In high school this song felt like it was written for me (the 2nd verse) and it helped me survive. When I was blessed enough to meet Dave I asked him what inspired him to write Dreaming Tree and he said it was The Giving Tree that his nephew and niece always had him read to them. Another incredible song is Grey Street but you should check out his live version!

This album has some of the most incredible DMB tunes, I would recommend checking out Crush, Rapunzel, Stay (Wasting Time), Pig, and those are just from this album. Really cool discography from these guys, first 3 albums are winners from start to finish

As beautiful as this song is, it weaves a story of sorrow and dreams that fall to a harsh and unforgiving reality. I love this song, but there is so much sadness to it's tale. Only DMB could bring it to life and fill you with so many emotons.

Hell yes, this is my absolute favorite DMB album. This song especially, i feel like Dave Matthews really put out some of his most poetic lyrics for this beautiful song.

I have seen them at least 15 times live. One was just a few weeks ago. This band is so incredibly talented and their lyrics make you think. Thank you for getting them some play.

Great album. My favourite Dave Matthews Band song is on this album, the incredible ‘Don’t Drink The Water’. Thanks for the video Justin. 😁

Stefan is a fan of Tool and he frequently makes nods to them in his playing. This whole album is an absolute gem. Its one of my favorites of all time because its such a perfect complete album that sounds best being played from beginning to end in one session. But I do have a favorite track...The Stone. Highly recommend that you listen!!!!

This is one of the most proggy tracks by The Dave Matthews band, from a great album (probably their best one)

Lyrically a masterpiece The story telling is amazing

Trust me it's worth your time to watch a live version of this song.

BTCS is such a classic album. Dreaming Tree is such a moving song also heart braking at times it was written right after the Bass player Fonz who co wrote the song infant daughter passed of SIDS so its super personal to him and a big reason why its rarely played live. If you want to listen to a different DMB song may I suggest one of these off the Busted stuff album Busted Stuff, You Never Know or Gray Street

I have a golf buddy with whom I occasionally carpool to drive out to a nice golf course out in the far reaches of the exurbs. We are both music people. I insisted he listen to some Marillion. He insisted I listen to his Dave Matthews playlist, because he felt Matthews' music was equally proggy. I'm not sold yet on Matthews's vocals. They seem to be somewhat unnatural and contrived to my ear, and his voice, although pleasant enough, is one of those quiet ones that only exist because there are microphones and electricity to amplify voices these days. But his music is very good. I'm not quite ready yet to say it is prog. It seems more like a fusion of rock and jazz, which is a good thing in my book. He's not afraid to noodle a bit here and there, in odd tempos, and changes in themes, and the listener needs a nimble mind to follow him. He is clearly trying to unleash his creative juices, and he produces music which is clearly far above the norm for his era.

If you're a fan of 7/8 time signature, you should also check out DMB's "Seven", where main groove bounces back and forth between a 2+2+3 and a 3+2+2 pattern while maintaining quarter notes in 7/4 on the hi-hat

I haven't listened to Dave Matthews Band for over 10 years, so I hadn't heard this song before. It was pretty damn good, so now I guess I need to go back and check out what I have missed from over the past decade.

There's hardly a bad song to be found on this album, imo. Sometimes sad, but beautiful.

How have I never heard this song before? So majestic

Interesting interpretation of the lyrics! I believe the true meaning of the song is about the still birth of bassist stefan lessard's child. The Dreaming Tree is a metaphor for the child they lost; stefan is the centerpiece of the first verse describing a reflection of his dreaming tree (his lost child). The mother is the girl in the second verse, describing more specifically the pregnancy and the events surrounding it. This story is also why the song features the bass so heavily. Before These Crowded Streets is one of the band's darkest albums, and the "deepest" tracks on it don't have the commercial recognition they deserve (aside from The Dreaming Tree, check out The Stone, Spoon, Pig, Dont Drink The Water, Halloween, The Last Stop, really the entire album...) For more deep DMB tracks with brilliant music accompaniment, I recommend the album Busted Stuff, specifically the tracks: Grey Street, Bartender, Captain, Raven, Grace is Gone, and You Never Know (this one is their best!!!).

DMB? Put me down as a ‘hell yeah!”. Really enjoyed this one. His arrangements are soooo good. Kind of strange to see others use the term prog with DMB. Never thought of it this way but hey... So many good songs. I love You and Me. It was a song I needed when it came out. From this album Stay (Wastin’ Time) and Crush are really good.

This was a pleasant surprise to see on the channel! I wouldn't call myself a huge fan of Dave Matthews Band exactly, but this is one of my cherished albums. It's got such an atmosphere and flow about it, and you picked a great song to jump into it. "The Dreaming Tree" always reminds me a little of the instrumental bit in the first half of "The Cinema Show" by Genesis. Not the giant keyboard solo at the end, mind you, but the stuff with the 12-string guitars between the verses. Peter plays a flute solo on the record, but live they didn't have that, so it was all just raw atmosphere very similar to what you have running through this song. Maybe that's just me. I think your musical analysis of this one was particularly good. Great points about how Dave's vocals feel effortless. All the phrases kind of connect and blend, and his semi-monotone delivery gives them an easy fluidity that perfectly matches the mood of the song. Then you have the layers and layers of arrangement going on, and I feel like you could listen to this song 20 times back to back and still find something new to appreciate each time. To answer a couple of your questions, DMB aren't progressive rock per se, though as with this song they do cross that border from time to time. They're more of a jazz-rock-folk-fusion outfit, I'd say. But that's a similar wheelhouse to progressive rock, in that you get your songs through jamming and improvisation and tend to follow where the music leads instead of being a slave to standard pop song structures. As for the last thirty seconds, one of the hallmarks of Before These Crowded Streets in particular is that it's full of little between-track interludes like that. There are seven total interspersed in the album's eleven tracks, and they all just kind of help the thing flow but also feel loose to an extent. So it's not really part of "The Dreaming Tree"; you can consider the song over when the music first fades out.

Woke up from dreaming, all I remember is the last snooze dream fragment. Turquoise blue buses down by a creek, a Native American reservation being driven past and my feeling I needed to do something there. Would I be welcome or turned away. Woke up. Dreaming Tree, huh, ok. I have a couple Dave Matthews albums, not sure which except the double live acoustic with Tim Reynolds. So, was better than I thought, actually was pretty darn sweet. Lots going on but also lots of space. Tried figuring out his main riff and later felt like adding a blowing guitar solo. I like this song. It’s chill, which comes in handy now a days. Hope you can continue David Sancious’s Transformation (Speed of Love), at least play the last song with the same name. Would fit a long song weekend... Take care everyone, dream of no masks but wear one to live another day, Peace and dreaming Music (shout out to my Native American brothers and sisters)

Had never heard of Dave Matthews Band and I absolutely loved it! When the song ended my first thought was "Wow, this is why music is cool." I have mentioned Channel Light Vessel once before but the approach to composition in this song very much reminds me of them. I highly recommend cheking them out too! "Loose Connections" would be an excellent starter.

You should definitely look at some live performances of this song. Unreal

Dude...you are smitten with DMB!!! I was too when I first heard them. Enjoy

I heard some early Gabriel in Dave’s voice. Talk singing as he told the story.

JP, IMHO the best album by DMB is the "Big Whiskey & the Gru Grux King" which is a tribute to their original saxophonist LeRoi Moore who passed away from an ATV accident on his farm. Listen to anything on that album because it is that good!

A small tidbit of info. Dave bought a vineyard and the wine is called Dreaming Tree Wine.

Absolutely love this song. Also (drummer here) love 7/8. I encourage you to check out "Estimated Prophet" by Grateful Dead, also a smooth 7/8.

I really enjoyed the way you went through the musical components one at a time, and then read over the lyrics to really seek out the story and the meaning behind the song. This felt like a college level conversation about poetry and music. Very well done!

Hey JP, love DMB... had been a while since I had heard this one. It brought me back for sure. You should check out the DMB song The Last Stop or Don't Drink the Water which are on this same album. Cheers!

I find it interesting you mentioned the bassist and the drummer right off the bat as they are actually the only two original founding members still with the band as of today... I know this was recorded 11 months ago I'm wondering how far down the journey you've taken with these guys because they've got some fabulous tunes I know you're going to love... And oh my gosh the videos you have to watch some of the videos! especially on the second LP crash... And the philanthropic work the band did from the very start of their careers is just amazing.

i would say dmb is mostly folk-rock with a heavy jazz influence and often "proggy" or unconventional song structures. Always creative, always interesting, very emotional music. I've seen them live twice now ant it's always a great time. Sadly it's hard to get a chance here, in europe they are more of an insider tip.

I'd recommend you to listen to DMB's The Stone and to Say Goodbye.

Great Reaction! 👍 One of my favorite bands. So many great albums for you to discover.

Nice reaction! This whole album is stellar. From beginning to end, every song just gets better.

Listened to this album a bunch as a teenager, then eventually got bored and gave it to a friend. I was hoping hearing this song again would awaken some fond memories, but I really don't remember it at all. It's fine and pleasant, but I wish it had some more crunch, or spice, or something.

First listen for me too. Formidable! Listened without watching you - but this time I was all certain you were loving it too 😊

Not sure if you are watching anything, but you should really check out their songs live in concert. That's how DMB is meant to be experienced. Truly.

I took "Before" in the title as "in front of. I love this album. Worth a full listen. They have a violinist, so that might be violin. They are lumped in as a jam band as they were a regular on the HORDE Tours for years. Carter is one of my favorite drummers.

Great video! Thanks for sharing. The Dreaming Tree is what I consider DMB's all-around best "studio" song. It's just masterfully played, created, produced, etc. Before These Crowded Streets is easily my favorite DMB album from start to finish. Your comment about what category/genre would you consider DMB is an interesting one, and gets to the heart of what makes DMB such an all-time great band (IMO) - they really can't be described as one genre. They truly span an array of genres, which is so rare (especially nowadays). I would say this album (Before These Crowded Streets) is definitely their most "progressive rock" sound (BTW - you absolutely should listen to this whole album from start to finish. It's unbelievably good). I think when they started to hit it mainstream in the US, they were considered "Alternative" rock. They had a brief "Pop/Rock" period around 2000-2002 with the album Everyday. But their roots as a band are very much a blend of jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock. You can almost find a song from the DMB catalogue for any genre...seriously. Just a remarkably talented band. As you mention so often, Carter is just a beast. Also, shoutout and RIP to LeRoi Moore who plays beautifully on this track. Brought a smile and a tear to my eye listening to this song again as I forgot how hauntingly beautiful his sax and flute are in this tune. Thanks again for the videos man! Love when you do DMB.

I haven't listed to DMB in a long time. I went to see them live mostly because they had the amazing Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters open, great show! I never considered them "prog" or anything, they were mostly labeled "Alternative" or "Jam-band" from what I remember, that had a few mainstream pops hits though and were pretty big at one point. . Greg Howard who is a fantastic Chapman Stick player was a guest on this track btw , so that also gives it a bit more of "prog" feel on some parts since that sound is associated a lot with Tony Levin (King Crimson/Peter Gabriel etc) . They definitely are very talented and have great guest musicians like Bela Fleck on their albums as well.

First, thumbs up on that backdrop! It looks like something from a DMB album cover! Second, definitely won't go wrong reacting to a DMB song. I'm not sure if there's a copyright issue with their live music but the live version of this is like 20 minutes long and everyone gets a chance to solo! Third, I noticed you checking out the bass at the beginning. If you like bass another great song from DMB is "Crush". I mean, they have a lot of great song for bass, with Carter Beauford on drums you need a master bass player, but Crush kicks off with a nice bass riff that you ride through the whole song! Crank up your sub and enjoy that one! Fourth, and most important, thanks for uploading this reaction! As far Carter, he is a monster and there's a someone low res video of him playing "Tripping Billies" from his DVD "Under The Table and Drumming" and the fills he does are so sick! The song doesn't call for anything as intricate as he makes it, let alone adding in hi-hat triplets just to fill space because he has time while changing beats! LOL Read the comments on that video, a lot of drummers are blown away by that performance! The lyrics to "Big Fish" and "Grey Street" are pretty cool to dissect, but that's true about many songs. At concerts "Ants Marching", "Grace Is Gone" and "Bartender" are fan favorites that get everyone singing along!

I'm also a fan 7/8 IMO it allows for so much interplay between melody and rhythm and room for the brass and woodwind to riff. There is no blank canvas you can add anything more to, if that makes any sense.

Ooh yeah, that was good!

In my youth I was enamered with technical ability as a musician. I live in LA and was able to see the top session and fusion guys. I got burnt out with it. Tunes began to sound the same, play the head and each band member takes a shredding solo. Repeat. I craved great ensemble playing and went back to my prog roots. I've sat five feet away from Allan Holdsworth more times than you can count.

Okay ... your reference to cello was Leroy Moore playing bass clarinet. He was a serious multi-instrumentalist. I know your introduction to DMB has progressed since this, but he (and they) tell stories that always seem to draw reactions from me as a listener. This album features the small "interstitial/bridging bumpers" at the end of the songs that lead into the next track. From a production perspective, this allows the CD to be used/played in broadcast or other settings with a cold start to the actual song being played. I've heard this used on live albums (I believe J Tull Bursting Out does this) where audience interaction/speaking about what's next is at the end of a track allowing the next track to start with music immediately.

A perfect album all around. My favorite of theirs. During the 90's assumed that could no wrong... Then they did. Fun fact. I was friends and did posters photos for band in Memphis. DMB asked for them to open a show for them because Dave liked them from another show they played together. This was about the time the got signed. Because of problems with the venue my friends mostly left after their set. I left as well not knowing who DMB was at the time. If I stayed I could have seen them for free before they hit it big. Missed opportunities. I did however get kicked off stage for sitting on the platform of their drum kit while changing lenses as I took photos. 😀

You nailed it by saying prog rock with some contemporary/adult rock. Also a touch of Jazz at times depending on which song of theirs you listen to. Their songs and albums all have different flavors which is nice. As someone who grew up listening to the first and original Prog Band Genesis with Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, i love how DMB is also a great band that has great musicians, song writing and a unique overall sound.

This is a nice composition.

Style and time frame wise DMB fits as 'Jammy' Someone else said fusion of rock & jazz, which also fits well into Jammy as many of those bands fusion rock with something. And prog elements are common for that genre, in limited use. 12/8 is such a more versatile time signature than 4/4 that I always appreciate it, especially in slower tempo compositions.

First listen for me as well and I loved it. I always neglected Dave Matthews Band thinking (my bad) that they were a leftover from the 80's, a decade that I'm not fond of (with few exceptions). And yes, this song is as prog as it gets. P.S.: Dave Mathhew's voice reminds me of someone, but after several listens I can't spot out who. There's a little of Ray Lamontagne, maybe, or Bonnie Prince Billy singing in tune, but I know they're not whom I'm looking for. Can anybody help?

You should listen to The Dave Matthews Band songs Seek up ( Epic Wailing Version) and Tripping Billies. You really should listen to the live versions of their songs. They are much better live than the studio versions. I've been a fan since '95 and can't imagine my life without DMB.

Thought I knew a bit of MDB... I was wrong. Well, I do not say I have heard all music from all artists. This was a new song for me... and I loved it.

One of my all time favourite albums

Check out some live performances of this song, especially the Piedmont Park and Summer Tour Warm up ones.

I’ve never taken the time to dive into DMB but it has the elements that I like in music. Thanks for the exposure. My favorite time signature is a slow 6/8. An example is Misunderstanding by Genesis. I like my 6/8 a little slower than that and a little heavier.

The riff reminds me of rush-natural science

DMB has many (MANY!) awesome songs in their catalogue. A couple of my faves (avoiding "Crash Into Me" - or not) "Two Step, Ants Marching, Lie In Our Graves" and "Typical Situation"

Loved this!The style is elegant and well orchestrated. Move on a song on Loggins and Messina‘s mother lode album is similar yet perfected. It would be on your playlist on top I promise you

Check out Two Step by Dave Matthews Band!

Leave for the land of Nod,bough down as your dreams take root in an acorn of wisdom. Peace.

Funny you mentioned Tool...one of Stefan Lessard's favorites.

Dave Matthews live at Benaroya hall. You'll understand how great of a guitarist Dave is 🤯

Hey! I’d love for you to see them live..on me! Look at their rescheduled tour dates for this year, pick a show and I’ll take care of the rest..you have to see them play in person. Life changing!

Check out bartender from busted stuff album. Driving song. Really good.

This had a familiarity about it yet I knew I hadn't heard it. Then I realized that Iron And Wine, which I only know from Shepard's Dog and a couple of songs at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, has a very similar vibe... Well the main part at least. I wouldn't think of this as prog but that is cool because good music is good music. For dreamy and ethereal, you need to listen to Patrick Watson.

I've always liked their drummer Carter Beauford.

You would really enjoy DMB “Crush” live at Central Park. They really are a band to see live. And given the things you loved about this song, I think you’d love that, especially the bass! ❤️

That album cover reminds me of The Blue Nile (atmosphere ?). Speaking of them, have you heard "Headlights On The Parade"? Anyway, nice DMB song. I have always had a healthy respect for their talent, even though they are not my cup of tea. Your reaction makes me wish it were otherwise.

Listen to Spoon Alanis Morissette sings the last verse. amazing song as well

Dude, I know I'm late on this, but if you're into drums you have to react to Dave Matthews Band "Tripping Billies Drums (Studio)". It will amaze you I promise, plus it is a great song.

I too have spent a lot of time riffing on 7.

Re: "Did this remind anyone of Tool?" Hmmm...I didn't make that connection at first, but I DID get a later King Crimson vibe, and Jakszyk, Fripp and Collins on A SCARCITY OF MIRACLES, in some of the atmosphere and rhythm, so from there I can make a jump to Tool (and now that you point it out). As for the question of their "progginess", you wouldn't be the first to make that association. Bill Martin, author of MUSIC OF YES and LISTENING TO THE FUTURE: THE TIME OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK, has made that argument as well.

BtCS and Big Whiskey are the best studio albums

I need to listen to more DMB, but, I never realized how much Dave Matthews sounds like Peter Gabriel. Is it just me? What do you think? Thanks for all your videos, Justin!

Try “the best of what’s around” by Dave

I mean... how many other bands outside of jazz are writing songs in 7/8 like Dreaming Tree is? Oh... and Rapunzel on this same album is in 5/4. How many other bands are writing anything outside of 4/4?

What about the Chapman stick? Feel good? It is about Stefan's baby dying 😭

i absolutely agree about that DM seems to drift over the instrumentation with his vocals on this song. They are considered to be proggy yes, but more towards the jazzfusion jamband side. Beauford plays over the bar A LOT in this song, which is why its so hard to follow i think.

Hi, JP. Dave from across The Wide, Open Sea. First listen for me too, and I love it. Beautiful, lilting rhythm, sinuous melody, soothing vocals (sounding a bit like REM's Michael Stipe), and really interesting instrumentation. Great analysis of the lyrics too. People of my generation often hark back to better times gone by.

my cat and I are ready to respond to this typing ready get sat respond! I have a feelin it will be naff so here goes.... Pete Gab tune - soft sun san jacinto !! sax - joni mitchell ? Jeff Buckley ish vox quiver voice i would have loved this in 93 not knowing who it was his name conjures country rock in my head but we're used to this battle versus bias on this channel is it growing on me as it traverses thru verses and chorus? yes. But is his vocal blowin me away? No! Bring back the Jeff of the Buckley oh no the name Nickelback has just entered my consciousness I'll hear this tonight at 11pm and it will be completely different There's a king Crimson 80s vibe meetin a soprano Jethro Tull on the outro There. I'm all done with my references, it's Unique! After all that - it's unique. But did it make me Cry? and that Justin is the question and the Meini Prawf Llwyddiant ? / Success Criteria that's drilled into pupils' minds these days.

i refuse to give up. hopefully, one day, there will be a reaction to pivot gang: hero, please 😎🔥👍

So you talk about your playlist sometimes on the channel, and I was wondering if you would think about linking a public playlist through Spotify so your listeners can listen to your own curated playlist from the songs you've listened to on the channel? I think it would be a cool thing and I would listen to it.

I believe the bass is a Chapman stick on this one.

Can you review some Burton Cummings

OOOOOOooooouuuuuu...wwweeeeeeee!!!! This band.....This Band ...hearing them...watching them and seeing them in concert......Oh man.....Right up there with Yes...Led Zeppelin...Steely Dan.....Rush....Pink Floyd......This Band are the new gods of Rock n Roll along with Tool....I get goose bumps hearing their name.....I get goose bumps hearing them play!!!! Dave has in his group two Black violin players(Excellent); 4 men horn section; 2 men drummer percussionists; a black musician playing the Flute; and his band looks like he went down to New Orleans bar and pick up these guy or went out on the streets of New Orleans and picked these guys up and said "Come play with me." and they said "Sho" and the jammed together. Then recorded and went on tour. Just Incredible Band!!!!!

wen is the next rush reaction?

Hmm, not sure. Thought I recognised name DM, looked him up, but no. Maybe i need to listen again. There was lot of nice playing on this, a lot of individual pieces going on.That said, first hearing, and it didn't gel for me. I felt like it were a case of the whole NOT being greater than the sum of its parts. Also that it was unnecessarily long. This could have been condensed easily to about 5 mins from 9. I can't say DM's made a good first impression.

I’ll like just for not doing fucking “bartender” because everyone else did. Well done sir

The last 20 seconds wasnt actually a part of the song. They put these little tracks between songs to give the album a different feel. It worked for the most part at the time but now its a mess reccomending any single songs from this album because of it. It can be confusing to a first time dmb listener. Best live version of this is probably "LIVE AT PIEDMONT PARK " from 2007. One of the major highlights of that set besides playing "melissa" with greg allman.

It's about time you got back to DMB. You seemed to really love "#41", and "The Dreaming Tree" is also one of my favorites from them. Don't listen to people who tell you that DMB songs are all the same. The musicianship is always stellar, so there's the similarity. I'm once again requesting "Don't Drink the Water" by DMB, which sounds like it was influenced by Peter Gabriel to me. There's a raw anger in Dave's delivery reminiscent of Pete for me. Please and ty and great job as always. BTW, Carter is that great every song.

Do Joy division Unknown Pleasures you’ve done she’s lost control off the Albums and there’s much better stuff on the album

You probably got this a lot from the DMB videos but the album version doesn’t do it justice… you need to listen to a live version for the full effect

The singer is... Uh... Dave Matthews... Hahaha!!

This one runs a little long for me, not a favorite of mine.

Please more dmb

DMB Typical Situation

They're a good band but it's a bit like easy listening and his voice reminds me of (the quieter) modern commercial singers.

You HAVE to get to Grey Street of you haven’t already

You can't categoriize a band into one song. Yes, Cater is great -- but the band is more than Carter. I would also you suggest you Google the meaning of the song. DMB isn't Tool.

This was just not for me, but I won't give the video a thumbs down, beause it had nothing to do with what you said, Justin - this song works around 7/8 rhythm, and I have to say that this is the most boring 7/8 time signature I have ever listened to; furthermore, Mr. Matthews' vocals just didn't appeal to me. Nevertheless, keep up searhing the music horizon, JP! Keep safe, everybody - cheers from sunny Denmark!!! ...