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DMB are known more-so for their live act then their studio prescence and persona. I guess BTCS has a claim to fame for DMB with it's release, but for the most part alot of us view this band as a live act first. But in doing so, we sometimes over look the hidden gems tucked away in the albums over the years. I've been listening to all of the albums lately and just gathering bits and pieces here there. Things that just capture, not only my interest, but my imagination as well. Here is what I think are DMB's top 10 studio tracks:
10. What Would Youd Say - UTTAD - For alot of us here this was the first we had ever heard of DMB. It was the first look, well listen, at what would become a fascination for most of us. This track emobies the more groovy/funky side of DMB and was a perfect song to throw out into an era of grunge infested airwaves. I think it could be the best single DMB has released so far. That doesn't mean it's the best song DMB ever released, rather it was the catchiest tune and out of DMB's singles it was the quickest to catch on with the mainstream(w/ respect to Crash Into Me). This track was mixed perfectly and blended with just the right amount of overlaying with LeRoi and Popper's solos.
9. Dreams Of Our Fathers - Everyday - Although I'm almost certain 99% of you won't agree with this, I still stand by it. Everyday may not be your favorite album, it may not be the best, it may not have been a full band or joint effort but this album still holds one FINE piece. This song is probably one of the more interesting DMB has done. As far as Dave is concerned DOOF has his most unique and interesting vocal delivery to date. Many people hate Glenn for hos work here but he did his job and did it well. DMB may not be the type of band who mixes well with such a pop producer but that doesn't mean Glenn didn't hgave a few shining moments. A very well produced and mixed track, that wasn't too loud or out-of-the-norm from what ED's intentions were.
8. Ants Marching - UTTAD - Every sound, note, and mark were perfectly placed and heard on this track. There was no denying the high power of this track. Even though Ants flows through here it's obviously clear that this track encases a rawness that was felt thoughout the entire album(UTTAD). Only, here, Steve managed to capture that rawness and tweak it just enough to give it a clean/crisp feel. This is DMB's signature song and you even get engraved notion while listening.
7. Don't Drink The Water - BTCS - A track that always seems to be overlooked when mentioning the greatness of this record. It's hard to ignore the power and rugged feel of this track. Bela and Alanis were placed perfectly in the final cut. The core of the song was not overdrawn or overbarred. The additions of the guests were done small, smooth, and very classy. Dave's vocals here are very passionate. At some points during this track you can almost hear Dave clenching his teeth while singing. This track doesn't seem glossed or shined over. It's left with alot of hollow ground but it gives off a cold and lonely vibe. One of the most sarcastic of Dave's/DMB's tunes it was captured here without hesitation.
6. Bartender - LWS - Even though this album was not released, nor completed it's still a factor in the studio sound we can learn from with this band. This track is one of the most "firey" performances of this song. Other performances may have greater aspects, such as the wail, but this versions ending was one of the reasons why we listen to the album and wonder why this band wasn't so inspired....especialy with an emotionaly out-pour and soul-bleeding performance such as this. Everything was captured in it's fleeting perfection. Carter was absolutely perfect and was enhanced only by Steves ability to collect his sound and touch it up. Is it really fair to compare the LWS to anoy of the other studio albums? Maybe not. But I think there were certain tracks on the LWS that just give you the clear view of how this album could have turned out if it was mastered and fully produced. I can't imagine the epic lengths that this track could have reached if DMB were able to see this album all the way through.
5. Rhyme & Reason - UTTAD - As was with DDTW and BTCS, this is the same situation. Rhyme & Reason almost always seems to be denied its proper due. It is, without a doubt, the most perfect sounding track off the album and it's production is a prime example of why DMB loved, trusted, and revered Lillywhite so much. His tweaking with DMB's sound and style were anything but there. His tweaking of how they sounded in the studio WAS there. And this is one of those tracks that defined a relationship between producer and artist(s). The distortions done to the vocals enhanced the meaning and feeling of the song to a whole new level. No one was left in the background on this track, no one was too far ahead, leaving others drowned or not needed. Every member comes through the speakers and contributes equaly on this track. Steve's production on this track showed he wasn't affraid to try things with a band he had never worked with before. Amazing track.
4. Raven - BS - I'm not a big fan of what Steve Harris has done with Dave/DMB. But the one thing I think Harris did that was the most important was this track. If there was any song off of the LWS that was just itching to be tweaked and revamped, it was Raven. A hollow song, with no solid backbone or structure. A song that needed to be tightened in order for it to fit the maturing sound of this band. Well, on Busted Stuff, Harris did just that. It was shortened, tightened, tweaked, and cleaned up. The messiness of the vocal arrangement was straightened and was clearly the forefront of this track.
3. Proudest Monkey - Crash - Crash is my favorite album by far. But I think very few tracks from this album were produced with such a manor as so we would view them as anything more than just album tracks. PM is a serious contender for one of the finest endings to any DMB album. The way Steve turned Tim up during this track only proved the song to be more rootsy than was though before. Carter's symbol work were captured here like no other track off Crash. And the climax of the song was held without going overboard. This track could have easily been a feast for the overdramatic by drawing the climax out to higher levels, but Lillywhite kept it calm and under control and the levels are absolutley perfect.
2. Dreaming Tree - BTCS - There is only DMB studio track that is considered, by many, as epic. Dreaming Tree for years has been viewed as one of th best and for good reasons. It's haunting and eerie additions long after the vocals give the song a more meaningful look. Everything from Carter's subtle playing to Dave's vocals and everything in between garnered this track the crowning achievement of what DMB are still striving to do with thier studio sound.
1. Crush - BTCS - Even with years of amazing and perfect performances of this song, the studio track still remains the most inspirational. This is what it's all about for DMB. Where they've come from, and where they're going, musicaly, can all be answered when listening to this track. Steve's job on this is only a reflection of his commitment witht his band over the previous years and with thier recordings. Nothing touches this track. With 2 albums before recorded with Tim, it wasn't until the 3rd that he was finaly used in a manor that suited him perfectly. Every note was crisp, every snare hit was soft yet enforcing, and Dave's vocal delivery was captured in a way that only sets standards for other records in the future for this band. 
