Dave Matthews is unquestionably the most talented musician alive. He can play the acoustical guitar and/or sing at the same time and his song “All Along the Watchtower” has been covered by Jimi Hendrix, Gov’t Mule, and moe. When Dave wrote “Satellite” he singlehandedly began the Space Race and one time he played that one song about the Nancies dancing for like 20 minutes.
But hands down, Dave’s masterpiece is his pop ballad “Crash (Into Me)”. Amazingly, 75% of the 5 minute song is a variation of a single chord and with lyrics like, “hike up your skirt a little more and show your world to me” and “crash into me and I come into you… I come into you” it’s been widely embraced as one of the most romantic songs of our time.
In commemoration of this paramount pop gem, I’ve compiled a Top Five list of fan videos that help sum up why Dave and his song “Crash (Into Me)” are literally on top of the musical universe. Like in a literal way.

5. brusketwagon

brusketwagon starts out this 6 minutes of magic by finishing his mineral water and Smirnoff Ice (Dave’s drink of choice) before launching into the timeless intro that’s repeated over and over and over throughout the song. However, it’s not until brusketwagon begins the song by pulling off a perfect match of Dave’s trademark wince and head jerk as he launches into opening lines, “you’ve got ya baaalllls” that the song really come alive.

Highlight Moment: The 4:02 mark when brusketwagon looks at the camera and informs you that he was watching you from the window when you were naked and you can really feel he means it.

4. sras2000

Despite the fact that sras2000 has some pitch problems during the last 4:30 of the song, this is a very earnest and heartfelt rendition that I’m sure Dave would be proud to call his own. Donning a shirt that can’t really decide if it wants to be a turtleneck or not, sras2000 occasionally glances up at the tabs he pulled up online to be sure he doesn’t forget the lyrics or any of the four chords he plays as he pours his heart out nailing this classic hit.

Highlight Moment: The 2:05-2:16 mark. That first chorus is really special.

3. santiagochamp

First, I’d like to say I’ve been a fan of Santiago ever since he posted his cover of John Mayer’s “Comfortable”. So naturally I was really excited when I found out he also posted a cover of “Crash”. And here, once again, Santiago proves why he is, in fact, “champ” as he looks right in the camera imploring you to “crash into [him]” (in a sexual way).

Highlight Moment: Pause the video at 5:03. Oh, Santiago- what are you doing to me?

2. brightlinecd

This cover was definitely one of my favorites. The only real problem that I have with the video is that it’s only 46 seconds long. But you can still really feel the full emotional impact of the song even in the out of tune eight-bar intro. It’s a powerful testament to how strong Dave’s writing is.

Highlight Moment: 0:11-0:15 He totally nails this section!

1. GRtheman

Being a pretty avid DMB fan (DMB is short for “Dave Matthews Band”) I had to watch this video 6 or 7 times before I could tell it wasn’t really Dave- that’s how good it is! All the mannerisms and intonations that come natural to the South African singer are reproduced here complete with pain-inducing face-making and twitches. Everything about the cover is exactly like Dave from the assuredly smug smile, to the way he whispers “crash” in the chorus. Even the authentic way Dave pronounces “heart” and “candy” in his South African accent is carbon copied here by Garreth Collins. ALMOST as good as the real thing; and that’s about the best compliment I can give to any musician!

Highlight Moment: Every nanosecond of the 5:34 video is a highlight; I can’t believe the video only has 18,000 views!

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