Dave Matthews Band Album: “Before These Crowded Streets”

Biased in the sense that if all other bands on earth (and i mean all, now that Soul Coughing broke up) except DMB (dave matthews band for those of you that aren't dave-o-philes) magically disappeared, i really would not care much. This is possibly the strongest of DMB's studio efforts. Crash was good, but had more weak links (just one: let you down) than BTCS. And UTTAD was an awesome CD (after all, its DMB) but a totally different style than this, so it's hard to compare. Now the run-down of the songs:

Pantala Naga Pampa: Amazing that this 30 second intro is so awesomely good. (bad english, so sue me) Rapunzel: This is just a GREAT song, completely fun to listen to, makes you wanna dance insanely. The Last Stop: The darkest, most angry song on a CD that also has "Halloween." Now THAT is an accomplishment. However, it really is a good song, and the lyrics are VERY nicely done. Don't Drink The Water: An awesome, almost hypnotic tale of colonization (and murder of the natives) told from the settler's point of view. The way Dave singing the lines "dont drink the water, there's blood in the water" turns to desperation at the end is an AMAZING touch. Stay (Wasting Time): A love song along the lines of Rapunzel, but a little less goofy. Female backup vocals give this song the perfect touch. Halloween: A song Dave wrote to a girl he was QUITE upset with (she turned down his marriage proposals multiple times, as the story goes). A very interesting, dark song with the Kronos Quartet (see "classical music") in the background. very different, VERY good. The Stone: A counter-part to Halloween, still with the Kronos Quartet in the background. I haven't the foggiest what this song is about, but its beautifully written. Crush: Many would consider this the album's highlight. An AMAZING love song that only gets better with repeat listenings. LOVE stefan's bass. The Dreaming Tree: An absolutely beautifully written, and yet very disturbing song. Look up the lyrics to this one, trust me, they're like poetry. Pig: A happy song, lacking much of a melody. Still a pretty song, but one of the album's weaker points. Spoon: Good song, very good song, but Alanis wasn't made for this sort of thing (dont get me wrong, i love alanis morissette, but this is by no mean's her greatest work). FOR GODS SAKES WOMEN JUST LET DAVE SING, he's got the best voice of any vocalist around today! Unmentioned Outro: PERFECT WAY TO END THE CD! "Come in from the cold for a while....everything will be alright....come in from the noise for a time.....everything will be alright....for now....goodbye...friend....goodbye..."

I remember thinking when this album came in 98' that expectations were insurmountable based on DMB success to that point. Their previous albums had soldified the band as a powerhouse on the brink of epicness and this album pushed them over the top. This album came out during the end of my freshman year of college and it was everywhere. Those who were unfamiliar with DMB quickly were beaten into submission as this was played at nauseum in dorms across and houses across campus.

This album really showcases Dave' creative ability, his songwriting abilities and the band ability to play as a cohesive unit. The songs are journeys and don't conform to radio friendly time constraints. They all pretty much transfer well to live shows and almost all of these songs are considered the "heavy hitters" of a set list. There is a good mix of slow songs and fast, happy and sad and the album successfully runs the gamut of emotions although this is definitely the darkest of the "big three". The band's energy is almost overwhelming and the performance is best described as intense. The songs almost tell stories as some clock in over 8-9 mins. I would say the only minor misfire would be the last two songs as they don't really match the overall quality of the rest of the lineup. These songs are rarely played live so maybe DMB agrees.

Personally I think this is tied for best studio album with Crash but that is always up for debate. For those people who missed this the first time around, its really a must and I think it works best listened to in its enitirety.

Bottom Line: A must have for those who are just getting into DMB or are just looking for some great new music.

This band will grow on you if you have an ear for complex rhythms, twisting melodies and top notch instrumentation that is puncuated by Dave Matthew's vocals. This album requires several listenings to bring out its true essense. At first one will find "Rapunzel" with its staccato pulse inviting. "Don't Drink the Water" is also an ear catching tune with the throbbing bass line and delicate banjo (yes I said banjo,played by guest Bela Fleck) floating in the mix. But upon additional listening other gems shine forth and reveal the depth of these five Virginians. Tracks like "The Dreaming Tree" with it's storybook lyrics, or the sultry "Crush" bring this CD to life. The overall sound of the mix is beautiful with all instruments shining through, never overshadowing each other. Songs like the dark and haunting "Halloween" with a growling vocal (you've got to hear to belief) and the poppy/soul sound of "Stay" (complete with mini-gospel background vocals)demonstrate that the DMB can successfully fuse elements of jazz, folk and rock into a signature sound that NO ONE with match. The rhythm section of Carter Beauford (drums) and Stefan Lessard (bass) are the tightest and most exciting pair since, Copeland and Sting of the Police.

Play this CD LOUD and on a good sound system and listen to the bass, drums and acoustic guitar weave through your soul. This CD grooves.

I absolutely love this album! It is too good for words. My favorite song is "Crush," absolutely beautiful melody, great violin solo (I always feel I have to crank it for that, I don't know why). "Rapunzel" is awesome, great bluesy tune, very catchy, "The Last Stop" is great, "Don't Drink the Water" is somewhat dark, great banjo, "Stay" is very upbeat and happy. Why the lyrics to "Halloween" are not printed in the CD booklet I don't know, is Dave saying the f-word there, I think so. The string section that joins this and "The Stone" is spooky, sends chills down the spine. "The Dreaming Tree" is also very beautiful, "Pig" has a happy tune, "Spoon" is absolutely excellent, great ending. The album also has a hidden track about twenty seconds after "Spoon" ends, great ending. All in all, this is a great album, no matter what anyone says, take my word for it, it rules. I highly reccomend it.

Dave Matthews Band's 1998 studio album,"Before These Crowded Streets" is spine-tingling,to say the least.I can't express how much I like this CD.I really love how the guys mix jazz(one of my beloved musical gernes) and folk,along with some worldy rhythms(especially African rhymes).Dave Matthews' moany vocals top off the beautiful sounds that his band comes up with.

Among the tracks that blow my mind most is the fiesty "Rapunzel",

But the most mind-blowing song on "Before These Crowded Streets"-

The plesant-somewhat-atmospheric "Pig" is yet,another winner on a album full of them.This album is so amazing.It really is.

Recently,I even had the pleasure of actually seeing them live.

(I mantain that "Everyday"'s weaknesses my have something to do with the fact that Steve Lillywhite-"Before"'s producer/longtime DMB producer-didn't produce it,the famous pop producer Glen Ballard did instead).