Search - Widespread Panic :: Dirty Side Down

Another great Panic record.

L. Ortega | Chattanooga, TN United States | 05/28/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Widespread Panic needs to bottle the formula they use to create records. They are as prolific and consistent as any band on the planet and still find time to play any time anybody offers them a stage.



This record combines all the elements of the band into an harmonious whole. JB growls and yelps, Dave supplies a solid bottom foundation for every song, Jimmy has obviously embraced the sound and enhanced it and everyone just does their usual outstanding job of adding to the whole.



Great new studio versions of standards Clinic Cynic and North and they finally put the St. Louis jam on a record. John Kean's production is outstanding and his pedal steel adds a nice voice on several cuts.



I've just listened to it the first time and it's excellent. I knew after watching the Wanee sets that this record would be another great one and I was right. IMHO I saw the two best rock bands on the planet those nights in the Allman Brothers and Panic."

Back to their roots!

Paul Bellocq | Slidell, LA USA | 08/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is their best studio release since Don't Tell The Band was released nine years ago. I blame their last two lackluster studio efforts with trying to work while in a vacation spot like the Bahamas. Working in paradise just didn't work. This one hits the mark for me and I have been a fan for the past 12 years. There is not one bad cut on here. Everything just flows. A jam band in a studio is like a caged animal and needs to be let out (the Grateful Dead inspired this analogy). But somehow, WSP is able to pull off great studio releases like this one, which is the next best thing to their stellar live shows. Looking forward to this Halloween at the Lakefront Arena!"

One of Their Finest

wildwielder | Macungie, PA United States | 07/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love all of WP's back catalog, and there are only a few artists I can say that about. That being said, there are some albums I like better than others, and I did find the albums after Mike Houser's passing to be not quite as thrilling as classics like the self-titled album, Ain't Life Grand, 'Till the Medicine Takes and Don't Tell the Band-- that is, until now! This is right up there with them. The title track is one of my favorites-- reminds me of "Sparks Fly" (a song I love on Ball), with John Bell's quietly growled singing and choppy beat. Another stand out is "Saint Ex". I love how it has different sections and unexpected tempo changes, yet is still down-to-earth-- almost (dare I say it?) prog without the pretensions. But, really, every track is fantastic. Some take a few spins to really appreciate, but you get there. And the legendary Jimmy Herring really has found his place in this band. I wasn't so sure after the very anticeptically produced Free Somehow, but then again it takes a while for a band to adjust to a new member, and vice-versa. The recent live shows and this record prove he's become a perfect fit. And Dirty Side Down is a perfect fit in Panic's catalog. Great job, guys!"