Dave Matthews Band As Good As Ever

The Dave Matthews Band is in top form with their latest album, “Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95.”

The 2-CD set includes songs from both of the group’s prior RCA releases, “Crash” and “Under the Table and Dreaming” plus a few songs from earlier albums. A real far-out rendition of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” rounds out the mix.

The best songs are the longer songs. The opening track, “Seek Up,” is more than 12 minutes, but the music is ever-changing and fun, so the length is not a factor.

I must say, however, this is not an album for people who don’t enjoy solos. The songs are almost all longer than their studio album counterparts, but most of them are better because of the extra sax solos or violin jams. Track “#36’ has a jiving two minute drum solo on the intro. The rest of the song is delightfully funky. Also coming in longer here are fabulous renditions of “Satellite” and “Ants Marching.”

Another joy of this album is the clarity of Dave Matthew’s diction. You can actually understand most of what he is saying, something not always true on the studio albums.

This album is definitely a top-quality live album and a fine addition to the already smashing collection of the group’s recordings.