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Widespread Panic - Free Somehow Audio CD

A fair review of the Widespread Panic "Free Somehow" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Widespread Panic reviews here, or go back to the Widespread Panic tabs.

Widespread Panic Band: Widespread Panic
Title: Free Somehow
Rating:
Release Date: 2008-02-12
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Boom Boom Boom 4.26) 2: Walk On The Flood (6.56) 3: Angles On High (7.17) 4: Three Candles (5.01) 5: Tickle The Truth (5.16) 6: Free Somehow (4.44) 7: Flicker (4.57) 8: Dark Day Program (6.02) 9: Her Dance Needs No Body (8.19) 10: Already Fried (3.44) 11: Up All Night (3.46)

Disappointing effort from a usually solid band
However, "Somehow Free" just didn't do it for me. I am a long-time fan of Widespread Panic. It's not just that the songs don't involve a lot of jamming. They simply were very boring. I have no idea what kind of sound the band was going for with "Somehow Free," but it definitely did not connect with me. Several reviewers suggest that this is one of those CDs that grows on you after a few listens. That may be true, but it's not likely to happen in my case. .


The Worst Widespread Panic Studio CD
It is about 58 minutes long. OPENING LINES SOUND LIKE FLEETWOOD MAC'S "TELL ME ALL THE THINGS YOU DO"

This is Widespread Panic's tenth studio album. The sound quality is poor by today's standards for CD's. It is typical for CD's released in the 1980's. The sound is muddy and often muffled. But, much of that has to do with the overproduction of the CD.

There are a few good songs, on this CD, like Her Dance Needs No Body and Boom, Boom, Boom. But, many of the songs are just boring. Some of it might be blamed on the production and the over use of horns. But, there are many good songs (some by Widespread Panic) with horns in them. It just poorly done on this CD. Like a bad attempt to be Chicago.

For this album, the band uses a new co-producer, who is also a horn player. This might explain things.

It also sounds like the band is trying to sound like others. The piano, guitar, drum lines on Boom, Boom, Boom sound like they came out of Fleetwood Mac's Tell All the Things You Do, from the album Kiln House. There are other times they sound like Chicago. John Bell sounds like Gordon Lightfoot and then Harry Nilsson.

The band has a new guitarist. He is more versatile than the previous guitarists. The original guitarist (who sadly died of cancer) had a screaming guitar style. The next guy played typical southern rock guitar. The new guy plays in all kinds of styles. Unfortunately, he rarely lets loose. Maybe it is because he was a late addition to the band.

I loved the first two studio albums. I couldn't wait for each new release, but they started to go down in quality. I started only buying the CD's when I saw them on sale. Then Ball came along, and I had faith again. But, things have been going downhill again.
.


Best Album Ever!
I love it. I can not get enough of this album. It's beautiful, and captures the essence of a live concert. Amazing! Wow! I listen to it over and over and over! Thank you for making this album Panic! You rock! This CD makes me really happy!.


Keep listening!!
Here, 6 months later, and after seeing a few of the songs performed live in Flagstaff this summer, Free Somehow has really grown on me! Just wait it out before you judge this one. When I first got this CD back in February, I did not like it at all. Keep listening!.


Herring makes a difference for WSP
McConnell was a good addition to the band, but it sometimes seemed like he didn't quite gel in a live setting. Ever since the death of Houser, Widespread Panic has been trying to find their identity. Not long ago, Jimmy Herring joined the band to take over the role of lead guitarist. Herring is the ultimate "utility player" for any band. Playing with the Dead, he plays like Garcia played. When he sits in with the Allman Brothers, he is able to recreate the gritty southern guitar that we all know and love.

For Panic, however, Jimmy Herring brings something that they have been missing; a new sound! Where Panic fans are known for saying, "It's good, but it's not Mikey", Jimmy Herring may make them think twice about wanting a Houser clone on the guitar. He brings in a wide array of sounds, sometimes using the slide guitar like Derek Trucks, and other times subtly picking away solos in a Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler-esque style.

Free Somehow is a breakthrough for a band who has needed a change. These songs not only sound great on disc, but they will translate beautifully in a live setting. Look for a great spring/summer tour from this Athens, Georgia rock group!.


You can see a complete list of all Widespread Panic discography, or go back to the Widespread Panic tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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