We are all part of the same quest to find “the perfect record” – one that has the allure of change while displaying the comfort of proven success. The perfect record is the proverbial “golden rose” or “Loch Ness Monster,” always desired, but never being found. Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds’ “Live at Radio City” might not be “the perfect record,” but I can certainly smell the roses.

“Live at Radio City” can best be described as an unplugged best-of jam session. For anyone who hasn’t heard Matthews play with Reynolds, it can at times be abnormal. To a cynic, Reynolds’ strange use of effects detracts from Matthews’ songs. However, this contrast in style is what reinvents the songs. Their styles are so vastly different, yet the two are able to combine their sounds so naturally. Musically, the performance is raw, organic and rich. The once big-sounding, collaborative band songs with wind, string and percussion instruments are simplified to their roots. Yet their sound is full.

Matthews and Reynolds have been playing together since the beginning of Matthews’ musical career. It was Reynolds who first suggested that Matthews, then a bartender at Miller’s in Charlottesville, should get on stage and perform. After playing and gaining confidence as a songwriter, he formed the group Dave Matthews Band in 1990. Seven studio albums, three Grammys, 17 years and one “best of” album later, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds collaborate once again at “Radio City” in New York.

“Live at Radio City” joins an already esteemed list of Matthews live albums including seven with Dave Matthews Band spanning more than 10 years. However, none of his live albums is as acclaimed as Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds’ “Live at Luther College,” recorded in 1996. “Live at Radio City” is its successor.

The opener, “Bartender,” a signature Dave Matthews song, is drawn out, suspenseful and much like a typical Dave Matthews Band concert opener. The songs flow nicely, each song more exciting than the last. In two CDs, which include 26 songs total, this album contains many of Dave Matthews’ top singles, most notably “Gravedigger,” “Two Step” and “Crash Into Me.”

Throughout much of the performance, Dave Matthews addresses the audience, making jokes and talking about songs. This makes the listener feel connected intimately with the album. This is a characteristic that you do not get with a studio album. It’s not an unreachable recording of two men. Rather, it’s two skilled artisans working their craft on a stage. They personalize the performance with their interactions.

Before the beginning of his Grammy award-winning song, “Gravedigger,” Matthews takes a moment to share a touching story about a soldier in the Iraq war who lost his health benefits because of a fault in the system. It wasn’t preachy or controversial, which is difficult to avoid when talking about the Iraq War. Rather, it was meaningful that he took 20 seconds to talk about a problem that elevates far beyond the importance of music.

Matthews finished the quick story and with the voice of sincerity said, “I love you all for listening.”

How fitting.

Dillon Beckwith can be reached at [email protected].