Widespread Panic - Their best album?

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.

I can't believe there has been a Panic thread on Audiogon for over a year and I find it today.

Saw 2 nights in Charlotte during the last tour, and it keeps getting better. Second night was incredible.

Live recordings don't necessarily sound bad. I have several soundboard recordings, some authorized, some not, and many audience recordings (some with my own equipment), and many sound great, some only so-so.

They are an incredible band. I must echo the reccos of Everyday, which is my favorite studio album.

I gave up field recording, becuase I could always find someone with a better set of mics, etc that I could patch my D-8 into, and it beats the shit out of lugging a mic stand around. Heady Days, however.