Dethroning the Titanic soundtrack, which sat atop the Billboard 200 for 16 consecutive weeks, Before These Crowded Streets was certified triple-platinum and began the band's impressive streak of six No. 1 albums in a row. The LA Times said: On this album, the band places an even higher premium on musical proficiency. Songs such as "Rapunzel" and "The Stone" are built around vertiginous polyrhythms and serpentine riffs that dart around Matthew's clenched vocals, yet always manage to lock into an enjoyable groove. The band continues to play a majority of the songs from this album in their nightly sets while on tour as it's been a favorite among fans for over two decades.
The 25th anniversary edition comes as an exclusive red and blue 2LP vinyl with an exclusive new booklet featuring rare photos. Lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Don't Drink The Water.