Well, here we are. Another tour has come and gone. I’ve seen a pretty good bit of Widespread Panic over the years. I knew about two weeks into this past tour, however, that this was gonna be a special one. If you were lucky enough to catch a show then you know what I’m talking about. There was an energy, a confidence and an outright sense of fun that emanated from the stage and it was infectious to the crowd. One of my favorite things in the world is watching the band and the audience feed off of one another and this Fall run was an excellent example of such an occurrence. It really was that good.
If you couldn’t make it out you’ve come to the right place because this, folks, is how it all went down. With this Driving Songs we’ve once again gathered a sampling of moments that I believe are pretty damn representative of the vibe of the tour as a whole. There’s a little of everything here. There’s some rockers, some rare appearances, and there are some standards. Regarding the latter it’s often easy to glance at a setlist and skim over the songs you’ve been hearing forever looking to see what rarity they busted out that night. Sometimes it’s good to stop and take another look at the songs that drew you to this band in the first place. It might not be the first thing someone tells you about a show, but to me an excellent version of an old tune is often far more impressive than the mere appearance of a seldom heard one. Now for the songs that aren’t such common stock that made it on this…yeah, they rock.
The selection process for this project was relatively simple, at least in theory. You guys are a tough lot to shop for! I tried to pick one song from each show and I tried to pick songs that were not included on the previous Driving Songs. Those were the parameters this time around, we’ll see what we feel like doing next time. For the most part I was able to stick to the game plan. There’s only one repeat from the last offering but I just couldn’t resist. Something tells me you won’t be too upset about it’s inclusion either. Anyway, I better shut up and let you get on with it. You’ve got a lot of listening to do! Enjoy it.
I've been to a number of shows, but I haven't heard such a great Stop Breakin' Down Blues like I heard in Memphis. Keep it going, you guys.. sometimes, I think you guys are immortal. I think for al
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Craysee (3/6/2008 10:11:11 PM)
I don't know what to say. This is totally ridiculous. I'm just so happy for the band that they've found themselves in such an amazing place musically. My first WSP show was at the Uptown in Athens in
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Woody (2/18/2008 10:33:34 PM)
I still get the same goosebumps from that Entersandman from asheville...great job with Vol. II