Customer Reviews

Crash

5 star:		(317)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

Being one of the biggest Daveheads out there, I have scores of concert bootlegs, and so in order to properly review "Crash," I had to go back and listen to the actual album so I could remember what the studio recordings sounded like. There's always sort of an artificial feel to DMB's studio recordings, mainly because they don't expand into eight and 12-minute jam sessions. They are simply the jam sessions reduced to an album-length format. Because almost all of the songs on "Crash" had been performed by DMB numerous times by the time they got onto and album.

But all that aside, it's an excellent record. "Crash" catches a lot of flak and criticism for being a departure from the original highly organic sound of "Under the Table and Dreaming." But it's not as if this is an entirely different band. This was much more of an electric album. Tim Reynolds' mind-blowing guest guitar work here is mainly done with electics rather than acoustics, and so the sound is a little edgier than Dave's fans were used to. I still have to commend Steve Lilywhite (their producer) for his fantastic audio work in polishing DMB's material.

But back to the album. There are very few songs on here that are not really really good. The concept behind "Crash" (the song, not the album) is really funny in that most people think it's a love song... but listen to it closely... it's not. "So Much to Say" is one of the most fun songs I've ever heard. The main songs that I have problems with are "Cry Freedom" and "Proudest Monkey." "Cry Freedom" is really not that great of a song, even though its message is, and "Proudest Monkey," while the jam session for it is really cool, is probably too long to be on a studio album (the song clocks in at about 9:08). The main problem is that the instrumentation on the jam is too sparse, unlike future sessions on "Before These Crowded Streets."

But the best songs on the album have to be "Two Step" and "Lie In Our Graves." "Two Step," despite not having a traditional rock rhythm until the chorus, is one of the most rocking songs I have ever heard, and "Lie In Our Graves..." well... I don't know. It just has something about it that makes it so cool. I can't really explain it.

I'm a big fan of rhythm, and DMB definitely has rhythm aplenty. Carter Beauford is the God of all drummers and Stefan Lessard is probably the best bassist I've ever heard. "Crash" is a very good album. Not the best DMB has released, but very good nonetheless.

Crash is the refreshing breather amidst mass pop/rock confusion in America. The Dave Matthews Band has combined introspection, diversity, reflection, and skill to create one of the finest records available. As the band's second major release, Crash is, if nothing else, a testament to musical exploration. The album swings from the twangy and up-beat "So Much To Say" opening to the slow, pondering unwind of the closing "Proudest Monkey," with lots of groove-rock, funk, jazz, and intensity thrown in between. The record features studio-recorded compilations of some songs fans have heard before ("Two Step," "Drive In Drive Out," "Tripping Billies," "Proudest Monkey"), as well as a breath-taking array of newly inspired lyrics and harmony. The end result is a wonderfully inviting album that is an addictive alternative to the unsure pop/rock artists of our day, and Dave Matthews Band fans are only too happy to see it. It's easy to see why "Crash Into Me" was the massive success that it was, topping billboard charts across the country for the better part of six months; but less noticed are tracks like "#41," subtle, delicate, and pristine. Much to the band's credit, these are the tracks that support the backbone of much of the album. Crash is unlike a great many albums today in that it features something for just about everyone. Intricate acoustics dominate much of the opening track before moving into a tasteful recording of the concert-favorite "Two Step," which demonstrates moving percussion that manages to maintain a feel-good mood that compliments the theme of the song. "Crash Into Me," upon being listened to for the hundredth time, transforms from an over-played radio hit to a sweet testimony to love that could, at a gentle push, make a lover cry. In "Too Much," the band proves that they still can cut loose every once in a while into a free-form, all-out funk fest. The rest of the album is left to the quiet and often bone-chilling force of lyrical and musical precision and perfection. A total of twelve tracks grace the overall theme of this album, which has remained a steady, romantic, and optimistically challenging appreciation for life. Crash is a definite plus for any music lover's collection, a must for Dave Matthews Band lovers, and for some, perhaps even many words to live by. But beyond its music, maybe Crash's best feature is the authenticity and care with which it was created. Realizing that the second release is perhaps the most essential for any group of musicians, the Dave Matthews Band has established with this album a firm hold on the concept and beauty of music.

This band is acoustic, but has the most amazing combination of vocals, drums, violins, saxophones, whistles, flutes, bass, and electric bass. Dave may not be your most talented singer in the world, but what he says is so awesome. I'll start at the beginning of the CD. "So Much To Say" is a song that is way too true for me. He's talking about his hell and is ever so wise with, "Sometimes I find it's easy to be myself, Sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else," and God, how true... The only bad part is Dave is bursting with inspiring words, but ends up repeating "So much to say" too much. Then there is "Two Step" with an amazing into... and the awesome metaphor of "Hey, my love, you came to me like wine comes to this mouth, grown tired of water all the time, you quench my heart and you quench my mind," "Crash into me" is your radio played song w/ a cool video... "Who's got their claws in you my friend?" Good question... Dave will always give you something to think about Awesome sounds... "Too Much," has an awesome baritone sax part. It shows off Leroi's talent. Dave sings in an neat way. "#41" is a slow, pensive song, and he is very soft sounding, but deep things are said. "Say Goodbye," is about a girl friend no doubt, and it's kind of sad. Probably my least fav. song, but I have none. "Drive in Drive Out," has some great lines that are humorous poetry... namely, "I hear more than I'd like to, so I boil my head in a sense of humor, I laugh at what I cannot change, I throw it out on the pyre again, go then and do this, I'd do it of for you, when all that I want is so badly to be, by myself again, this is going to drive me right out of my brain..." Awesome... "Let You Down" is mellow, and him apologizing. Another great metaphor enclosed. You'll see. "Lie in our graves" he asks, would we lie in our graves and dream of the things we might have been, and it teaches you to enjoy life. "Cry Freedom" is too true about this country. It has great thoughts, "Hand and feet are all alike, but gold between divide us." Great instrumental. "Tripping Billies" is jazzish. Awesome... "Proudest Monkey" is ten minutes, but worth every second, great metaphor about being too proud to admit when you're wrong. The band creates great sounds of the city.

This CD contains NO bad songs. Carter Beaufort is an astounding drummer. The lyrics are fascinating to dissect and memorize. The amazingly talented violin by Boyd Tinsley changes violin's name forever. Stefan Lessard is amazing, but you have to listen hard to hear it, but his parts are great. Great band, great songs, great sounds... Enjoy the best CD ever.

I am a fan of REM, Eels and Dave Matthews Band. There are others though, but these 3 are the ones I remember at first. There is a reason for this, and in favor of the Dave Matthews Band (DMB), Crash speaks for itself.

Although Before These Crowded Streets is slightly better (due to it's more jazzy songs and better melodies, but that's my opinion), Crash is wonderfully great. A lot of songs have that quality that will have you listen to them again and again. And the band's original mix of instruments and Matthews' great voice and lyrics are definitely worthwile. Songs like "Two Step" and "Say Goodbye" are so beautiful, while songs like "Drive In Drive Out" have such powerfull rifs in them, i could go on and on and on... The DMB are just one of those bands in the 90's which you can't forget.

Are you in a sad mood? Are you happy? Are you melancholic? Do you want to hear something that will you make you happy again? Do you want to hear something that emotionally touches you?? DMB will provide it, also with this effort. Whatever you think, you can't deny this : this is a band which stands for QUALITY!!!

The second studio album from the Dave Matthews Band, entitled "Crash" is outstanding. As shown in their previous studio album "Under The Table and Dreaming", the Dave Matthews Band creates a sound that is unique from all other bands and catches the ear of any listener with a sence for good music. Dave Matthews, Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, Boyd Tinsley, Leroi Moore, and guest electric guitarist Tim Reynolds have put together 12 outstanding songs that demonstrate amazing musical talent. "So Much To Say" is upbeat and discusses we are innocent and quiet until we reach a certain age, and then we become older and we begin to talk a lot, not necessarily in a literal sense. "Two Step" is also upbeat and begins with an amazing into and an amazing chorus which preaches the words "Celebrate we will because life is short, but sweet for certain." "Crash Into Me" is probably the most popular song on this album. It is a love song the sound of the Dave Matthews Band with Dave's incredible gift of song writing. Song number 4, "Too Much" is the one of the most popular live songs on this album due to its blend of talent of the amazing musicians in this band. Next, "#41", titled as so because of it was the 41st song written by Dave Matthews and describes his strugle with money in his early life. "Say Goodbye" compares very well with "Crash Into Me" and is another outstanding love song. "Drive in, Drive Out" also draws comparisons to a previous song, "Too Much." "Let You Down" is a mellow tune that includes Dave appologizing for sins. "Lie in our Graves" is an upbeat song that is about having no regrets. "Cry Freedom" is a slower tune than "Lie in our Graves", but attempts to show the state of our country socialy. Then, "Tripping Billies", my personal favorite song on this album, is very upbeat and is one of the most popular live songs along with "Too Much" amd "Lie in our Graves." Lastly, "Proudest Monkey" is a twelve minute song that shows that individual talent of each band member. "Crash" by the Dave Matthews Band is a must have for any music fan.

This was the first DMB CD I ever listened to, and I admit that it took me years to get over my preconceived notions of the band. I wasn't a big fan of the songs that got radio airplay, except for "Crash Into Me". And I'd stereotyped the band as "frat boy" music, based on the types of people I knew who were big DMB fans. Then I finally picked up this CD, and it blew my mind. There's so much more to DMB than what gets played on the radio. They're musically complex, with a surprisingly mature fusion of jazz, rock, and world music. The lyrics to many of the songs are also really life-affirming, especially "Lie in our Graves", which is one of my favorite songs of all time by any band. I've now listened to most of the DMB discography and each CD has different things to offer. This is the most romantic of them all, and it holds a special place in my CD collection because it was the first one of their CDs I heard. If you've never bought a Dave Matthews CD before and you're considering it, please don't be as close-minded as I was: give this musically interesting group of talented musicians a chance.

Without any shadow of a doubt, Dave Matthews Band 1996 release "CRASH" is my personal favorite album. I love all of this band's works of musical art, but "CRASH" remains my favorite.

There is no hint of imperfection on this CD. The lyrics and music blend into this perfect harmony of soulful bliss for the ears. You'll love the jams and the creative thought found here, whether spoken or played.

I don't think it gets much better than a CD that contains "So Much To Say," "Two Step," "Too Much," "#41," "Say Goodbye," and so many more. They are all excellent songs, each on their own as well as together. Everything fits together so nicely on "CRASH." It's a beautiful thing.

I suggest you add this album to your collection as soon as possible. It isn't complete without it.

i admit, i was turned onto this band several years ago by an old boyfriend teaching himself to play "crash into me" on his guitar and me asking "WHAT are you trying to play?" the relationship is long since over, but my fixation with dave matthews band is an ongoing part of my life. they are, without a doubt, my favorite band, and i consider this to be their best cd. "under the table and dreaming" is also incredible, and so are their live albums and their newest studio recording, but this cd tops them all. it has a song for every feeling or activity in the book... "too much" is perfect for beer drinking and dancing at a party, "two step" is perfect to dance around your room naked to, "crash" is perfect to get some action to, "lie in our graves" is perfect for driving to go snowboarding on a beautiful, blue-sky powder day (and the jam in the middle of that song is so melodic and happy... i love it). "say goodbye" and "two step" are the two best tracks, but there are many gems on this album. i've seen this band 4 times in concert and i cannot say that there is anyone else i'd rather see more. BUY THIS CD!!!

What makes Dave Matthews Band so widely listened to and enjoyed? Their music is such a unique blend of jazz, pop, rythm and soul. Aside from having awsome studio albums DMB also puts out tremendous live audio c.d.'s and if you have ever seen them in concert it is an amazing experience. Their music crosses all genres and draws listeners from many different age groups. Dave is loyal to his fans. So back to the album titled "Crash" which comes from the third track Crash Into Me. I have picked out quotes from almost all of the songs on this album and if you find them meaningful and inpirational wait until you hear them song by Dave Matthews with instrumentals by Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, Boyd Tinsley and Leroi Moore.

"I find sometimes it's easy to be myself: Sometimes i find it's better to be somebody else."~so much to say

"Celebrate we will, because life is short but sweet for certain, we're climbing two-by-two to be sure these days continue, for things we can not change"~two step

"Why won't you ever be glad, it melts into wonder, I came in praying for you. Why won't you run in the rain and play, let the tears splash over you?"~#41

"All we are is wasting hours until the sun comes up its all ours."~say goodbye

"I hear more than i like to, so i boil my head in a sense of humor, I laugh at what i can not change..."~drive in drive out

"I can't believe that we would lie in our graves, dreaming of things that we might have been."~lie in our graves

"The future is no place to place your better days"~cry freedom

"Hands and feet are all alike, but gold between divide us, hands and feet are all alike, but fear between divide us, all slip away..."~cry freedom

Incredible. This is my favorite Dave Matthews Band album. From the first track to the last, the diversity and variety of the music is incredible. The only way to review this album is to go track by track:

1) So Much to Say -- (9.1/10) This is a fun song that captures the quirkiness of their music and lyrics. Rythmic acoustic guitar and flexible vocals make this song an excellent song for beginniners to begin with, and a great song for lifelong fans to sing/dance along to.

2) Two Step -- (9.3/10) Quiet, rythmic acoustic guitar begin the song, but it almost immediately begins to swirl into a swinging, jovial tune. Lyrics are top-notch, and the rest of the band (not just Dave) all get a time to shine here in this song.

3) Crash Into Me -- (10/10) This song gets a lot of recognition, and is there any wonder why? Everything about the song is incredible. The band meshes together behind Dave, giving Dave the spotlight, but keeping the support behind him. This song is next to impossible to play on guitar, and Dave pulls it off magnificiently. The lyrics are some of Dave's best. The rythym that Carter Beauford provides on the snare drums is insanely good. You cannot help but tap your foot to the (almost) marching beat.

4) Too Much -- (8.7/10) This is my least favorite song on the album (but remember, all of this IS my personal preference). This is a very fun song that has amazing potential live. Electric guitar bends and crazy, crazy lyrics make this song a fun dance song.

5) Say Goodbye -- (9.8/10) One of Dave's greatest songs, hands down. This song is simply all about sex, and it is absolutely beautiful. Leroi Moore (usually the saxophonist) plays the flute on this song, and the atmosphere created is absolutely amazing. Dave's voice soars effortlessly through the most difficult parts, leaving the listener stunned. This is a great song to get into the mood with.

6) #41 -- (9.5/10) This song... again... is about sex. It is just as beautiful as 'Say Goodbye,' and it utilizes the saxophone and violin more. With a jam part at the end of it, this makes a great song to not only get into the mood with, but too... actually... you get the picture. The jam part at the end of it makes for amazing potential live, which the band follows through with often. If you want a great 10 minute version, download it off the "Listener Supported" live album. Or just buy it, it's completely worth it.

7) Drive in, Drive Out -- (9.0/10) Like 'Too Much,' this song is a quirky, upbeat, bendy song. Dave plays the electric guitar on this one also. The ending jam part simply blows the mind, leaving you with a 'wow' feeling at the end. The lyrics are again strange, but fitting for the song itself. Stefan Lessard's bass guitar gets a workout during this song, as well as Boyd Tinsley's violin. And as usual, on every track, Carter Beauford, the drummer, is excellent with percussion -- cowbell, etc..

8) Let You Down -- (9.0/10) This is my favorite DMB song to listen to when I want to relax. The acoustic guitar, the light bongos, the tinkling percussion, and Dave Matthew's voice all swirl together brilliantly to bring about one of my favorite relaxation songs of all time. The lyrics beg for forgiveness, and the mood is very mellow. A great contrast to 'Drive in, Drive Out.'

9) Lie in Our Graves -- (8.7/10) This is the ultimate jam song. The song's upbeat rythym slows down to a very sensual, rythmic jam session at the end. A very enjoyable song, although I tend to skip it. But I don't know why I do that because what I start to listen to it, I can't stop -- I get into it and I can't get out of it. It brings you into another world.

10) Cry Freedom -- (10/10) The lyrics will blow your mind. They are hard to understand because in this song, Dave tends to mumble. But if you look online at http://dmband.com/sights/sights_main.asp?album=4 , you'll find the lyrics for all of the songs. Just click on the red box next to the songs you see there. Dave plays electric guitar on this one as well, to great effect. The song is quiet, for the most part, as the lyrics are the main focus (over everything else). The song begs for understanding and equality among humans, declaring "Hands and feet are all alike, but gold between divide us," and that "The future is no place to place your better days."

11) Tripping Billies -- (10/10) Tied with 'Cry Freedom,' 'Tripping Billies' is my favorite song on the album. The lyrics are absolutely incredible, bringing us back to our childhood, and sending us messages such as "Eat, drink, and be merry -- for tomorrow we'll die." The song begs us to live life today, live life as if we were to die tomorrow. The song is about love, friendship, and having a great time. Listen to the lyrics -- they are the focus. But towards the end of the song, Boyd Tinsley's violin takes center stage. Incredible violin solos round out the song perfectly. I saw this song live last year in Phoenix and it absolutely blew my socks off. Do not pass this song up. Even if you don't buy the album, download the song.

12) Produest Monkey -- (9.4/10) Easily the quirkiest song on the CD, 'Produest Monkey' is about a monkey who leaves the jungle and goes to the city and experiences things monkeys ordinarily wouldn't experience. This is a great song to take a walk to, or to just chill out to. The song gradually rises in pace and volume, and at the end is capped off perfectly by an excellent saxophone solo by the insanely talented Leroi Moore. The song is a perfect end to the album. The song is nine minutes long and makes for an excellent song live (although it is rarely played live).


Overall, the album is one that should not be missed. It is one of those albums that you begin to listen to track one, and you cannot help but go all the way to track 12 without stopping. An hour of music goes by in a few minutes, it seems. Enjoy it, for it is one of the most enjoyable albums out there. If you throw down preconcieved notions about the Dave Matthews Band and go into this album with an open mind, you will enjoy it.