aglasshouse To say that Dave Matthews Band is well known is an understatement. Approximately two decades after their formation, they had sold over 30 million record copies worldwide, and are one of if not the only group two have 6 consecutive albums hit number one on the Billboard chart. Whilst DMB is known for their most radio friendly tracks like 'Crash Into Me', the band has a profound set of epic material on much of their early albums. Believed to be the band's first stellar hit was that of 1996's Crash, an album with much to offer and little to take back.

Described mainly as part of the 'jam' band scene, Dave Matthews Band encompasses a handful of different genres into their live performances, the more prominent of these being jazz. Dave Matthews has stated in interviews that his jazz influence came from the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim and Miriam Makeba. While these artist's jazz aspects originate entirely from Matthew's preferred South African scene, these African influences aren't exactly prominent on Crash. Instead, there's a more warm-blooded, swaggery style of pseudo-jazz rock that brings elements from commercial pop rock to make a wonderful twist. The album, while not as profound as say Before These Crowded Streets (1998) with it's grandiose complexity, Crash has it's fair share.

Admittedly Crash is a primarily alternative rock release. There is a clear Barenaked Ladies or R.E.M., or even Phish influence on tracks like 'Say Goodbye' and '#41', especially when it comes to Matthew's guitar playing. These tracks sort of meld into each-other if they become to dull, which they entirely can, but being what the band is primarily known for, the pop-rock songs are played extremely well and are full of heart and emotion. But when the album hits more complex music, lord does it hit well. The beast that is 'Two Step' is perhaps one of the greatest songs to come out of the 1990's, with it's melodramatic tone, somber choruses, fantastic hooks, and of course that bari-sax! It's truly one of DMB's best and is of course my number one recommendation from the album. Now 'Two Step' is really the only song that goes all-out in the vein of progressive music but there are numerous aforementioned alt-rock slammers that are well-known- for good reason. '#41' blends eclecticism with flashy film-score emotional value to great affect. 'Crash Into Me' is by far the most well known song from the band's repertoire, and it's not bad. It's by far one of the more simple songs from the track list, but it's cheerful tone and playful lyrics are enough to make it notable. 'Proudest Monkey' is a very interesting song, clocking in at a whopping 9 minutes, but it hits numerous structural high points throughout it's run time. Imagine 'Crash Into Me', but longer, more improvisational, and more interesting lyrical quality. That's basically what the song is, and to someone like me that's greatly appreciated.

The greatest thing by far about Dave Matthews Band however is Dave Matthews' Band. This band has what I think to be some of the most talented musicians ever put on an album. Now personally I think soppy songs for them are a restriction of true perfection in the long-run, but I'm always happy with what I've got, as well as solace of more illustrious material in their near future after Crash. On board with Dave Matthews' throaty howl is electric guitar god Tim Reynolds (a highly underrated musician), Stefan Lessard on bass, and LeRoi Moore and Boyd Tinsley as the two-man orchestra between the violin and the horn section. My only partial complaint is Carter Beauford's drumming. To say he's bad would be a denial of reality but I can't help that think that on this album (and consecutive ones), he's way overdoing it. You're playing pop, man; keeping it simple creates catchier material, at least for me. Simple drum fills could easily keep a good balance with the material provided, but I suppose going overkill works just as well financial-wise. Granted it does get much more fitting on later albums, but for this the over-complexity just seems abnormal when sitting next to something like '#41'. Just a thought. Even with that though the band has such a wonderful, unspoken cohesion that just makes them play so well. It truly is one of the highlights of the band in general.

Crash, while slightly entry-tier for someone more willing to get into it's progenitors' material, is still a colorful, inspiring release. Slow down to check this Crash out.

arcane-beautiful This band was forced upon me. As odd as it sounds, its true.

Ok, so here's how I got into this band. One of my best friends is an absolute massive DMB fan. In fact he is such a big fan of them, for a brief period of time, he would never stop talking about them. So one fateful day, while we had study hall for 3 periods in a row (yes, this takes story takes place in school, and I was 16 at the time), my friend shoves his I Pod into my hands and basically forces me to listen to the album (also checking up on me to see if I was enjoying it throughout). Luckily enough he is one of my dearest friends, cause anyone else I would have told to f*** off. Another odd thing, was that even by force, this album is still amazing.

Now, these guys have changed a lot. From their jam band beginnings to their very dangerous flirtations with a more poppier sound, it really came to fruition on this album and from their newly formed sound, it received a lot of success. But...this album does have a slight morbid undertone.

Sadly this album is in tribute to their former saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who sadly passed away before the album was released. But oddly enough, despite the albums death laced tribute, the album itself is almost a celebration of life and love. Lyrically the album deals with topics such as love, happiness, rejection of religion towards happiness, evolution and a whole mixed bag of odd joy.

The band as always are tighter than a vice. Instrumentally, these guys are gods on their instruments. But the real highlight of the band is Dave. An amazing guitarist...but, also, an amazing vocalist. Knowing his range so well, he can really shock and suprise you at times.

The album opener “Shake Me Like A Monkey” is a perfect opener. A rather comical song with some nice rocking rhythms. And an amazing vocal performance from Dave.

The albums lead single “Funny The Way It Is” received a lot of radio attention, and I'm not so surprised, because it is a brilliant song. Mixing an incredibly catchy chorus with some rather odd timed instrumental passages, it is a real beautiful work of instrumentation. Another highlight is the lyrics, which are really some of the best I've seen in a long time.

Another successful single from this album was “Why I Am.” One of the best songs on the album and definitely one of the catchiest these guys have ever done.

One of my favourite tracks has to be “Squirm.” One of the more darker sounding songs on the album, dwelling with minor keys and eastern sounding melodies and arrangements, it really is a rather epic song and even sounds a bit like a Bond theme.

One of the albums most interesting moments has to be “Time Bomb.” Starting off like an acoustic ballad, it explodes into a rather angry song, with Dave screaming the lyrics at you.

In conclusion...what can I say, I love this album. This is just a wonderfully crafted, feel good, groovy, sugar coated collection of songs that never seem to not put a smile on my face. It's just good song after good song, which is what most albums should be after all.

8.8/10