DMBlive Vol. 16

Band management is hardly known for their creative copywriting, but the blurb that accompanied this release may be an all-time low: “Highlights of this early Birmingham show in front of a particularly energetic audience include Carter and LeRoi’s performance during Seek Up and a noteworthy #41. Leon Mobley joins Carter and contributes to some amazing percussion on Drive In Drive Out. Ben Harper and Leon Mobley join DMB on stage for All Along the Watchtower.” Allow me to rewrite it: “In a year in which DMB played nearly 150 shows, this performance stands out as being among the very best. From the powerhouse opening run of Seek Up, Lie in Our Graves, #41, and Too Much, to the lights-out encore featuring Leon Mobley and Ben Harper on unique renditions of Drive in Drive Out and All Along the Watchtower, the energy and performances are turned up to eleven. The crew was so captured by what was unfolding on stage that they forgot to switch the tapes during the encore break, leading to a cut in the recording during All Along the Watchtower, but you’ll hardly notice it as you air-play and sing along. This is a must-listen for every fan.”