VH1 Storytellers Season 4 Episode 1 Dave Matthews Featuring Tim Reynolds
- March 24, 1999
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds take the stage for the season 4 premiere of VH1 Storytellers. The episode begins with an introduction from Dave Matthews, who explains that they will be playing stripped-down versions of some of their most iconic songs and telling the stories behind them.
The first song they perform is "Crash Into Me," with Dave on vocals and Tim on acoustic guitar. Dave explains that the song was inspired by a peeping Tom incident that he witnessed as a young man. He describes the voyeuristic nature of the act and how it made him feel, which influenced the lyrics of the song.
Next up is "Satellite," one of the band's early hits. Dave and Tim discuss how the song was originally written with a much faster tempo, but they slowed it down for the final version. They also talk about the meaning behind the lyrics, which deal with communication and the idea of feeling disconnected from the people around you.
They follow that up with "Two Step," a fan favorite from their second album. Dave shares that the song was originally written on piano, but he and Tim adapted it for guitar to play during their acoustic shows. He also talks about the inspiration for the song's lyrics, which center around the idea of being true to oneself.
The next song is "Grace Is Gone," which Dave introduces as "a break-up song." He talks about the personal experience that inspired the song and how it felt to share something so intimate with an audience. The stripped-down version of the song allows the emotion of the lyrics to really come through.
Up next is "Tripping Billies," another classic from the band's early days. Dave and Tim discuss the origins of the song's distinctive intro, which was inspired by a Michael Jackson song. They also perform an extended version of the song, which allows them to showcase their musicianship and improvisational skills.
The final song of the evening is "Lie in Our Graves," a fan favorite from the band's live shows. Dave and Tim discuss how the song was written during a time of transition for the band, as they were moving away from their early jam band roots and into a more polished sound. They also talk about the song's political undertones and how it remains relevant today.
Throughout the episode, Dave and Tim show a great rapport and camaraderie, bouncing off each other's stories and banter. The stripped-down arrangements of their songs allow the lyrics and melodies to shine through, giving viewers a new perspective on some of their favorite tracks. Overall, it's a must-see episode for any fan of Dave Matthews Band.