Before These Crowded Streets Dave Matthews Band

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CD

  • Release Date: 04/28/1998
  • Sales Rank: 19,837
  • Label: RCA
  • UPC: 078636766027

Listener Rating: (9 ratings)

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  • Overview
  • Tracks
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Details & Credits
Track List
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Before These Crowded Streets

1LISTENPantala Naga Pampa 0:40
2LISTENRapunzel 6:00
3LISTENThe Last Stop 6:57
4LISTENDon't Drink the Water 7:01
5LISTENStay (Wasting Time) 5:35
6LISTENHalloween 5:07
7LISTENThe Stone 7:28
8LISTENCrush 8:09
9LISTENThe Dreaming Tree 8:48
10LISTENPig 6:57
11LISTENSpoon 7:32

About this Artist

Editorial Reviews

The Dave Matthews Band made their reputation through touring, spending endless nights on the road improvising. Often, their records hinted at the eclecticism and adventure inherent in those improvisation, but Before These Crowded Streets is the first album to fully capture that adventurous spirit. Not coincidentally, it's their least accessible record, even if it's more of a consolidation than it is a step forward. Early Dave Matthews albums were devoted to the worldbeat fusions of Graceland and Sting, but his RCA efforts incorporated these influences into a smoother, pop-oriented style. Here, everything hangs out. Old trademarks, like jittery acoustic grooves and jazzy chords, are here, augmented by complex polyrhythms, Mideastern dirges, and on two tracks, the slashing strings of the Kronos Quartet. Some fans may find the new, darker textures a little disarming at first, but they're a logical extension of the group's work, and in many ways, this sonic daring results in the most rewarding album they've yet recorded. {|The Dave Matthews Band|} haven't completely vanquished their demons, however -- songwriting remains a problem, especially since relying on grooves, improvisation, and texture allows them to skimp on melody, and Matthews' lyrics can be awkward and embarrassing, especially if he's writing about sex. Still, these are minor flaws on an album that relies on tone and improvisation, both of which are in ample supply on Before These Crowded Streets. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Before These Crowded Streetsby Anonymous

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November 09, 2004: I got this album for my birthday recently and I have to say, I really loved it. Until now I’ve been listening mainly to the live albums, and some of their more popular songs (such as the ones from Crash), so it came as a surprise to hear tracks on this CD that were so dark and intense. The use of strings on some of these songs was amazing. I really think that this album allowed Boyd to shine, and the backing of other string instruments gave some songs, such as Halloween, a haunting feel that pulls the listener in and makes them feel Dave’s pain. One of the things I really enjoyed was the addition of Alanis Morrissette for backing vocals on Don’t Drink the Water and Spoon. I find myself looking forward to that last track just to be able to hear that beautiful blend of voices. However much I enjoyed this CD, though, it wasn’t perfect. Halloween and Stay (Wasting Time) are two that I find myself skipping most of the time. You have to really be in the mood for Halloween, considering the fact that it is an angry, painful, heart wrenching song, and when I need that type of song, it’s welcomed. Stay (Wasting Time) just gets on my nerves. The overwhelming, almost gospel-esque backing vocals seem to take away from Dave’s singing, and the song itself sounds like it was written by someone else. It’s very far from Dave’s style as seen throughout the rest of the album. All in all, though, I really enjoyed this CD, and would recommend it to any Dave Matthews Band fan.

Before These Crowded Streetsby Anonymous

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February 18, 2003: Like their former "Crash," CD, "Before These Crowded Streets" continues to weave the many tales of the life experience, though this CD carries a darker tone in many of the songs. In fact, one may view Matthews' lyrical vision as a profit when you go back and spin "Last Stop" and "Don't Drink the Water," both songs that carry the horrific message of what happened on 9-11. The trademark extended arrangements and unique instrumental sound illustrate a band who's musical talent is undeniable. With every song, the CD is a continuous journey of life and love, and the highs and lows that accompany them. Timeless and endless, "Before These Crowded Streets" is a must for all music collections.


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