Under the Table and Dreaming, the Dave Matthews Band's first major-label album, was their popular breakthrough, bringing their mildly eclectic sound to a mass audience. Although the group appeals to the same audience as Blues Traveler, Hootie & the Blowfish, and the Spin Doctors, the Dave Matthews Band has more influences than their peers. Fusing together folk-rock, worldbeat, jazz, and pop, the band is arguably the most musically adept of all their contemporaries. However, they have trouble coming up with engaging hooks, as their third album, Crash, proves. Although the band continues to get better -- their musical cross-breeding is effortless and seamless -- they often don't have an attractive frame for their skills. Strangely, the lack of memorable melodies doesn't particularly hurt the album -- it actually emphasizes the band's instrumental talents. Nevertheless, since there's a lack of strong pop hooks, Crash is an album that will please fans, but not novices. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
I agree. I just saw them live in Indianapolis last weekend and the last song they played was "Two Step". I was blown away. Carter Beauford played a drum solo that was unreal. It was like I was hearing the song for the first time again. I think you definitely have to see DMB play live to REALLY appreciate the band that they are.
the genius of dmb is every time you see them live, they change it up, even when playing their classic songs (like the songs on 'crash') making it fresh and new. since the music is written so well, with great emotion, their efforts result in a new experience for their audience every time. that's why their are sooooo many live albums. for anti-dmb folks, just go see them, with an open mind. get as close to the stage as you can afford. you will be hooked for life.
This was one of the best albums of the ninetys...behind Under the Table and Dreaming...but still one of the best. The guy who wrote that review is obviously biased. There are classics on this album that define DMB. Two Step, Tripping Billies, Crash, #41, So Much to Say. The band will never not be able to play these songs at shows.
DMB has such a richness to their music & performance that I can listen to them live again & again. True, they're not the best studio band--but my fave artists usually have the chops to play their music in front of an audience and make it a singular event. I do think their albums are very good, still. More correct is that DMB isn't great for a radio-friendly single. Given a lot of the easily digestible cheese on the airwaves nowadays...not a big loss. Leroi, you are remembered & missed.