Customer Reviews

Remember Two Things

5 star:		(79)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can remember back to April of 1993 when my girlfriend (now wife) Erin and I went to see Toad the Wet Sprocket at The College of William of Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. I asked her who would be opening for Toad, and she said "Some guy named Dave Matthews. I think he is from Charlottesville." I was a bit disappointed, as I had never heard of Dave Matthews, but that evening in April converted me into a huge fan. DMB rocked that night and blew Toad off of the stage. This album came out later that year and my wife gave it to me for my birthday - I believe it to be an excellemt example of the DMB that played Trax, the Floodzone, frat parties, and small clubs in the mid-90s, before $45 tickets and grand stadiums. Take a listen to early versions of "Ants" and "Tripping Billies" which everyone knows, but also check out "Minarets", "The Song that Jane Likes", and "Christmas Song". This isn't like any of the later albums - but it is fantastic and holds its place well in the history of one of the premier bands of the 1990s.

This brilliant live album dates from the early '90s. It is a collection of songs recorded at TRAX and the Floodzone in Charlottesville, VA. Although it dates early in the quintet's career, it contains some of their best work. On no other release will you find Matthews' beautiful "I'll Back You Up" (Song #1 in their catalogue of songs). Another rare treat is "The Song That Jane Likes." "One Sweet World" can be heard by Dave and Tim Reynolds on Live at Luther College, but we are presented with the full band version here. The highlight to my ears is "Recently." To me, it is the signature song in this period of their creative lives. Satellite, Tripping Billies, and Ants Marching are also present. "Ants" is noteworthy for the snare drum intro of Carter Beauford. All in all, an enjoyable and brilliant disc,

When i got this cd i only got it so i could have all the cds. But when i listened to it, it quickly proved itself as a worthy cd. I love I'll Back You Up and The Song that Jane Likes, but they're all great. To all of you dmb fans who read this, and all of you people who have never listened to them...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ALBUM!

The genius in Dave's music is overwhelmingly seen in this album, "Remember Two Things". although it was not the first Dave album of my collection, I found it to be my favorite thus far. "Crash" turned me on to their style of music --- A LOT! I subsequently bought "Remember Two Things" and loved it. The flow of sound and music and lyrics in Recently, Minarets, Ants Marching, and Warehouse to name a slight few are unbelievable. It is so hard for me to express in words what their music has done for me personally. If I dare say it, they are musical gods in my life. A definite buy for any fan, large or small, of DMB.

Sure, most of these tracks can be found on other DMB albums. But one of the things that makes Dave Matthews great is his ability to make each performance of a song totally different and new. The version of "Ants Marching" on this album, for example, is fabulous -- it's absolutely full of energy, much more than the version on Under The Table. There's something ragged and enthusiastic on this album that has been toned down in some of the band's more recent, polished releases. If you like any Dave Matthews, you'll love this CD. If you don't know or don't like Dave, this probably isn't a good album for you.

Remember Two Things is an essential album for any fans of the Dave Matthews Band. It gives a glimpse of the band in their prime, in my opinion, out side of the studio. The other early albums are a bit too overproduced for my tastes, but they are still worth buying. I first saw DMB in 1994 at the Roseland(?) in NYC about 25 feet from the stage. This album recreates that experience. Seeing them later in the large venues is more like listening to the later albums. Live at the Red Rocks is good too, but only because it has more songs.

On to the tracks:
1. Ants Marching - The best released version of this song that I've heard with the full band. The energy of the band really shines. I think the version with just Dave and Tim Reynolds on Live at Luther College tops it.
2. Tripping Billies - Best version of this song. It sounds clean, soothing, and joyful at the same time.
3. Recently - I prefer the version on the Recently EP. I love this song, but 8 minutes is just too long.
4. Satellite - A good rendition of this song. The other versions are overproduced (too many instruments, too many sound effects).
5. One Sweet World - Excellent version of this song. The rest of the band is at their best and the sound is very full.
6. The Song That Jane Likes - My favorite song on the album. They just don't write songs this fun and groovy anymore. Not on any (I think) of the studio albums.
7. Minarets - A studio version. I have never really enjoyed this song. It's not bad, but the tone doesn't fit the rest of the album.
8. Seek Up - A great version of this song. It's almost two songs in one. When the chorus kicks in, its very uplifting.
9. I'll Back You Up - I still don't believe this is a live version, because it sounds so crisp and intimate. Vocally, one of Dave's best songs.
10. The Christmas Song - My 2nd favorite song. Despite anyone's beliefs, this summarizes the message of Jesus in a simple and beautiful way.

This first effort by the Dave Matthews Band is a great album.

Ant's Marching- A terrific live performance of this hit song that would later appear on DMB'S first studio album Under The Table And Dreaming[Masterpiece].

Tripping Billies- A terrific live performance of this hit song that would later appear on DMB'S second studio album Crash[Masterpiece].

Recently- A terrific live performance of a very happy and fun song that has only appeared on other live albums. I think that it could have easily been a hit on one of their earlier studio efforts like Under The Table And Dreaming or Crash. Of course it is a hit on this album but since most people probably pass this DMB effort up the song is left in relative obscurity.

Satellite- A terrific live performance of this hit song that would later appear on DMB'S first studio album Under The Table And Dreaming.

One Sweet World- A great song[live performance] that has also only appeared on other live DMB releases. This song also may have been a hit on Under The Table And Dreaming or Crash...but then it's the same story as with Recently.

The Song That Jane Likes- Great Song[live performance]...that if you read about the DMB...you will find out may have some very personal meaning. Of course all of Dave Matthews songs have a lot of personal meaning.

Minarets- Great Song! And one of the two studio recordings on this album. I think this song would have gone will on Busted Stuff[Masterpiece]...unfortunately though I believe that you can only find this song on this album.

Seek Up- A monumental recording[studio recording]...that might have gone will on Before These Crowded Streets[Masterpiece]...however this song follows the same story as Minarets.

I'll Back You Up- This is such a beautiful song[live recording]...and could easily have been a hit on any of DMB'S studio albums...except for EVERYDAY[Masterpiece]...and only because EVERYDAY was mostly electric music...but that doesn't mean that DMB can't put this on a future studio release...hint...hint.

Christmas Song- A monumental recording[live recording]...should be on a studio release at some point.

Hope You Buy This Album. And if you are A Dave Matthews Band fan reading this What's Up! Love Is All We Need EVERYDAY!!!

I've been listening to Dave Matthews Band for about 5 years, and although I love all of their cds this is the one I find myself listening to the most. From beginning to end you can just listen to it. I just put it on repeat. If you want to get the best of DMB get this and Under the Table and Dreaming.

I first got this CD in 1993 when a friend showed me the cool cover. Since then, it is the most listened CD I own, and a must for all DMB fans. For those who prefer live DMB to the radio edits, and who enjoy the sound of "Under the Table" more than "Everyday," you have to listen to this.

The great thing about R2T is that it doesn't sound overproduced and made for the masses. For a self-produced CD, the songs are very clean and high quality. I had this for abo 2 years before I realized it was actually a live CD.

This has the best version of Ants Marching I've heard, including the 60 second drum solo up to the first cord. You can almost feel the excitement of the crowd as it approaches closer and closer and it's a great way to start the CD. "The Song that Jane Likes" and "Christmas Song" are also on this CD, and a must for any early DMB fans.

If you want to hear what DMB sounded like in the prime of their careers, without the songs muddled down with electric guitars, backup singers, and tons of instruments, R2T is the way to go.

REMEMBER TWO THINGS is an excellent introduction to the Dave Matthews Band. Some of their best songs are featured here. How would I describe the band, and keep it short and sweet? I would call them a fusion of rock, ska, pop, world beat and jazz all rolled into one. Two of my favorite cuts here are "Ants Marching," a great, up-tempo number, and "Sattelite," which is introspective and melodious. Not only is this a great band, technically, but David Matthews' songs are pure poetry. These aren't typical of the songs you usually hear on the radio. Matthews has a lot to say, and it isn't only about love lost and found. Great album.....