Dave Matthews Band Best Of What's Around, Vol. 1 CD

The first Dave Matthews Band release to compile the group's studio material, the fan-selected BEST OF WHAT'S AROUND features one disc of album tracks and a second disc of live performances. On the former, each of the jam band's six studio records are represented by only two tracks, a set-up that yields interesting results, since old favorites (e.g. "Ants Marching") are occasionally left behind in favor of less obvious numbers ("The Best of What's Around"). Several likely suspects do turn up, though, including Matthews's lightly funky breakthrough hit, "What Would You Say," the delicate "Crash into Me," and the lilting "American Baby."

"Ants Marching" does appear on the concert disc, which showcases Matthews and company in the comfort zone of the stage, where the charismatic singer/guitarist and his seemingly telepathic ensemble cut loose (particularly on the frenetic closer, "Two Step"). Although DMB diehards may find this collection superfluous, it serves as an excellent overview of the group's first 15 years together, and is the perfect set for newcomers daunted by Matthews's considerable discography.

Audio Mixers: John Alagia; Serban Ghenea; Steve Lillywhite; Tom Lord-Alge; Brian Malouf.

Liner Note Author: Steve Morse.

Recording information: Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI (07/25/2000-07/02/2006); Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (07/25/2000-07/02/2006); Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO (07/25/2000-07/02/2006); Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY (07/25/2000-07/02/2006); Sound Advice Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL (07/25/2000-07/02/2006); State Theater, Sydney, Australia (07/25/2000-07/02/2006); Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Selma, TX (07/25/2000-07/02/2006).

Photographers: Sam Erickson; Barnaby Draper; Warren Darius Aftahi; Rudy Arias; Danny Clinch.

Dave Matthews Band: Dave Matthews (vocals, guitar); Boyd Tinsley (vocals, mandolin, electric violin); Stefan Lessard (bass guitar); LeRoi Moore, Carter Beauford.

Personnel: Dave Matthews (vocals, guitar); LeRoi Moore (vocals, woodwinds, saxophone); Carter Beauford (vocals, drums, percussion); Vusi Mahlasela (vocals); Stefan Lessard (guitar); Tim Reynolds (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin); Rashawn Ross (trumpet); Butch Taylor (piano, organ, keyboards, background vocals).