RCA Records (USA) ( January 19, 1999 ), Genre: Rock & Pop
Personnel: Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds. Recorded live at CFL Theatre, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa on February 6, 1996. Matthews built his career on a grassroots level by wowing audiences with his high energy performances, so this live album seems like a natural step. What's surprising is that a bandleader who's made his reputation largely on the strength of his band (and of course, his considerable songwriting skills) should hit the road without them. The revelation here is that even when the violin, bass, drums, etc. are stripped away, the songs still work well. "Satellite," "What Would You Say" and the other Dave Matthews Band tunes contained on this generous double-disc still brim with inventiveness and immediacy thanks to Matthew's heartfelt, urgent delivery and quirky compositional style. LIVE AT LUTHER COLLEGE provides a fascinating alternate view into the Dave Matthews universe.
Price Range: $12 - $20
Amazon Rating: 
(503 Reviews)
Epinions Rating:
(68 Reviews)
Unplugged and set apart from his bandmates, Dave Matthews is transformed from a fusion rocker to something of a fusion folkie. Indeed, this two-disc, two-man concert recording (cut in Iowa in the winter of 1996 and shelved for nearly three years) posits the South African-born bandleader less as a Blues Traveler fellow traveler than a dexterous, jazz-inflected minstrel in the tradition of Tim and Jeff Buckley, Terry Callier, and Ellen McIlwaine. As with those considerably less-successful performers, multiplatinum Matthews is enticed to soar ever higher by his considerable vocal prowess.
Ultimately, Matthews takes his tunes in dizzying directions because he can ! All those exhibitions of elasticity have earned Matthews disdain in less-is-more circles. Here, however, more than ably complemented by frequent DMB guest and fellow Charlottesville, Virginia, denizen Tim Reynolds, Matthews virtually bursts through 23 tunes that leave his audience wanting more. They needn't worry: even his worst critics wouldn't accuse Matthews of being stingy when it comes to music.
--Steven Stolder .
Artist: Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds
Record Label: RCA Records (USA)
Genre: Rock and Pop
Release Date: January 19, 1999
Number of Discs: 2
Song List: Disc 1: One Sweet World#41Tripping BilliesJimi ThingSatelliteCrash Into MeDeed Is DoneLover Lay DownWhat Would You SayMinaretsCry FreedomDancing Nancies
Song List: Disc 2: Typical SituationStreamWarehouseChristmas SongSeek UpSay GoodbyeAnts MarchingLittle ThingHalloweenGrannyTwo Step
Very Good
Author's Rating:
Read the rest of the reviews... its all been said, this is a great cd!
Jun 05, 2008
best Dave Matthews
Author's Rating:
it is true dave in a rare unplugged form.... timmy is the best on the guitar, very relaxing
May 12, 2007
Dave and Tim are white hot!!
Author's Rating:
I worship DM!! Dave and Timmy Reynolds chemistry is insane!! If you want a cd set where every, I mean every song is beautiful, and moving, then you have it right here! It's hard to write a review about something I'm so fond of. One disk is in my SUV and the other in my Dakota. My kids know almost all the words. Very kid friendly and the groove is incredible. Just buy it!! You will become a fanatic like me!! One Sweet World...........
May 09, 2007
Two virtuoso's captured live
Author's Rating:
Unfortunately, you cannot capture the brilliance of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds live on an album. But this one comes close.
We saw this dynamic duo in Oxford England March 2007, as they played for more than three hours. Their performance live is unmatchable.
This album demonstrates yet again what an amazing songwriter, singer and acoustic guitar player Dave Matthews is...and it shows glimpses of the amazing talent that is Tim Reynolds. Dave's lyrics shine in this acoustic set more so than in DMB studio albums, as his voice becomes the third instrument in this duo. Through Dancing Nancies, #41, Dancing Nancies and Cry Freedom, Dave's songwriting expertise is more visible than with the full band. Tim Reynolds is amazing live and in person, and my one issue with this album is that his contributions aren't noticeable unless you know what you are listening for. But you can certainly hear his lead licks on #41, Dancing Nancies and Say Goodbye.
And it took me awhile, but I recognized the acoustic "Little Thing" (something "Dave and Timmy had been working on") as "An' Another Thing" from Some Devil...both versions are great.
An excellent album, see them in concert if you get the chance.
Apr 03, 2007
Two virtuoso's captured live
Author's Rating:
Unfortunately, you cannot capture the brilliance of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds live on an album. But this one comes close.
We saw this dynamic duo in Oxford England March 2007, as they played for more than three hours. Their performance live is unmatchable.
This album demonstrates yet again what an amazing songwriter, singer and acoustic guitar player Dave Matthews is...and it shows glimpses of the amazing talent that is Tim Reynolds. Dave's lyrics shine in this acoustic set more so than in DMB studio albums, as his voice becomes the third instrument in this duo. Through Dancing Nancies, #41, Dancing Nancies and Cry Freedom, Dave's songwriting expertise is more visible than with the full band. Tim Reynolds is amazing live and in person, and my one issue with this album is that his contributions aren't noticeable unless you know what you are listening for. But you can certainly hear his lead licks on #41, Dancing Nancies and Say Goodbye.
And it took me awhile, but I recognized the acoustic "Little Thing" (something "Dave and Timmy had been working on") as "An' Another Thing" from Some Devil...both versions are great.
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Dave Matthews Band Classic
Author's Rating:
I remember growing up and not really paying that much attention to Dave at first. Then someone played this CD in my friend's car. Instantly, I got to experience the real sound of Dave and just fell in love with his music. Now, as a true DMB fan, I always refer back to this CD as one of my favorites. Tim & Dave together - you can't ever go wrong. A couple of my favs are Deed is Done and Little Thing (which becomes An Another Thing on Some Devil, but sounds much better here). And I will always prefer the LIVE sound of Dave over a recording studio anyday. Something about his live performances is just phenomenal. If you don't already have it, I suggest it highly!!!!
Feb 12, 2007
The Best of the Best
Author's Rating:
Simply stated, this CD is not only worth puchasing, but is a necessity to the collection of any acoustic guitar fiends, and certainly, every Dave fan. Each song is a divine lesson in guitar playing in itself.
If you were to buy one DMB CD, make it this one. An absolute must-have.
Highlights:
Dancing Nancies, greatest version out there
Crash Into Me, likewise
Jimi Thing
Warehouse
Enjoy. You can't go wrong with this album.
Feb 08, 2007
Simply the best...
Author's Rating:
I have been listening to these two discs for several years now. I am a huge acoustic guitar fan, which goes along with being a fan of Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, etc. These two discs are a key piece of any acoustic guitar fan's music collection. I have listened to Live at Luther College so much that I had to buy the discs again. Great for long road trips, mellow get togethers, the bedroom? Ah yeah. If you don't have this music... put simply... buy them right away. Highlights? Dancing Nancies, Warehouse, and Tim's Solo (Stream). Enjoy
Aug 21, 2006
Simply the best!
Author's Rating:
The best, simply the best... You can't go wrong with this... Music, passion, love, laughter, honesty, a insanely talented guitar player, very emotional beautiful vocals and sweet sweet melodies, songs and lyrics performed flawlessly from the heart. Buy it right now!
Apr 24, 2006
Acoustic and Chill
Author's Rating:
Live at Luther College is a great CD for any DMB fan. Tim Reynolds and Dave Matthews collaborate on this great acoustic live show. The show is very laid back and chill and less enthusiastic and upbeat than other live shows. If you're debating on a live CD or a studio CD, there is no question with the Dave Matthews Band. Studio CD's do not capture the spirit and originality of the band. The CD includes great renditions of both 'One Sweet World' and 'Jimi Thing.' Live at Luther College is a great example of DMB live.
Nov 20, 2005
Not a big DMB fan, but this set is fantastic!
Author's Rating:
Having lived with two DMB fans, one of whom virtually worships the man and his band, I have been exposed to the vast majority of their tunes. I think they're talented, but between Dave's somewhat indecipherable vocals and the sometimes over-the-top instrumentation, I find that whatever message they're trying to convey often gets buried.
That being said, "Live at Luther College" is most definitely one (or two, if a two-disc set can't count as one) of the ten recordings I'd want with me if I were stranded on a desert island.
I'd give all but maybe one or two songs a 5-star rating. Even the "Christmas Song," which, subject-wise, isn't exactly my cup of tea, is just too perfectly executed to deny.
There are thousands of recordings that use electric guitar and of which I'm a huge fan, but if I had to choose, I prefer the purity of acoustic guitar. The use of acoustic guitars alone gives this set a huge edge.
And Tim Reynolds is a virtuoso--probably as technically gifted as many respected classical guitarists, but with an equally impeccable ability to reinvent each of Dave's songs so that they have every bit as much groove, humor, emotion, and force (and often more) as they did with his full band backing him up. Dave isn't half-bad either.
And while they take their guitars to the very limits of unplugged rock, Dave's voice is still able to shine through clearly, and I can actually understand what he's saying more often than not (I've actually memorized most of the album, although there are some areas where I still mumble incoherent phrases in conjunction with what seems to be coming out of Dave's mouth).
Virtually all of the power and emotion is generated by the musicians themselves, not by special effects or gadgets, and you can really feel what a memorable experience it must have been to attend that show.
Sep 13, 2005
Not a big DMB fan, but this set is fantastic!
Author's Rating:
Having lived with two DMB fans, one of whom virtually worships the man and his band, I have been exposed to the vast majority of their tunes. I think they're talented, but between Dave's somewhat indecipherable vocals and the sometimes over-the-top instrumentation, I find that whatever message they're trying to convey often gets buried.
That being said, "Live at Luther College" is most definitely one (or two, if a two-disc set can't count as one) of the ten recordings I'd want with me if I were stranded on a desert island.
I'd give all but maybe one or two songs a 5-star rating. Even the "Christmas Song," which, subject-wise, isn't exactly my cup of tea, is just too perfectly executed to deny.
There are thousands of recordings that use electric guitar and of which I'm a huge fan, but if I had to choose, I prefer the purity of acoustic guitar. The use of acoustic guitars alone gives this set a huge edge.
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