'Streets' paved in gold for DMB

Throughout recent years, The Dave Matthews Band has been collecting an abundance of fans, attracting swarms of concert-goers from venue to venue across the country and selling albums like hotcakes.

But the truly impressive accomplishment is that the group has achieved this success despite an almost complete lack of attention from mainstream radio and media.

Well, until last year that is, when DMB's hit single "Crash Into Me" transformed one of music's best kept secrets to pop's latest trend.

This change left many dedicated fans worried that maybe, following this newfound commercial success, a new DMB style would emerge with the goal of appealing to the masses.

The question of whether DMB would sell out was left to be answered with the release of "Before These Crowded Streets."

Last Tuesday the album put an end to all anxieties, making it clear that the group's music will remain as unique and creative as ever.

"Streets" takes more risks than any album DMB has done in the past. Its diversity is amazing, as the style of music changes drastically from song to song.

REVIEW
	Dave Matthews Band Before These Crowded Streets BMG/RCA 4 stars

Despite a few failed attempts, the majority of the risks taken on this album are highly successful and the album is extremely entertaining.

"Last Stop" has a supernatural, very Mid-Eastern sound to it. It is intense and even frightening, but a great song. And powerful lyrics such as "Scream / Right is wrong now / Shut up you big lie" add to its intensity.

This style is juxtaposed with happier, lighter songs such as "Pantala Naga Pampa" and "Pig."

Tracks such as these are successfully energetic and optimistic, with lyrics including "Come and relax now / Put your troubles down."

Another of the album's triumphs is its studio version of "Halloween," previously released live on "Remember Two Things."

As one of DMB's finest songs, the decision to record a new version of "Halloween" was a good one, although the rendition on "Streets" isn't quite as praiseworthy as its predecessor.

One noteworthy aspect of "Streets" is a guest appearance on two songs by Alanis Morisette, who makes an impressive contribution to background vocals.

Unfortunately, there are instances in which DMB's creativity is not so successful. The cheerful, romantic "Stay" is a remarkable tune, but the band's addition of R&B background vocals in the chorus is quite unwelcome.

The band also has apparently lost some of it amazing ability to jam together. The longer songs on "Streets" with extensive instrumental sections just don't contain the excitement or astonishing violin solos we have heard in DMB's past work. The instrumentals in "Dreaming Tree" actually sound more like elevator music than modern rock.

Not all songs lack instrumental genius, however. The blend of the violin, guitars, bass, viola, cello and drums in "The Stone," for example, is as superb as ever.

Although the album marks a risky creative leap for DMB, fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that "Before These Crowded Streets" has been released.

05-05-98