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..."


fantastic.....   March 27, 2007
D. Pawl (Seattle)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

It took me (almost) ten years to hear this great album! I can't believe I waited so long. The Dave Matthews Band has been a fixture at The Gorge at George concerts, in Washington, for several years now, and Dave, himself, was often seen down at Pike Place Market in my hometown of Seattle, Washington, playing acoustic sets for the public.....that was a few years ago. BEFORE THESE CROWDED STREETS features some of the finest and most eclectic cross-section of music genres I have heard on one album. It's hard to believe that this music was all done by one band. We hear ska, power metal, jazz, world and pop all stirred and then blended into a great musical smoothie.

Some of my favorite cuts include "Last Stop," which eerily illustrates what was to become of the relationship between the United States and the Middle East, only three years later, when 9/11 took place (chillingly prophetic), "Stay," which is an upbeat, fun, and calypso-inspired romp in the grass and makes you feel like the sun is shining even if you're listening to it in the pouring rain, "Crush," a beautiful jazzy love song, and "The Dreaming Tree," which is poetic, ponderous and devestating. There really isn't a "bad" song on here. Dave Matthews is a fantastic story teller and he wrote most of the songs himself. This album is an example of rock/crossover music at its best.....


Arguably DMB's Greatest Studio Album...(4.5 stars)   December 9, 2005
Surface to Air Missle (California)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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.


Stunning musicianship and mature songwriting.   June 10, 1998
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

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.