WSP

[wolof]

Anyone widespread panic fans here? I know they aren't the same genre per se as MMJ but their southern charisma always gets me the same way MMJ does.

[N. Olson]

I gotta agree with that.  I go back a long way with both bands and you really do get the same type of feeling when you see them.  Both bands have that special something, that special charisma that few possess.  

[kymoose]

I used to listen to Widespread all through college back in the mid 90s.  I probably saw them at least 5 to 10 times over the years--and even saw them in the summer of 2002 (with new guitarist).  I think some time around there they came out with "Don't Tell The Band."  I ain't no music critic--but, that has to be one of my all time "most painful listens."  I even listened to it close to 10 to 15 times before I came to that decision.  Quite frankly, it sucked.  And I haven't given them much a chance since.  I know this probably pisses off the jam band loyalists--there is just so much good music out there (that doesn't involve playing a 15 minute pentatonic scale guitar solo).  It takes a whole lot more talent to write a great song!

[wolof]

I think there is a lot of truth to that even though i didn't mind Don't Tell the Band. I am a huge jamband fan but obviously i can appreciate the craftiness of writing a good song. I mean jambands can get very monotonous and some just go through the motions using scale after scale. However if you do catch a good band on a good night there is some errie connections that go beyond the scales. It hits you and gets you grooving. I wouldn't consider WSP strictly a jamband that term in general is dated and can't really fit a lot of the bands sounds. I guess its all what you are into I mean jamband now includes bands like the flaming lips, Particle and the slip 3 bands which in reality can also be categorized as psychadelic pop, electronica :) and straight up jazz/folk. So WSP to me is southern rock with a psychadelic flare but they also write really good songs. Doesn't sound too far from MMJ. That was my basic correlation i guess :)

[N. Olson]

Panic has always done great things for me whenever I go to a show.  They play to the crowd, they give back to the crowd.  That's where the commonalities in the two bands begins.  Also, both bands somehow know the way to take you to the next level; My Morning Jacket just has an easier job of doing when you're sober (or at least not really f****ed up.)  As far as Don't Tell the Band goes, I do see how it would be hard to like for a non-jam band listener, but there some solid songs there.  Gimme a 'Big Whooly' and an 'Action Man' any day of the week, and I'll be a happy fellow.  But if I want to sit down and contemplate my life, I'll run Tennessee Fire over and over again.