Widespread Panic – Live From Austin, TX (2-LP Space Wrangler Swirl Vinyl)

If you’re among the legions of Widespread Panic fans, you already know that the band is legendary for never playing the same show twice – or the same song the same way twice. What makes this performance that much more special is the inspiring presence of founding member Michael Houser, who died of pancreatic cancer less than two years later. As much as anything, this is a celebration of Houser’s life and the sheer joy he brought to a band that became one of the biggest draws on the international concert circuit and created a vibe that makes the Panic experience unique in the pop rock world.

From the time Houser and John Bell (“JB”) began playing duets around Athens, Georgia, in the early 80’s, their repertoire ranged from early covers of the Grateful Dead and Bob Marley to a host of original songs (among them “Space Wrangler”, included here) that demonstrate, as The Village Voice wrote, “a willingness to dip their collective toe into just about any genre.” This is classic Widespread Panic, including David Schools on bass, John Hermann on keys, Todd Nance on drums and Domingo Ortiz on percussion.

—Terry Lickona (Producer, Austin City Limits®)

Format & Details

• 150g Space Wrangler Swirl color vinyl
• 2-LP, 12", gatefold

Tracklist

Side A

1. Let's Get Down To Business
2. Ain't Life Grand
3. Space Wrangler

Side B

1. Climb To Safety
2. Blue Indian
3. Casa Del Grillo

Side C

1. Driving Song > Surprise Valley > Driving Song

Side D

1. Travelin' Light
2. Bear's Gone Fishin'
3. Dyin' Man
4. Porch Song

Recorded October 31, 2000