IF YOU'RE A BIG DMB FAN, THIS REVIEW IS A WASTE, 'CAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW ALL THIS STUFF. IF YOU'RE NOT... READ ON!

I was introduced to the Dave Matthews Band by way of "Before These Crowded Streets," rather than going in the proper order. But when I finally did get around to buying "Under the Table and Dreaming," I was already perfectly confident that it would be just as fantastic as the rest of the DMB material I had heard/purchased up to that point.

I was right.

This was the second CD they released and the first studio CD (if you don't count the studio takes of "Seek Up" and "Minarets" on the "Remember Two Things" CD), and you can hear the limitations in their sound quality and a little less ambience than on "Crash" and "BTCS." They were just starting out with Steve Lilywhite and had not found their signature sound just yet, though you can hear it developing more and more throughout the disc.

Of course, everyone on Earth knows "Satellite" and probably "Ants Marching." They've been overplayed to death and stil I enjoy them when I hear them. That is one of the things that separates DMB from the rest of the crowd, to me anyway. I can listen to them over and over and not get tired of them. But back to the album.

Like I said, everyone is probably familiar with those two by now, but if you're not a Dave fan already, you probably have never heard the intricacy of ballads like "Pay For What You Get" and the beautiful "#34." You also may not be familiar with the rocking "Dancing Nancies" (which asks the question, "Could I have been anyone other than me?") and the poetically-inspired "Typical Situation."

I can't say that this is "early" Dave Matthews, because the order in which all the band's songs were written belies the order in which they appear on albums. But I can say with confidence that this is GREAT Dave Matthews... but then... what ISN'T?

This is as close to a perfect CD as you will find. The songs complement eachother so completely that the songs seem to almost blend into one melodious song with different acts. For me there is no best song on the album because none is capable of standing out from the rest. Instead, DMB brings you into their better world for an hour at a time, and we emerge somehow more ready to face the world having heard the beauty that the world is capable of.

Awesome CD. When I discovered these guys, I was immediately drawn to their unique sound. I love the combination of rock, jazz, soul, funk, SKA, alternative. This band definitely has its own sound.

I loved every song on the album except "Rhyme and Reason," which I thought was not very well done. However, all the other ones are excellent, especially, "Best of What's Around," "Jimi Thing," "Satellite," "Warehouse," and "What would you say."

Just a phenomenal effort.

I'm a little worried about the future of DMB, however. I liked "Crash," but not nearly as much as "Under the Table," and I found "Before These Crowded Streets," to be a disappointment.

Of course it's tough to top this blockbuster. "Under the Table and Dreaming" is an incredible album.

The Dave Matthews Band aren't just any band, they're the best band out there! Since when has there been a rock band which makes use of the saxophone, flute and violins in addition to the drums and guitar?

Under the Table and Dreaming is an incredible CD from the Dave Matthews Band. Being the band's first all-studio release, this album is simply amazing, and the band continued with even better albums: Crash, and Before These Crowded Streets.

Even though the band is called the "Dave Matthews Band", Dave isn't the only person in the picture. Carter Beauford does a superb job on the drums, LeRoi Moore plays the saxophone with ease as well as the flute (such as in "Typical Situation", one of the best songs on the album), Steffan Lessard does a good job on the bass, and Boyd Tinsley is a great violinist. I love his solo on "Ants Marching".

For a break from annoying pop music that currently dominates the airwaves, check out the Dave Matthews Band. Under the Table and Dreaming is a great way to start, with 12 great songs including the mysterious and poetic sounding "Typical Situation", the lively and upbeat "Ants Marching", and the beautiful love song "Lover Lay Down". The album ends off with a great instrumental piece "#34".

The Dave Matthews Band really have talent: excellent songwriting from Dave, and four other musicians who together create a unique chemistry that you can't find in that many bands these days. If you like this album, you need to check out "Crash" and "Before These Crowded Streets" as well. Those albums are so amazing, you'll be begging for more when the album ends. "Everyday", their latest release was a good album, but the new producer that they hooked up with made the album too pop for us hard-core fans. Well, this July, the Dave Matthews Band comes out with a new album, "Busted Stuff" which will likely be another masterpiece, including songs from their unreleased Lillywhite sessions, and some new songs as well. And unlike "Everyday" the album will go back to the band's trademark sound that gave their first three studio releases lots of praise.

So, I've never really been a fan of the Dave Matthews Band. The main reason for this, I think, is because I just never really gave them a chance. I initially didn't care for Dave's voice, and I just really didn't think this was something that would interest me. I was wrong.

This is, in fact, a fantastic album, with solid songwriting, and immaculate musicianship. Strains of jazz and funk adorn the jam-oriented alt-rock sound perfectly. The "band" part of the Dave Matthews Band in fact overshadows the "Dave Matthews" part by great lengths. He is backed by an extraordinarily talented band, anchored perfectly by the super-groovin' rhythm section of Carter Beauford and Stefan Lessard. Other instruments, like violins, flutes, and saxophones swirl about in dizzying patterns, adding brilliant color to he melodic palette. And, harmonica chief John Popper even adds his trademark brand of awesomeness to "What Would You Say".

Now, back to Dave's voice. It is undoubtedly an acquired taste, and while he's not exactly my favorite singer, he's definitely grown on me quite a bit. He shows unexpected versatility, from the gentle, ethereal melodies of "Lover Lay Down" and "Satellite", to the suprisingly vicious growls of "Rhyme & Reason", to the trademark oddness of "Ants Marching". His acoustic guitar playing is not too shabby, either. True, he's no Monte Montgomery, but he still adds something special to the band's sound (listen to "Warehouse", in particular).

Anyway, this is a well-crafted, damn near perfect album, that deserves your attention. Don't worry if you don't love Dave's vocals right away, as there's plenty more here to enjoy. And yes, this is still the only DMB album I have. I definitely want more.