Widespread Panic - Their best album?

"Space Wrangler" is my favorite all-around album. I've seen them live ~8 times over the last 10-12 years. First time I saw them live was in 1995 in the aftermath Hurricane Roxanne somewhere in New Orleans.

Somewhere in the midst of a drunken blur in came across a hot frothy mug of 'shroom tea. Next thing I know, I was wandering the streets in a torrential downpour looking for music.

There was a loud din off in the distance which I followed to the State Palace Theater(actually, someone could have told me about the show, but I was beyond reality by then). Man, was that just what the doctor ordered. Armeggedon outside and glorious music raging inside. Auditory exctasy.

Of course, that was all in my youth and I can appreciate a good show without the additives. I caught their show last August at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, Ca. seemed like 3+ hours of music. My girlfriend and i actually left before the end because our legs worn out from dancing.

Caught the Austin City Limits' show again last night that I referenced on 2/4/06. I guess I was in a better frame of mind last night, 'cause I was blown away. These guys are way talanted! Again, a terrible recording for some reason though. I still have not picked up one of their albums, but after last night, my next cd purchase will definetely be W.P. Probably either Everyday or Space Wrangler. I'll see what I can get my hands on locally.

Anybody know which is the better recording of the two?

I picked up Everyday and Till the Medicine Takes. Everyday is a great album, not a bum track on it, and IMO, it is a very good recording. It is warm and inviting with great weight and bass. If you like rock, I highly recommend that you add this disc to your collection. I haven't listened too much to Till the Medicine Takes yet so I'll wait to comment on that one. But if your always looking to add some quality r&r to your collection, pick up Everyday, you won't be sorry.

perfectionist - Everyday is probably their best studio CD out there. You may want to also check out "Dont Tell The Band", its pretty damn good, and also can be found on DVD-A if you're into that. Make sure you check out some of their live stuff. check out digitalpanic.org for some goodies

For their live albums, I would recommend "Live in the Classic City" (3 disc set recorded over April 1-3, 2000). Excellent! Also, give a listen to "Light Fuse, Get Away". I believe this was recorded in 1998.

As for as studio albums go, "'Till the Medicine Takes" and "Don't Tell the Band" are worthy listens. I have them all, but these are my favorites.

I am a huge fan and have seen lots of shows in the South/ Southeast. The live recordings have an unbelievable energy and urgency. Every live show is different. Lead singer John Bell changes lyrics regularly. Solos are usually spontaneous, but they do have something to say. Not just a bunch of mindless noodling.

Studio recordings are good, but Panic is a live band. All of the more recent studio albums(from "Ball" onwards) are without original Panic cofounder/ lead guitarist Michael Houser. He passed several years ago secondary to pancreatic cancer. His style of playing and writing is irreplaceable. The band has had several guys try to fill the void, but to no avail. They are a different band these days. Still incredible, just different.