Dave Matthews - Big Whiskey and The Groogrux King (CD)

The first studio album since the death of saxophonist LeRoi Moore, BIG WHISKEY AND THE GROOGRUX KING finds the Dave Matthews Band none the worse for wear and collaborating with superstar producer Rob Cavallo (best known for his extensive work with Green Day). Cavallo's way with an aggressive riff is in evidence on ""Shake Me Like a Monkey,"" a funky track vaguely reminiscent of Peter Gabriel's ""Sledgehammer,"" and the driving ""Why I Am,"" which recalls the Knack's ""My Sharona."" Other songs, such as the groovy, polyrhythmic ""Spaceman,"" find the band returning to classic jammy, chops-a-riffic DMB territory. Full of prominent hooks and snap-tight ensemble playing, BIG WHISKEY gave DMB fans another reason to rejoice.