Review Summary: Dave Matthews and Co. impress with 1994 major-record label debut
As he melds needle to the vain lyrics with instruction of besting bad situations, Dave Matthews and Co. created a hit-filled -- see "Ants Marching," "Satellite" -- pseudo-hippy, treasure with its 1994 major-label debut. In the happy starter “Best of What’s Around” Matthews lectures that “it’s not where you're at, but who you’re with that really matters,” -- and isn’t it? Other tracks, “Dancing Nancies” and “Warehouse”, became illustrations for the band's eventual cult following. “Rhyme and Reason” oozes with dark and intravenous drug-sourced emotion, and “What Would You Say” will have you bouncing and singing as any other horn-filled, violin tinged pop-melody would. The freshman album -- 6x platinum -- was not as well-received critically as 1998’s Grammy-nominated Before These Crowded Streets, but was without question a finely put together catalyst for the band, and a generational gem for a faction of fun-loving 90s free spirits.
The Best Of What's Around -- 5
What Would You Say -- 4.5
Satellite -- 4.5
Rhyme And Reason -- 4.5
Typical Situation -- 4
Dancing Nancies -- 3.5
Ants Marching -- 4.5
Lover Lay Down -- 2.5
Jimi Thing -- 4
Warehouse -- 3
Pay For Wjhat You Get -- 2.5
#34 -- 2.5
