The songs range from somber to humorous, and the variety is amazing. "Reincarnation Song" is unlike any Toad song. The timidity of the vocals, combined with the inordinate (for Toad) amount of feedback contribute to the sense of confusion of a spirit in transition. "Stupid" is a wonderful look at the strange ways people's pasts can catch up with them. "Woodburning" describes the frustration of helplessness and is one of the edgy songs on this album. Another is "Listen," which seems to describe the paradox of the lack of interpersonal communication in the age of technology, perhaps even more relevant now than it was four years ago. "Fly from Heaven" is classic mellow Toad, with more religious undertones than earlier songs. Another change in subject matter is the preoccupation with death, evident in "Fall Down," "Begin," "Windmills," and of course "Reincarnation Song." "Inside" is another driving song, with some of the most introspective lyrics of any Toad song. "Crowing" is gorgeous, with flowing harmonies, vocals and an exquisite melody, another song about the problems of relationships. "Nanci" is an offbeat song about someone deciding whether he prefers Nanci Griffith and Loretta Lynn that is a highlight simply becuase it is so different in tone from the other songs. The radio single "Something's Always Wrong" is one of Toad's best ballads, especially in its musical complexity. "Fall Down" would stand up well next to other bands' rockers, especially because of its harmonious refrain, superb music, and excellent lyrics. "Windmills" is the best song here, though. Its keystone is a basic guitar line, but the lyrics, melody, harmony, and additional music make an incredibly gorgeous song. The futility of human existence plays a key part in the song, and the lyrics which reinforce the Don Quixote allusion of the album title cement this notion of life which pervades this exquisite, if moody, masterpiece.

Easily Toad's Best...
I have four Toad CDs -- "P.S. (A Toad Retrospective)," "Pale," "In Light Syrup," and "Fear." And then there's "Dulcinea," which blows all the others out of the water. Keep in mind this: I haven't gotten a chance to listen to "Pale" yet, so imagine I'm reviewing this album with no knowledge of how good (or bad) "Pale" is. With that said, on to the review.

"Dulcinea" has some of the greatest Toad songs ever. Many of which didn't make it onto their Greatest Hits album ("P.S."), and should have. 'Fly From Heaven' is an absolutely beautiful song, with meaningful lyrics and great use of the electric guitar. 'Something's Always Wrong' DID make it onto their greatest hits CD, and for good reason. Melodic vocals and serious instrumentals make a great song. 'Windmills' is perhaps the best work on the album, and a fair competetor for Toad's best song, versus 'P.S.' and 'Whatever I Fear.' 'Crowing' is also a nice treat, as is 'Inside' and 'Woodburning.' The few slipups I feel they had were the songs 'Stupid' and 'Nanci.' Other than that, "Dulcinea" is a flawless album by one of the coolest, most unique bands that it's ever been my pleasure to listen to.

A band close to perfection
If you are a true fan of Toad, start venturing back to their earlier CDs. This CD is truly amazing, but you will find that it only gets better and better the farther back you go. If you just found this CD and can't believe how good it is and now know how much you have been missing - imagine what else you are missing without their other CDs. Although they are no longer together, I was fortunate enough to catch their reunion concert in NYC last year. They are truly musical geniuses.

by far my favorite
I had to write a review for Fear, because I know that it's the first CD a person who has a slight interest in Toad will go for.. but this CD is by far my favorite. "Crowing" and "Fly from Heaven" are my top picks, but Toad is just so amazing... every song deserves some sort of praise or recognition. (yes, even the reincarnation song)

Top notch stuff
I'm sure many have heard the song "Fall Down" one time or another, but not so many people really know who sings it. If the songs "All I Want" and "Walk on the Ocean" are also included w/ that, some will say, hey that's Toad the Wet Sprocket, however, many still will be scratching their heads saying, "damn, who are these guys, I love their songs, but I just can't put my finger on it."

The latter of the two types of people was the category I fit into about a year ago. I just discovered who Toad The Wet Sprocket actually were. I soon had in my possession all 5 LPs and the B-sides album "In Light Syrup". Dulcinea, however, is the icing on the top of any Toad cd.

Sure, Fear, was the big debut, but those who are actual fans of the band, will say that this is the the best. This was the first Toad cd I bought, and still love it. "Something's Always Wrong" is my favorite song on the album. Not as big as "Fall Down", but it is so meaningful in the lyrics, and excellent soulful sound. "Fall Down" is however great b/c of the fact that it makes it a fun song to sing to, and perfect for the radio.

"Crowing", "Listen", "Fly From Heaven", and "Woodburning" are the next best songs apart from the two already mentioned. They sort of fall into one category as w/ "Something's Always Wrong" which is this mellow, demented life, essence that questions your life in general and will let you start to think about the way things are in this world. Not too many songs do that, and when 5 are all on one album, that's probably one of the rarest things that happen in music.

If you like simplicity and relaxing songs, then i highly reccomend this album. The 6 songs mentioned are worth the whole price of whatever that may be. "Stupid" and "Nanci" may not be your style, and "Reincarnation Song" is the only weak pt of this album. "Inside", "Windmills" and "Begin" are also easy flowing, soft Toad like rythyms that complete the album.