I listened to a Matisyahu show and it blew. It blew hard. Granted, I've never been a huge reggae guy, but I think I can tell the difference between good reggae and, well, HIM. In fact, I think I am going to coin a new phrase for full-on sucking onstage: "Matisyahuian." For example, "String Cheese's show last night was positively Matisyahuian." Look, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Leave the reggae to Jamiacans. Period. I thought this was resolved back in the 70s. I mean, do you think Clapton's version of "I Shot The Sheriff" is even in the same musical universe as Marley's? (If you do, you are banned from listening to music ever again.) Bob was talking about class struggle, political protest, and all that good stuff. Slowhand sounds like he is protesting against his dealer being out of "China White."
That being said, I am trying hard to really, really like Umphrey's McGee to the point where I'll say, "Hey, I really want to hear that Umphrey's show again." That hasn't fully happened yet. I know there are good ones out there, so I have been scouring
Live Music Archive to see if I can find the hot shit. This one had 25 reviews, so I checked it out. There are a few raging moments, including this one. But I have to say, I don't think I'm buying it. Their set at Bonarroo last year was still, by far and away, the best I have seen them. With a truly "killer" band, you won't be able to make that determination so early in their career. We leave the "best show ever" debates to at least 5 years after they start consistent touring outside of their home area.
"The Fussy Dutchman" - Umphrey's McGee, 3/26/05 Chicago, ILThen again, they also throw
this at the fan, too. (And yes, I mean that to be a pun. But in case you are dense, I am saying that this is a piece of crap.)
If you like it, you can download the show
here.
