The recent death of Leroi Moore, the iconic saxophone player for Dave Matthews Band left a big hole in their very unique lineup. Moore's sax playing defined several classic DMB tracks and none more than the songs on this album.
Released back in 1998, Before These Crowded Streets was DMB's first collaboration with producer Steve Lillywhite and more so than any of their previous efforts, he was able to capture the live briliance of the band in the studio. Leroi Moore and violinist Boyd Tinsley lead the way with soaring melodies, whether it is the snaky Middle Eastern “The Last Stop' or the punchy “Rapunzel”.
For me, the quintessential track is the unabashedly romantic and sensuous “Crush” with its killer jazz rhythm anchored by Stefan Lessard on bass and Carter Beauford on drums. The song ebbs and flows but the rhythm stays true. Moore's saxophone is the highlight here along with Matthews impassioned singing.
'Don't Drink The Water' is uncharacteristically dark venture for the band, with a guest appearance on backing vocals by Alanis Morissette. Matthews growls the lyrics about genocide and the environment while Morissette wails in the background in a storm of drums, saxophone and guitars. The songs are a little more commercial compared to DMB's earlier work, but they still manage to showcase the individual talents of the band. This is easily their most polished work, and a great album from the 90's.