Under The Table & Dreaming holds a very special place in my heart.

TableIt’s the album that introduced me (and most of the rest of the world) to Dave Matthews Band. I fell in love with them almost immediately, and that love affair has continued through countless albums and 11 shows? 12 shows? Um…let’s just say that I’ve seen DMB a number of times.

Although I can’t say DMB’s ever released a bad¹ album, Under The Table is one of the best. Even if Dave was still writing lyrics in pidgin English, the album ranks as a winner. “The Best Of What’s Around” never fails to put a smile on my face, “Rhyme & Reason” and “Typical Situation” address my more thoughtful side, and “What Would You Say” and “Ants Marching” still hold up after thousands of listens on tape, CD, digital file, radio station and concert². Plus, “Lover Lay Down” is a solid dry run for what would end up being the band’s most famous/infamous single, “Crash Into Me.”

On the 20th anniversary of Under The Table’s release, the Dave Matthews Band is releasing a remastered version of the classic album on CD and vinyl-for the first time ever (as well as digitally.) The album will contain an additional 3 tracks, including a studio version of “Granny,” which has been a live favorite for eons.

You can preorder the CD and vinyl versions here. The Under The Table… reissue will be released November 24th.

¹-There have been a couple of mediocre ones, though.

²-In addition to the loop video we had to play every day at the Tower Records store that employed me. I saw the “Ants Marching” video 5 times a day for maybe three months straight. And I still like the song!!