't struggling and still sells out concerts throughout the world while surviving on longevity that few other bands in the modern era possess. You rating this a 3 in some sort of alternate universe of musical snobbery doesn't change the fact that Dave and company will be long remembered for their musical talents heading into the 21st century.

Posted 11 years ago by djblitz [ Reply ]

Reminds me of Vic Reeves singing Mr Songwriter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLEh7RKLJg

Posted 11 years ago by gingerbus [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by TheBorgBuilder [ Reply ]

I don't get it.

Posted 11 years ago by fiddler [ Reply ]

Stratocaster wrote:

Gravedigger? Only a 5 average??

This is an awesome song....what the heck is wrong with it, other than the fact that most of you for some reason "hate Dave Matthews"?

Willie Nelson covered it, and wow did he do a great version.

I suspect that if it was played on RP, it would get a significantly higher rating, since I think less people "hate Willie Nelson".

Totally agree with you on this one. I'm one of these don't like Dave Matthews band people, but this is a really good song and other than the vocalist does not have that "DMB" sound that I don't like.

Posted 11 years ago by lemmoth [ Reply ]

fuzzy_logic wrote:

I think this song is fantastic though dark 8) . There is a lot passion in the vocals, plus the lyrics are deep and not typical. I believe the band is musically tight on this one!

Agreed. This song is a dark and haunting journey through the cemetery and our depressed souls.

Posted 11 years ago by scraig [ Reply ]

going a bit Nick cave - or trying to. Not convinced.

Posted 11 years ago by bb_matt [ Reply ]

Karma Police followed by Gravedigger?

Boston on your mind?

Posted 11 years ago by reyespoint [ Reply ]

Gravedigger? Only a 5 average??

This is an awesome song....what the heck is wrong with it, other than the fact that most of you for some reason "hate Dave Matthews"?

Willie Nelson covered it, and wow did he do a great version.

I suspect that if it was played on RP, it would get a significantly higher rating, since I think less people "hate Willie Nelson".

Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster [ Reply ]

Yeah, this is good....good and terrible! Barfo-suckoville!!!!

Posted 19 years ago by Jayhawk [ Reply ]

toastee wrote:

wow...this song definitely doesn't suck...people amaze me...I gave it an 8 ....an extra point just out of spite :P

Then prepare to be amazed. 'Cause I've never been able to stand Dave Matthews. In any time, shape or form. I utterly fail to see what there is to like about this guy's music. Of all the music that I hear on RP, ONLY Dave Matthews gets my unadulterated low ratings. Very nearly EVERYTHING ELSE I hear I enjoy in at least some respects. But Dave Matthews gets all Sucko-Barfos. He's way overrated ... 'cuase he just sucks.

Posted 19 years ago by number6 [ Reply ]

Is the bridge on the cover of this album the same one they dumped doo-doo from?

Posted 19 years ago by Essbee [ Reply ]

Interesting to look at the assault he received in '03. For me this is actually a nice change of pace from the traditional Matthews sound which has grown tiring.

Posted 19 years ago by Leaf13 [ Reply ]

nellymoser wrote:

"Ashes" (Aa-choo?): a corruption or imitation of the infected person sneezing. Finally, "we all fall down" describes all the people dying.

I heard that the ashes references was due to the fact that they burned the diseased bodies and the ashes flew everywhere. Such a nice, cheery childrens' song, isnt' it?

Posted 19 years ago by Imkirok [ Reply ]

Musically, it's okay. I can even handle his voice here. But these lyrics are just plain awful. Burying a child is a sad thing - but somehow he manages to make it sound like just a drag, like when the convenience store is out of mochas and you have to settle for a Mountain Dew.

Posted 19 years ago by formersnowbug [ Reply ]

This is the first time I've heard the studio version of this song. The live version is SOOOO much better.

Posted 19 years ago by JonnyNismo [ Reply ]

Old Dave Matthews is always nice to hear, but I really can't stand his new stuff. Next Please :roll:

Posted 20 years ago by Ferret [ Reply ]

wow...this song definitely doesn't suck...people amaze me...I gave it an 8 ....an extra point just out of spite :P

Posted 20 years ago by toastee [ Reply ]

Kinda like this song, but there's TOO much Dave Matthews on RP!!

Posted 20 years ago by drH [ Reply ]

Let's see: tedious or mediocre. Mediocre or tedious. Tedious or mediocre. It's just so hard to say. Can I pick both?

Posted 20 years ago by rgj13 [ Reply ]

ndanger666 wrote:

If this song sucked any harder, it would disappear into itself.

well said!

Posted 20 years ago by Flying_Donut [ Reply ]

nellymoser wrote:

An urban legend is that Ring Around The Rosey started in the days of the Black Plague - The "ring around a rosie": the round, red rash supposedly the first symptom of the disease. They carried flowers and placed them around the infected person for protection: "a pocket full of posies." "Ashes" (Aa-choo?): a corruption or imitation of the infected person sneezing. Finally, "we all fall down" describes all the people dying. Many say this is a load of crap. Anyway, I love this song! I've never heard it on RP until today. Had to stick up for it, is it ever getting run through the muck here!

More than urban legend: https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/onthefuture/A288966 That link also has the correct words I learnt at my Grandmother's knee. Most Americans seem to know a variation distorted by some form of Chinese whispering.

Posted 20 years ago by schadfield [ Reply ]

Spliff wrote:

I like the concept of this song but the Ring Around The Rosey part lost me. The idea might work if someone like Richard Thompson composed it.

An urban legend is that Ring Around The Rosey started in the days of the Black Plague - The "ring around a rosie": the round, red rash supposedly the first symptom of the disease. They carried flowers and placed them around the infected person for protection: "a pocket full of posies." "Ashes" (Aa-choo?): a corruption or imitation of the infected person sneezing. Finally, "we all fall down" describes all the people dying. Many say this is a load of crap. Anyway, I love this song! I've never heard it on RP until today. Had to stick up for it, is it ever getting run through the muck here!

Posted 21 years ago by nellymoser [ Reply ]

Hey gravedigger, when you're done, throw this song in there too.

Posted 21 years ago by JCJ [ Reply ]

For the love of Christ, bury him already.

Posted 21 years ago by Illustr8r [ Reply ]

Technically competent, I suppose, but cripes what a moan. Please no more! I get it here, and on the local radio. Gives me rigor mortis to hear it so often.

Posted 21 years ago by Mot [ Reply ]

I think this song is fantastic though dark 8) . There is a lot passion in the vocals, plus the lyrics are deep and not typical. I believe the band is musically tight on this one!

Posted 21 years ago by fuzzy_logic [ Reply ]

good song, thanks RP! -chief

Posted 21 years ago by ehunthorsha [ Reply ]

eric wrote:

For f++k's sake! Twice a day now?!

Interesting Response. Was it motivated by a dislike of DM, or do you just have it in for Bill? When Grateful Dead's Go To Heaven album came out, Jim Ladd, on the old KMET, played Alabama Getaway three times in a row 'cause he liked it so much. Then he played it every night for I don't know how long. Message Here: When the person picking the tunes is excited by them, the end result is superior.

So, chill out

Posted 21 years ago by Cdog [ Reply ]

Must this song play every day??

Posted 21 years ago by beechwood [ Reply ]

This one is really growing on me. I don't care much for the acoustic version which can also be heard around here, but I really dig this one.

Posted 21 years ago by timc [ Reply ]

BillG wrote:

Nope. You must have been listening to another station earlier today. Most recent play before now was yesterday (9/2) at 4am.

Nope: 8:57 am

Posted 21 years ago by eric [ Reply ]

eric wrote:

For f**k's sake! Twice a day now?!

Nope. You must have been listening to another station earlier today. Most recent play before now was yesterday (9/2) at 4am.

Posted 21 years ago by William [ Reply ]

For fuck's sake! Twice a day now?!

Posted 21 years ago by eric [ Reply ]

I heard this one for the first time a few summers ago live acoustic. I wasn\'t sure of it at the time but it really grows on you. One correction on the listing though, this is just Dave Matthews. It is his solo project and didn\'t involve the rest of the band.

Posted 21 years ago by satelite12 [ Reply ]

As long as he's digging a grave, could he dig an extra to deposit this tune in? This wins the 2003 Banal Song of the Year Award -- hands down! If this song sucked any harder, it would disappear into itself.

Posted 21 years ago by ndanger666 [ Reply ]

A pretty good song, but it is being driven into the ground on this station. Give it a rest.

Posted 21 years ago by TheLongshot [ Reply ]

If there's one musician who gets WAY too much play time on RP it's D. Matthews and frankly, this is one of the worst of his. Move on, RP... remember, you're not like other radio stations!

Posted 21 years ago by MsJudi [ Reply ]

As long as he\'s digging a grave, could he dig an extra to deposit this tune in? This wins the 2003 Banal Song of the Year Award -- hands down!

Posted 21 years ago by ndanger666 [ Reply ]

Is there some reason this is getting airplay every day? I'd expect it from commercial radio, not this one.

Posted 21 years ago by lindaped [ Reply ]

Another great song about grave digging...like J-Lo songs about \"keepin\' it real\"....I never get sick of \'em. :roll:

Posted 21 years ago by Pusherman [ Reply ]

i'm with ya, Heathen. never have seen the appeal.

Posted 21 years ago by Platypus [ Reply ]

Heathen wrote:

Am I the only person in the world that thinks DM can't sing? Oh well... I'm not a fan of DMB, I've tried to listen to them, but I just don't like 'em.

You're not the only one, but I enjoy the sound of his voice. Bob Dylan can't/couldn't sing either but that doesn't stop people from enjoying his music.

Posted 21 years ago by timc [ Reply ]

a new sound for DMB - bit proggy in parts - not bad

Posted 21 years ago by darcyc [ Reply ]

what a set...bill, did someone just die in your family? if so, my condolences...if not, for the sake of all the rest of us with a pulse, would it be possible to play something UPBEAT???...this hour has been like time lapse photography...

Posted 21 years ago by generalissimo [ Reply ]

Am I the only person in the world that thinks DM can't sing? Oh well... I'm not a fan of DMB, I've tried to listen to them, but I just don't like 'em.

Posted 21 years ago by Heathen [ Reply ]

Amazing! Intense performance. Love the weight of this song. Bill, Gravedigger really isn't Dave Matthews Band - just Dave Matthews.. Not being picky or anything - but it's a solo Dave CD. Trey Anastasio from Phish plays lead guitar on this one.

Posted 21 years ago by gypsy222 [ Reply ]

I like the concept of this song but the Ring Around The Rosey part lost me. The idea might work if someone like Richard Thompson composed it.

Posted 21 years ago by Spliff [ Reply ]