Album Essentials: The Dave Matthews Band - "Under the Table and Dreaming" (1994)
By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor
The Dave Matthews Band is the true definition of a fan-driven rock and roll success story. In 1993, they released their debut CD, 'Remember Two Things.’ This resulted from a consistently growing, rabid fan base for the unassuming band in Charlottesville, Virginia. The self-released disc went on to sell over one hundred thousand copies without major or indie label support. They took the music directly to fans, mostly college crowds, who took to their earthy, multi-cultural sound. Eventually, things were bursting at the seams, and the band signed a deal with RCA/BMG Records who released 'Under the Table and Dreaming' in September of 1994.
Coming into view on the heels of the 'alternative rock' revolution, it was out of place, yet right at home, in the landscape of the times. DMB combined traditional rock with a rootsy vibe, folk, and jazz influences, all with a jam band vibe and aesthetic. The whole stew was mixed with some modern touches and won the ears and loyalty of the masses. Early on, fans of the band even took to recording the band's live shows and trading with other fans ala the legendary tape trades of the Grateful Dead.
For a band only used to a live setting, they jumped in with both feet by enlisting Steve Lilywhite to produce the album. The legendary Lilywhite was well known for his work with everyone from U2 and Peter Gabriel to Talking Heads, Psychedelic Furs, and XTC. All a far cry from the DMB sound and style. It would prove, however, to be a wise choice when tracks like 'What Would You Say,' 'Satellite,' and 'Ants Marching' took off at alternative radio and MTV.
DMB stood out by being, for lack of a better description, normal! In the world of grunge superstars, nerdy pop, and angry industrial sounds, Dave and company provided their own alternative to the alternative. "The things that keep me excited about it," Matthews said in an interview promoting the album, "everybody has this different view of music, but when we're all together, we all come at it with this openness and aggression."
Though the band had a head start in their fan base to support the release, a steady motion pushed the album higher and higher, eventually just missing the US Top 10, clocking in at #11. It would go on to reach Platinum status six times over. The Dave Matthews Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.