From the first instant I heard "Nemo" playing on Kansas State's Wildcat radio, I couldn't get enough of Umphrey's. Saftey in Numbers is simply the best album I've heard in a long time. Each song is original and the Jam moniker somehow does not quite fit them. It's like listening to that awesome college band that you don't remember the name of but MAN were they good and you met this girl and she was BEAUTIFUL and the beer was everywhere and EVERYONE was having a good time. Its that feeling. Free, clean, well-written, well-produced, fun, engaging, and different everytime you listen to it. The bridges flow into melody so clearly, the rhymes aren't cliched, and its enough of a Jam album to be different but not stiffled by 25 minute interludes of Phishdom. Absolutely great.
I'm so glad UM finally reissued Safety in Numbers on Vinyl. This was a huge hole in my collection. The album is exceptional in any format. To review the product itself though, this is a high quality heavy duty double vinyl, came with an MP3 download of the album, and even came with a great platter mat with SIN themed imagery. Can't beat having that cuddly sheep face greet me whenever I go to use my turntable!
I don't know why some people do not give this band more credit. WOW! This album I have been hooked to since it arrived at my door. I have just gotten back into the jamband scene recently and these guys impress me. Their live stuff I hear is even more amazing, but SIN's is definitely a work of art in the studio. Very creative riffs with very tight drumming! Some songs remind me of Yes (Words) or that progressive rock sound. I can only imagine what the album "The Bottom Half" is going to be like. I've definitely pre-ordered that.