Album Review: Widespread Panic – ‘Earth to America’

By Jeff Swindoll Jun 26, 2006, 18:41 GMT

Earth to America marks the 20th anniversary of Georgia\'s premier road warriors on record (they actually formed in the early-1980s). To reward fans for their support, there\'s a lot of bang for the buck on this 62-minute recording, including 11-minute space-funk jam "Second Skin," which gets the party started. Sadly, 2006 also marks the fourth anniversary of Michael "Panic" Houser\'s passing. That year, they added George McConnell on guitar, recorded 2003\'s ...more

I’ll have to admit that I’ve never heard of this group and the title of the album and cover made me think that I might have to listen to a hour long diatribe on how using 60 watt light bulbs was causing the destruction of the Earth. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised in that I really liked the band.  This is their ninth studio album.  They’re also working with producer Terry Manning (whose career stretches back to the 1960s with Stax Records) for the first time.  Manning has produced for ZZ Top, Lenny Kravitz, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Cocker, and George Thorogood & The Destroyers to name but a few. 

Widespread Panic’s sound reminded me a bit of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and some blues and jazz fusion thrown in.  They begin the album with the 11-minute opus “Second Skin” which, according to press releases, is a staple of their live shows. 

I’m sure their concert fans will be happy to have a copy of that one.  Speaking of Dylan they also cover “Solid Rock” from Dylan’s ‘Saved’ (1980s).  I haven’t heard Dylan’s version in awhile but I quite enjoyed Panic’s take on it.  It’s very up-tempo and rockabilly. 

Another one I enjoyed was “Time Zones.”  It has a very bluesy feel to it.  Another opus is the 10-minute “You should be Glad” which allows the band show off their talents.  “Ribs and Whiskey” sounds like they filled up on both, and other soul food, and cut this great track.    That’s a good thing since you’ll want to have a healthy dose of both after listening to this wonderful track.  Any track that includes the lyrics “I’ve seen your sister naked” has to be good. 

The final track “May your Glass be filled” is a ballad and is another that I enjoyed.  I’ll have to admit to not listening too carefully to the lyrics so the diatribe to the evils of 60 watt light bulbs might be in there somewhere, but I came away enjoying the album and its mix of musical styles.  If you’re a Widespread Panic fan, then the inclusion of “Second Skin” (assuming that its only appeared in their concerts till now) might make this a must have. 

Others may want to give the tracks a sample and consider a purchase if they hear anything they like.  I know that the CD made me want to seek out other Widespread Panic albums. 

‘Earth to America’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information.