Review Summary: In the album’s second track, Dave sings “Celebrate we will, ‘cause life is short but sweet for certain.” This is, in one sentence what “Crash” is all about.
In 1996, it can be said that Dave Matthews Band had a bit of a job to do. Debut album “Under the Table and Dreaming” was immensely popular and successful, and the band’s massive tour status ensued. “Under the Table and Dreaming” was did well for several reasons; an original and sophisticated sound, pop-hooks, jam sections, and spectacular talent. When it was time to record their sophomore album “Crash,” Dave Matthews Band was forced to channel the incredible energy they brought to live performances, and create a superior selection of songs than in their debut. In this regard, they certainly succeeded. “Crash” was indeed better and more sophisticated a release, energetic at times, passionate at other times, and even reaching epic status in one particular instance. It was at this point that Dave Matthews Band could do no wrong, for “Crash” clicked on all cylinders.
In the album’s second track, Dave sings “Celebrate we will, ‘cause life is short but sweet for certain.” This is, in one sentence what “Crash” is all about. This record slaps freedom in the faces of the listener, exercised beautifully by its sheer playfulness and soaring instrumentation. This can be deciphered from the album’s penultimate track
Tripping Billes in which Dave is telling us to “Eat, drink, and be merry.” As if the lyrics aren’t convincing enough, Tinsley’s violins are flying high, never ceasing to impress. Even your classic one-night stand song is thrown in here in the form of
Say Goodbye, pleading “Tomorrow we go back to being friends, but tonight lets be lovers.” The listener is even teased in the funky
Too Much, we are informed, “you never know, maybe you're dreaming,” but we clearly aren’t. Dave Matthews Band’s original sound is flourishing, each musician proving they are pros at their respective instruments. Carter Beauford gives further evidence that he is one of the greatest drummers of all-time, a spectacular intro solo in
Say Goodbye is verification of this as well as his final fills in
Tripping Billies.
“Crash” however, is not just subject to the themes of freedom and blissfulness. The band is torn apart on tearjerker
#41, arguably the most powerful and emotion track on the record.
#41 is an ode to the old days, prior to the fame and success of the band. “Remember when I used to play for all of the loneliness that nobody notices now?” In
Lie in Our Graves, the passion is not found in vocals, but the perfectly executed and written solo section. The beauty of this middle section cannot be described, and contrasts faultlessly with the bouncier beginning and end of the track. Dave Matthews Band created an epic masterpiece with
Two Step, in all of its sophistication and transition. The buildup is sensational and moves in sequences, both haunting and uplifting, and we’re even introduced to finger-picked violins. Dave’s falsetto and darker voice distinction is brilliant and Carter doesn’t disappoint to provide some uncanny work on his drum set.
The typical Dave Matthews Band sex song is not avoided here, although
Crash into Me is a much more sentimental piece, heartwarming and hopeful. Your classic girl could not possibly evade being wooed by “Oh I watch you there, through the window and I stare at you. You wear nothing but you wear it so well, tied up and twisted the way I'd like to be.” Closer
Proudest Monkey gives us a chance to consider a more simple life, or rather plays off of the theme of
#41, explaining that life just isn’t the same as it used to be. “Crash” from top to bottom is an incredible record, but amazingly enough is only the band’s second best. This album delivers twelve solid to outstanding tracks that have served a major role in the band’s live performances over the past thirteen years. It was at this moment that Dave Matthews Band had, well “So much to say.”
Recommended Tracks:
Two Step
Crash into Me
#41
Say Goodbye
Lie in Our Graves
