Dave Matthews Band - Crash

It's tempting to label the Dave Matthews Band as torchbearers of the Grateful Dead's moderate rock fusion and send them off on the next summer tour featuring either Blues Traveler or the Spin Doctors. But there is more at work here, particularly on the band's second major-label release. Crash pairs soothing sounds (flute, acoustic guitar, six-string bass) with a dark emotional undercurrent. The South African (by way of Virginia) frontman reveals a rare intensity on the title track and the free-form "41," while the group shows that it's not afraid to let loose on songs such as the stirring "Too Much." Producer Steve Lillywhite adds an impressive sheen to the recordings. --Aidin Vaziri Amazon.com essential recording

 So Many Memories
When I was three years old, my family lived in Kentucky, and times were a little rough. My mother was training to be a guidance counsler. My dad was shifting between janitor at a local high school and earning his Ph. D. at Siminary. I saw my dad all day, and my mom all night. Every day before he left for work he would play Crash Into Me for me. "I'm the king of the castle" was the favorite(and only) line I knew. The rest didn't matter. This is one of the best albums I have ever heard, and if I am ever shipwrecked on a desert island this is the only thing I could ever ask for. January 29, 2008

 The Downward spiral starts here...
Dave Matthews, for the most part, I like. However though, it really seems that DMB just slowly deterioated into crap. Just listen to Everyday, and even worse, Stand Up really got some bad reviews. Too be fair, I haven't heard Stand Up, but just looking at the reviews from actual DMB fans, it just seeems to be a failure. Plus, read the reviews. Half of the reason why DMB is enjoyable is their songwriting.

This album is a bit of a step down, but totally bland songs like Cry Freedom sadly hint of the later days. While this album, as a whole, isn't bad compared to Under The Table and Dreaming, I can already hear some uninspiring songs and ideas, and the worst part is, it's unexciting and forgettable. Thankfully, the majority of the songs are excellent.

Crash is a bit more personal, a little more dark compared to Under The Table and Dreaming. Not dark like a death metal album, but it's so hard to understand. The darker undercurrents is what can draw me into some of the songs like Two Step and the title track. When the band lets loose, this is when they really kick. Too Much, So Much To Say, and Tripping Billies are the songs I want to hear live, if I ever get the chance to see DMB live. They let loose with other songs like Lie In Your Graves. When Dave Matthews Band go upbeat and loose, they hardly fault. Well, except Drive In Drive Out.

The slower songs are the reasons there are boring parts and both engaging. I never really considered Matthews to be a lyrical genius, which is one reason why some of the slower songs on here don't engage me. When they use more interesting melodies and rythms, they hardly make it bland. However, Let You Down (yes, even despite the percussion), Cry Freedom, and Proudest Monkey really don't, which is why they become forgettable. On top of that, Dave's voice is extremely boring, and it's hard to feel anything from the songs. DMB fans may like them, but for me, they don't do much. I like slower songs, but only if I can feel something.

The whole album is well produced, but not overproduced. These guys, while not the most talented musicians ever (one thing Dave heads can never quite understand), play very well. I laugh when people use the solos as an excuse for hating DMB, but to me, they do something to me inside. Not quite all the jams, but it's hard to pinpoint it. Maybe because I like the tones they give out. Who knows? I don't know a thing about physcology!

Overall, this album is solid, but still lacks a bit in the slower areas. Still, I reccomend you listen to Crash and don't exactly judge on the first listen.

PS as of writing this, there are 311 five star reviews. Nice!

8/10 January 16, 2008

 "Crash" was definatly not a crash...as far as sophmore albums go
Despite the fact that I am writing an online review for a DMB album that isn't their best, I am still writing this to show that "Crash" is definatly "one of their best".

When Dave Matthews first started this band in the very early 90's, he noted that he did not know how successful DMB would be. They soon ignited a revolution in music consisting of solid rock mixed with jazz that appealed to different fan bases. Crash is an album that would appeal to the typical listener, and it would give goosebumps to those who really consider DMB to be one of their favorite bands.

In "Two Step", you really get introduced to DMB's tendancy to plod around and jam for 6+ minutes. It really is a nice feel when you listen to it. The third track off this album is "Crash into Me", which is their most successful single. "#41" is definatly a song to listen to. Because the song has such a catchy introduction, the listener instantly get's engulfed and is soon satisfied after its 6:39 running.

"Lie in Our Graves" is possibly their best song off this album. The story to this song is so subtle, yet you know everything when it ends. It simply talks about the story of a boy who is born, grows up, and eventually see's his friends and loved ones die off as he is there to stay. Because this song is better when heard live, I can't say that the middle jam is "gold". I'd probably have to say its "great". Because most of their live versions of this song clock in around 12 minutes, this 5:42 version isn't as packed, but it definatly is a piece of art.

"Proudest Monkey" is perhaps the most unique song on the album, because of its telling story. It is also a 9 minute plod of jamming that are very well expressed by Dave, Boyd, Stefan, Carter, and Leroi.

This album wasn't at all a "crash" as far as sophmore albums go. In fact, it was one of their greatest they've released. This album would definatly appeal to new fans, and it would give true fans goosebumps everytime they hear it. June 21, 2007

 Best album to meet DMB
This was the first DMB album I listened and it just keeps suprinsing me. Every time I hear it, I find something new as if it was posible for each song to sound diferent each time. If you've never listen DMB, this is a sure bet! June 3, 2007

 A Luscious, Brilliant Album........
CRASH by the Dave Matthew Band is just amazing. I can't believe I waited so long to buy this. How would I describe this album in one word? STUNNING. I mean, between the seamless percussion and sensuous vocals, this album has you at the opening bars of "So Much To Say" (track #1) and doesn't let go until "Proudest Monkey" (the final track, #12). Dave Matthews is masterful here, as are the supporting musicians. The soaring violin-work on track #3, "Crash," on of their most well-known songs, is masterfully delivered by Boyd Tinsley. Oh my God, I would marry this man and I have never even had a conversation with him....he seduces me with his violin. This whole album is an odyssey through love, sexuality and alienated indifference. This music is way more than compelling melodies. The lyrics are poetry. Dave Matthews is at once intimately alluring on "Crash," and then emotinally unavailable on "Say Goodbye," an ode to one night stands. Get this album today. Don't wait another day........buy it now. April 1, 2007

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