David Cook - Anodyne (UCA - 2.25.09)

[barbdwyre]

Actually I think of this (and "'til I'm Blue) as Neal's songs, and we're incredibly, unbelievable lucky to hear versions by both Andy and David. It was hearing David sing these that made me appreciate the incredible lyrics, which made me check out MWK, which led me to become an MWK fan.

Sometimes I wonder if the machine behind David ever gets anxious when he takes time to so openly and freely promote another artist? ;-)

[ramsta93]

Its good that some people like David singing it and some like Andy singing it. Be thankful you get to listen to two people's renditions of this great track and see how they portray the lyrics differently. I however think Davids voice makes the low parts sound more Haunting and so i prefer his version. However I like Andy's take on it, they are both very talented.

[zippy426]

I wonder if this whole David -Andy thing is what keeps it out of the set list. They are just different. The majority go to Davids shows to see David- I'm addicted to David singing Anodyne, I wish he would sing it more often!!!! So beautiful with such emotion. In the same spirit -I'd take David over Fleetwood Mac, Collective Soul or U2 for that matter! I think that is the point!

Mostly I'd like to thank dizzysyd for posting the video!!!!!!

[clumsybutterfly2000]

I watched a few of these videos of David singing this song. It took me watching and listening a couple of times to really enjoy it. I was used to Andy's voice but I love them both and think they each put their own special touch on this song!

[jaslintoday]

Love this song. When I heard this song I immediately went and downloaded MWK . I hope its not the comments that are the reason that they no longer play this song. I would not have been upset if Andy sang lead (but I have come to love the whole band). I could see how fans who came to see David Cook might be put off a little with hearing someone else sing lead.  As much as I love this version, I would love to see MWK live and hear Andy sing lead. It's OK to love more than artist's music.

[esunshine80]

David Cook shows are just that . . . David Cook shows. Andy Skib doesn't have the right to take over the band and David doesn't owe it to him to do that. I wish the Andy fans would get over it already. They are a minority, like it or not.

[dizzysyd]

Peace out, Holmes!

[pegmelissa]

Syd..first..I love you..second..I HAD to comment on this..you KNOW I did.

David doesn't owe Andy anything..except LETTING HIM SING IN HIS BAND. David has said himself and thanked Andy on many occasions for "letting him join his band". Plain and simple, THIS IS ANDY'S SONG, from ANDY'S BAND. David said he "helped" write it, he didn't say he WROTE it. GOD. David would be the first one to tell you that it's odd singing Andy's songs and ALWAYS gives Andy credit.

[dizzysyd]

Choose your own punchline:

1) That Cult-licious Cherry Kool-Aid must be working out for you, huh? Do you buy in bulk?

2) Your name screams your bias.

3) You and correct punctuation are mortal enemies, huh? Pity.

4) If there was a world-wide judge of things that are lame, kinda thinking it's not gonna be you. :)

I could keep going on this, but I'll end with:

5) Welcome to blocked-from-commenting land. Population: You.

Cheers! :)

[MandaOnFire89]

I think David has just as much a right to sing this song as Andy or Neal. he helped write it.

[Love36214]

I have seen both David and Andy (THH) live. Both on their own are amazing and both versions of this song are great. Simply put it is just a great song. For me it is a matter of which voice I personally perfer and which performance got me the most emotionally. With no disrespect to Andy at all, I simply perfer David's voice.I also think David's version is a little more emotional. Maybe this has to do with David's theatrical background but whatever it was, it worked for me.Love BOTH guys, tho!

[tstg753]

First of all i'm a huge david cook fan.  I watched both versions for the first time. They are both incredible, I honestly can't decide....... love them both!!! go David and Andy!!!

[DCsGlory]

I think because David wrote this song with Neal, he sings it like one of the lyric writers, like the words cut to his heart. The emotion David imparts to any song is spectacular. The way he phrases certain words spell heartbreak all over them. Listen especially for how he sings "silent rage," "as long as I breathe," "whispers," "nothing is new" and then the chorus, "true" and "how many lives till another you." His phrasing & intonation of the lyrics just rip your heart out. Takes my breath away.

[sdzn22]

I totally agree there is so much feeling there! ONE QUESTION-I know he changed a line -the one after "feet have left the railing" (towards the end) sounds like he is saying " we are left un___ing" what is it??? anyone??

[songbirdslilwunz]

I think he sang "we are left unfailing".

[shmoopysgurl]

I hate that this seems to have become a "Dave's better", no "it's Andy's song, he's better" kind of competition. David's fans, hearing this for the first time (like me) will prefer Dave because he's our guy, and we think his voices beats all. Others will prefer Andy because they like him better, or heard him sing it first and feel a bit defensive that some are liking another version more. Completely understandable.

I'll go on liking my guy and others will like theirs. It's all good.

[kentuckykat58]

For me, some of it is just that love for the song as you heard it first. I adore David and Anodyne is my favorite MWK song of all time, so I'm happy it's getting the exposure. I also think that Neal is a lyrical genius. But when Andy sings this song, either on the CD or live, I literally get goosebumps. There is just something about his version that I think is lacking in Dave's. Not taking away that David does a great job of singing it. I just prefer Andy's version. Does Andy mind? Who knows?

[cookiefann]

Andy may have a nice voice but it's Cook I came to see. Cook won AI, not Andy. Maybe down the road when Cook wants to take a vacation, MWK will tour on their own but without Cook I doubt they'd have as big an impact or following.

[dizzysyd]

*headdesk*

MWK actually had a quite large regional following throughout the midwest.

[nhcookiefan]

Although I can understand your loyalty to Andy/MWK, I wouldn't have discovered these talented guys if it hadn't been for David. When I read his musical history I sought out MWK and Axium. I immediately bought what I could (also THH ep!) so it's not like I don't love Andy too. But they do have different vibes. I didn't have a strong opinion re: Make Me, loved both, but I definitely prefer David's Anodyne-maybe he sings like he heard it in his head when he contributed to the song?

[CooKie251975]

Tks f d banter which just speaks to how genuine and appreciative David is of his friends.These guys r respectful of/love1another and prob even if they had 2 tour in a beaten-up van n sing 2 only a handful audience,they'd still b just as passionate abt music.If only some fans will NOT think th David is robbing Andy of his songs NOR shd they think th Andy's sore abt it.That's UNFAIR.Good music is 2 b shared...like u sharing this vid w us,TQ.Can u post d lyrics,plzz??BTW there's still alot of LOVE

[luvstrixie]

dizzysyd I met Andy in Tulsa the end of November at the Flytrap. I get so tired of people assuming what he thinks. He's a delightful young man and he is thrilled to be going on the journey with David.  His word was "stoked". You are so lucky to have seen MWK in the day. This band is a team, not competitors. Isn't this great that we have a band with a better or best instead of a worse or less?

[divanahi]

really great song. i like andy and dave both on this song. with "make me" i prefered andy's vocals.

i also would like to hear more of andy skib in this tour,he's a great voice, a great musician.

[sylvanaire]

Just want to add my heartfelt thanks for sharing this video with us all. I'm sorry you were attacked for your opinions,that's not right. This is a very beautiful interpretation of a gorgeous song. I won't get to a concert this time around, so I am incredibly grateful to all who are willing to share the bounty. Kudos to you!

[sdzn22]

David sings anything better-nothing against Andy.  I listened to the other one first, I didn't like it nearly as much-David's voice adds some magic to it!

[DowneyUnder]

If it wasn't for David Cook, most of us would never have heard this song. This is a David Cook concert, the band is David Cook's band, not MWK 2.0. The casual audience member doesn't care about Andy and Neal, nor do they care who wrote what. They're coming to hear David sing. I for one think he'd doing something great by exposing these songs to so many people live and via YouTube - most of us would not listen if it wasn't David singing. Just something to think about.

[dizzysyd]

I know this.

I'm not sure why people think I'm throwing a hissy fit about it. I'm not at all. I've had people attacking me thru comments & deleting so I'd be the only one to see. It's so dumb. I'm excited that ALL of them are getting exposure. I love those boys. They're sweethearts, and super talented.

I just go to shows and take videos, ya know? If I personally want to hear Andy sing a MWK song on the big stage, I'm not sure how that makes me the antichrist. lol

Where's the love? :)

[jrgftmfw]

Ok, first, if not for DC, scarcely anyone would know about Andy, Neil, or MWK. If Andy eventually chooses to pursue the solo route full-time, he will now have tons of industry contacts thanks to Cook.

Second, for an hour's worth of work

during which he had to "sing backup on his own song", I'm sure Andy was extremely well compensated. In fact, I'd guess that he makes more in one night these days than he used to make in a month of playing gigs back home.

[indycat48]

And I have a question. Were you fans of MWK BEFORE David Cook was on AI? Or did his mentioning of them while on AI expose you to them since they were broke up before DC was on AI? When one says "MWK purist" that leads me to believe you were fans of MWK & Andy BEFORE anyone knew of David Cook & that you were never fans of Cook but of the band & Andy BEFORE DC was on AI. If that's not the case then why during AI did some of you proclaim to be Cook fans & are now changing suit & Andy fans?

[dizzysyd]

Since you asked, I helped a friend move to Tulsa in 2004.  We saw Blue October play in Tulsa the weekend he moved. MWK was the opening band and they completely blew me away. I thought they were phenomenal and joined their mailing list that night, and have been on it ever since. I wasn't in Tulsa as much as I wanted to be, but that band turned me onto Tulsa's awesome music scene.

So when David was on Idol and the MWK connection was brought up, I was SUPER excited for their exposure.

[indycat48]

I think they should take their own advice & LET GO! Welcome to my dark side. bwahaha lol

[36frannie214]

I think this performance by David is as emotional as Permanent. He really has very sensitive feelings that just comes out

when he performs. It is very natural and beautiful. Thank you for the video and to David for the performance

[amylee1220]

David not only delivered hauntingly beautiful performances with this song and "MAKE ME", but introduced Andy and MWK's music to more people. I think Andy and MWK probably appreciate it a lot! and we should appreciate it too!  David could definitely sing his own music or cover other songs instead of covering these two. but he chose to sing them, beautifully, also as a way of support his friend's music. and that's just another of the many reasons why we love him.

[wyldrein2]

Thank you for posting this video. I respectfully disagree (like other commenters). I never find any sort of emotional attachment/connection with anything Andy Skib sings, though I like his voice well enough. But David Cook soaks a song up and then shares it with everyone around him and it's impossible (for me, anyway) to remain unmoved by his performances. This one is a classic case.

[sylvanaire]

I like Anodyne when Andy sings it. I really love his THH project, I think he has a great voice and I think he and David sound awesome together. However, I absolutely fell in love with this song when I heard David sing it. I don't think it is just a difference in voice either. David just inhabits this song so completely, that I feel the song, not just hear it. Bravo, David!

[Lilibethc2002]

Here's my $.02. I don't think David would be singing this song unless Andy was 100% on board with his singing it. So I don't think we should speculate on "poor" Andy. I'm sure they are all thrilled that the song is being exposed to so many people. As for people's preferences, I don't think it's rude to say whose voice you prefer. Music is very subjective so stating a preference shouldn't be seen as a slam on the other person whose voice you didn't prefer. They both have great voices IMO.

[mermcc]

exactly.

[CooKie251975]

Ditto.Agreed

[becky43078]

I honestly find dave's version so beautiful & haunting. I LOVE Andy & was extremely pissed when dave sang "make me" i did not feel it was right, then i thought would dave really be singing any of these MWK songs if it was not ok with andy or neal? no he wouldnt he has plently of songs to sing i.e. covers,AH,and the unreleased album. I REALLY REALLY wanted to hate this version but dave sings it so beautifully and it is so haunting &i hate to say it but i never felt it this way when andy sang it

[kris926]

AAAH. That's where he was thanking me (lol, I like to think he was including me 'cause I was right there too) and Keri for the football game! This was so freaking amazing.

[CookieLove1983]

He has that dirge in his voice and it is so perfect.....I also hope that more of his songs end up on the radio.

[petadoption05]

I love this song. And I think Andy is great. BUT, this is a David Cook concert, the David Cook band, and people are paying to see David Cook. And I think it hurts both of their feelings to say Andy should be singing lead of any of these songs. I prefer David's voice by far. David has already said that the record company wants him to sing lead at these concerts, as it should be. Andy will have his time. MWK is the past. This is David's time to shine and people should quit raining on the parade.

[dizzysyd]

Just to clarify, we spoke to David after the Oxford show, and he was the one who brought up wanting Andy to sing. He felt weird about it, too.

It isn't a battle to whose voice is better. I love them both. They both have very distinctive singing voices.

So yes, it breaks my heart a little to see Andy singing backup on his own song.

[mermcc]

but it's not Andy's song. It's an MWK song that David co-wrote. If I remember correctly that conversation with David was about "Make Me"...which he did not write.

[Dementor145]

I agree... Like I said... They all know what they are getting into... Either way its a good exposure to them...

And in case we miss their voices together... there is always hunger strike to look forward to... XD

THAT is what makes the best concert ever...

[NinasFeet]

Did I say before that I love you, girl? I know I did! Now I'm saying it again.

[shmoopysgurl]

All the whining about Andy is ridiculous. This is DAVID's tour - not MWKs tour, not Andy's. David should be singing. 99.999% of the people going to these concerts are going for David. I've never seen him live, and when I finally do, David is the one I'm spending my money to listen to.

Andy will have plenty of opportunity to solo. If you're that offended that David is singing, don't watch. What's sad, is that these are supposedly David's fans that are this upset?? Sheesh.

[truthisagun]

You really wanna know what's ridiculous? You whining about people who wanted Andy to sing the song. That is ridiculous.

Also, using "supposedly" make you sound even more ridiculous.

You better get used to the fact that David Cook has a BAND!

[mae7777123]

I like David, but he is sounding a little too alternative. It's a small market.

[mermcc]

hmm. Tell that to the Foo Fighters or Coldplay. They're doing allright. I hope he DOES continue to move more alternative and less POP. Because his original music is Amazing!! This is an incredible song and this is a fantastic performance.

[tasopm]

Do you have an idea how annoying you are?

Anyway, even if he decides to go alternative one day, and goes to a small market... so what? As long as he makes quality music and lives from it, it's all good. But he'd rather do that than pop music only.

[mae7777123]

I think if David wants a longer shelf life than two years, he better get some pop songs on Top 40. Breathe, and Declaration would have made better singles than what he is releasing.

[CooKie251975]

Love David's music.1 yr ago,I fell in love with it,now..still am so invested (time) in it..IMO,his music is not wholly definable into any distinctive genre,but it appeals to almost all listeners.Totally sustainable

[jordanatoast]

I think this song is 10x more suited for David than Andy, so while I agree that it would be nice to hear Andy sing a solo, I don't think this is the right song. "Make me" would have been better. I also don't really see any injustice. David co-wrote the song and this is a David Cook concert. Eventually they'll have more freedom to do their own thing.

[NinasFeet]

can i just add something? david WANTS andy to sing it. the record company won't let him do it. andy is one of his best friends and dave knows who should be doing it. give it a little while. i think dave will eventually stick it to the man, he just has to ease into things.

[NinasFeet]

i love you a lot...not just for this video...but this just adds to it.

[lmc1121]

Wish he would let Andy sing it...but he does a beautiful job...FTW.......

[Juliaand44]

The story is that the record company want David to do the singing. My guess is as the tewer progresses Andy will get more of a shout.

Neal and Andy seem to be having a huge influence on the direction that David is going to take, it's going to be interesting for sure.

[acsowards]

Lunch is over and I have to get back to work...but for some reason my mind is drifting...just so awesome...I'll just add another 5:17 to my lunch...

[indycat48]

I think he just do another song & not do Andy's at all. hahaha (& these are supposed to ppl who profess to care for Andy?? hahaha poor guy)

[mermcc]

this is David's song...he co-wrote it. Fortunately he and Andy are much more mature than fans who seem to assume they know more about their work and personal relationships than they do. DC could choose not to do MWK at all...it's exposure for Andy and Neal.

[CooKie251975]

TQ.Yes,haunting.Beautiful.Davi­d has so many songs to choose fr n yet he chose fr their prev collaborations to intro to more ears.He didn't even need to pick Andy n Neal into d band,but he did.He shares d limelight with EEB n never worries even if they sometimes outshine him in terms of dressing,etc.He gives em freedom n their moments on stage.I know some frontmen wld always hv rest of members dress/tone down but not him.There's no bad blood,dun instigate.They r all confident in their own skin

[Kendra86]

Word

[CooKie251975]

Reiterate.IDOL granted David,in return,David gave EEB - EXPOSURE.David's giving MWK new dimension n life.Anodyne is taken out from oblivion.David co-wrote it,Andy sang it then as he was lead.Good Karma?Yes..David also gets to perform it now.Good Musicians = SHARE.GOAL = MUSIC FOR FANS.Are Andy n EEB unhappy??NO!!.DON'T SPECULATE.Don't hurt David and his friends (EEB),fans hurt too.Andy still has the luxury of his own concerts,not many bosses will allow.Hate me??CURSE ME.JMO..my 2 cents

[cookiemomtenn]

Love Love Love this song and Love that David is singing it!

[staceyhankins]

wow. that was intense... to say the least.

[DowneyUnder]

People need to understand - the alternative isn't Andy singing, the alternative is no MWK songs at all. And that would be a shame - I love Anodyne.

[krunkjess]

syd....this is so full of win it is RIDICULOUS

[shmoopysgurl]

I think it's great that he's singing MWK. He sure doesn't have to, he has more than enough of his own music. Props to him for supporting his friends. I think his vocals are incredible.

Andy will have chances to sing it in his own solo shows. This is David's show.

[happyredpanda]

Love this! Thanks for posting.

[tasopm]

I Love this song and I think it suits David's voice better. He makes it even more beautiful and haunting. I can't stop listening to it.

I like Andy, and I didn't think David did better with Make Me, but this one... just belongs to David now. It's amazing.

[melanthe]

I totally agree with you: David is better on Anodyne (did someone say haunting?), and Andy is better on Make Me! Either way, I love them backing each other - their voices really really mesh amazingly well together (see: HungerStrike). I don't think I've heard this kind of tandem on any other band. They sound really awesome together.

[sraymond29]

I think they should trade verses.

[francescalittle]

I love the way Cook sings this song. Very haunting quality.

[lizkdc]

Haunting, I agree

[annehalt]

OMG!!! Thanks for the video, I have never heard this song before and there was so much hype on the threads, now I know why.

[dinabee]

That is beautiful, the beginning is just, *shivers.* Thanks for posting this.

[jtodvm]

Amazing song, it's great to see him calling Andy and Neal out for recognition. I love hearing David and Andy's voices together. Thanks!

[Kfalcione]

I like David's voice on this song... it makes it a little "harder". But, I am also a huge Andy fan, so either way is fine with me :)

[Dementor145]

I was used to Andy singing this song... so maybe I am a bit biased...

But it is a cover and I think he is trying to slowly introduce the public with the guys which is fine by me... :D

But David... if you read this... LET GO!!!!

*sorry, just to add that XD*