Live at Luther College

by Tim Reynolds, Dave Matthews

Overview

After the bootleg industry was revolutionized by CDs in the late '80s, it seemed that every contemporary recording artist had at least one bootleg on the market. It wasn't that studio outtakes were suddenly available -- it was that it was easier than ever to record, press, and distribute live concerts. Rock bands who jammed, whether they were hard rockers like Pearl Jam or noodlers like Phish, were in particular demand since, as the adage goes, no two shows were exactly alike. Given this insatiable appetite for new live records, it's a wonder that more artists didn't make like Dave Matthews and launch a series of official releases of notable live shows. It especially makes sense in Matthews' case, since his band sounds better and is more adventurous in a live setting than it is in the studio, as the first installment, Live at Red Rocks, illustrated. Its follow-up, Live at Luther College, takes a different tactic. Instead of featuring the band, it's Matthews alone acoustically, supported by his friend, session guitarist Tim Reynolds. The double-disc album was culled from the duo's 1996 tour, and not surprisingly, the bulk of the material focuses on Matthews' first two albums for RCA. What is surprising is that the songs arguably sound better in this setting, since all of the group improvisations are stripped away, leaving the songs to speak for themselves. Accordingly, Matthews isn't nearly as eccentric in his vocal tics, letting the music flow simply and engagingly. The results are quite entertaining, and even if the album was intended just for fans, it's the rare specialty item that could win new listeners. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	01/05/2018
Label:	Rca
UPC:	0889854819910
Rank:	20966

Tracks

Disc 1

1. One Sweet World
2. #41
3. Tripping Billies
4. Jimi Thing
5. Satellite
6. Crash Into Me

Disc 2

7. Deed Is Done
8. Lover Lay Down
9. What Would You Say
10. Minarets
11. Cry Freedom
12. Dancing Nancies

Disc 3

13. Typical Situation
14. Stream
15. Warehouse
16. Christmas Song

Disc 4

17. Seek Up
18. Say Goodbye
19. Ants Marching
20. Little Thing
21. Halloween
22. Granny
23. Two Step

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Tim Reynolds   Primary Artist
Dave Matthews   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Ted Jensen   Mastering
John Alagia   Mixing,Engineer
David Matthews   Composer
Jeff Thomas   Engineer
Tim Reynolds   Composer,Performer
Dave Matthews   Composer
Sam Erickson   Photography
Thane Kerner   Design,Art Direction

Editorial Reviews

Dave Matthews eschews his usual ornate arrangements in this stripped-down acoustic set, showcasing his impassioned songwriting and soaring vocals. Recorded in front of a rapt audience in 1996, the two-disc set features Matthews and guitarist Tim Reynolds (a frequent guest at Dave Matthews Band concerts) on 23 songs, including "Jimi Thing," "What Would You Say," "Ants Marching," and such previously unreleased tracks as "Deed Is Done" and "Little Thing." Sounding more like a soulful, jazzy folkie than the jam-band master he usually is, Matthews on this recording offers fans a more intimate look at a multiplatinum artist and his spirited music. Release date: Jan. 19, 1999.

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