Widespread Panic

Editor's Review:

Like musical meccas Seattle and Austin, the sleepy college town of Athens, Georgia is a hotbed for lively and diverse musical possibilities. Bands like R.E.M., the B-52s and Corrosion Of Conformity lay claim to Athens roots, among others. But no other Athens band exemplifies the community ethic of Athens music as well as Widespread Panic.

Boasting of fans such as the mellow country crooner Vic Chestnut, who wrote the song "Aunt Avis" from their most recent studio album, 1997's Bombs And Butterflies, and Billy Bob Thornton, who directed the video for "Aunt Avis," Widespread Panic is one of those all-encompassing jam bands like The Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead or Phish that play all forms of rock and blues. And, like those bands, they thrive on relentlessly touring and the energy of playing live. Light Fuse Get Away, the long-awaited double-live CD, seizes this "hippie" ethic exquisitely.

Over two hours of virtually non-stop meandering jams glorify this two-disc compilation of 19 tracks spanning over ten years of stellar performances, including rare tracks from the early Athens days. Disc One, titled "Extra Selected Quality," has several highlights like the Bruce Hornsby-like "Wondering" and the soft, sultry saxing of guest musician Branford Marsalis on "Picking Up The Pieces." Disc Two, titled "Enjoy The Show," offers the danceable "Papa Legba" and the rocking, grooving "Greta," among nearly others.

In a nutshell, if can judge an Athens by its music, then Athens is a lot like Chico because Widespread Panic is one of the best hippie bands anywhere.

- Bret Lueder


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Record Label Capricorn Records Released April 1998

Tracks Disc: 1 1. Porch Song 2. Disco 3. Diner 4. Wondering 5. Love Tractor 6. Pilgrims 7. Space Wrangler 8. Travelin' Light 9. Pickin' Up The Pieces - (with Branford Marsalis) 10. Conrad Disc: 2 1. Papa Legba 2. Rebirtha 3. Rock 4. Greta 5. Barstools & Dreamers 6. Impossible / Jam 7. Drums 8. Gimme 9. Pigeons