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I’ve created this site to highlight some of the bands I love, and how I have come to love them. My hope is that you can find your love of a new artist faster than ever before. So far, I’ve written one post about the Tallest Man on Earth. To view that one, check out the menu on the top-left corner. Now..

Dawes.

This is going to be a hard one for me, as Dawes is one of my favorite if not my favorite musical artist. I’ve seen them live four times now, and they keep getting better. I love the writing, the message, and the music. I sincerely look forward to growing older with this band, and their music. I believe I’ve learned so much from them as people, and from their music.

I have created a YouTube playlist of all the videos that you can get started on whenever you’re ready. There are some extra songs as well if you’d like to keep listening.

Quick Band Bio:

Taylor Goldsmith- Singer, songwriter, and either lead, or co-lead guitar, older brother of Griffin.

Griffin Goldsmith- Drummer, and occasional vocalist. Also, younger brother of Taylor.

Wylie Gelber- Bass, smooth head bob.

Duane Betts- Playing guitar on current tour, son of Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers Band)

Recently, keyboardist Tay Strathairn left the band due to “Musical differences”

Now, onto the music. Dawes currently has 4 studio albums. As done for my first post, I will highlight some songs from each album that brought me in and developed my love for the band. This will be extremely difficult due to how much I like their music. In some instances, I will choose to show a certain line or verse from certain songs as I don’t want to fill this with 20+ videos.

For this post, I’ve decided to start with their most recent album first. That isn’t because I have a preference towards their newer records, but rather I would guess that it may be easier to like their newer stuff in this case. Once you’ve had some time with Dawes, you can more easily find an appreciation for their first album, North Hills.

All Your Favorite Bands (2015)

Right On Time

Lyrics

This was the second single released for this album and encompasses a lot of what Dawes is all about.

Now That It’s Too Late Maria

Lyrics

This is the longest song that has ever been on a Dawes album, the album version is 9 minutes and 45 seconds. This is a shorter and acoustic version and some of Taylor’s finest writing.

Somewhere Along The Way

Taylor is quite the songwriter, and in this song I’d like to highlight how he changes the chorus throughout the song.

But somewhere along the way The dots didn't all connect The promise became regrets Somewhere along the way The dream and the circumstance Continue their tortured dance Somewhere along the way

But somewhere along the way The running just lost it's fun It happens to everyone Somewhere along the way Her trail became too obscure But that was her signature

But somewhere along the way I started to smile again I don't remember when Things will turn out just fine I know it's true this time

This can take you through the song without even hearing the verses. Now, I would encourage you to listen to the song in its entirety.

I Can’t Think About It Now

So I guess it makes me wonder what I'm chasing Like a dancer when she's breaking in her shoes Like sending men up to the moon just for the landing Displaying power we don't know how else to use

All these backward glances putting me in danger Of forgetting how to turn myself around It's just that time just keeps on slipping through my fingers But I can't think about it now I can't think about it now I can't think about it now

Stories Don’t End (2013)

Most People

Lyrics

I generally like picking live versions but I enjoy this music video, and love this song.

Something in Common

Lyrics

As many of my friends and I have said when this song comes on, “it builds.”

Bear Witness

Lyrics

Most of the time, Taylor writes songs that are related to his life and experience. He admits that they are many times exaggerated but this is one of the few times where he writes a song that is clearly not about himself. Before the song, the past time I saw Dawes, Taylor said “This song is about laying around in a hospital bed, trying to look at the brighter side of life.”

Nothing is Wrong (2011)

Moon in the Water

Lyrics

Taylor has said that this song is his most proud piece of songwriting.

A Little Bit of Everything

Lyrics

If you want to give Dawes a chance, then you really need to give your full attention to this song. No distractions, just watch this video and check out the lyrics. There isn’t a time I listen to this song where I don’t feel goosebumps within the first 3 notes. This is a very special song.

There are too many great songs from this album to highlight, but to get a feel for the album, check out some of these verses that I’ve highlighted.

Time Spent in Los Angeles

When people ask me where I come from To see what that says about a man I only end up giving bad directions That never lead them there at all

If I Wanted Someone

Maybe cause I come from such an empty hearted town Or maybe cause some love of mine had really let me down But the only times I’m lonely is when others are around I just never end up knowing what to say

Coming Back To A Man

It means a lot that you came here to speak to me And I will listen the way I never could before I’ll catch the pause between each word And when your presentation’s heard Then I’ll need to show you to the door

Cause some people were just meant to be a memory To be called upon to remind us how we’ve changed The way the scattered and the busy bright lights of a city Might look off at a distant mountain range

Fire Away

This one’s going out to you On the day they let you out For the thousand ways they ask if you’re okay Because whatever answer that you give Is only gonna play into their doubts And be just half of what’s behind each word you say

The Way You Laugh

And while the magician you meet Sweeps you off your feet Saying he’ll teach you his tricks all for free I’ll be in the way that you laugh As he cuts you in half And holds you up for the crowds all to see

North Hills (2009)

The song I’d like to highlight from this album is:

Bedside Manner

Lyrics

This is early footage of Dawes. Fortunately, Griffin had just graduated from High School to be able to tour with the band. This is not a song I loved in my first many listens, but one I grew to appreciate and now love.

When You Call My Name

So I am takin' off my wristwatch to let the time move how I please, to let my day be guided by the sunlight through morning's mill and twilight's soft release.

I think you want a world that will hold you through security and gravity and love and I can't think of anyone who'd blame you and I can't think of how that'd be enough.

There are many good interviews with Dawes but I really enjoy this one.

Taylor gives a lot of insight into his songs, his albums, and the life of the band. He’s a very kind and funny guy who appreciates great music and wants to make Dawes the best it can be.

I’ve had the pleasure to meet some of the band and I hope I get the chance to speak with them again.

If you’ve read through my page, I’d like to thank you. My goal is to spread good music and help people find new loves. If you ever hear a friend mention that their music listening has gone stale, please point them in the direction of one of my pages if you think they’d be interested in some of the artists that I’ve written about thus far.

For updates on Dawes: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram