Light Fuse Get Away

Amazon.com

“You gotta see ’em live” is the last defense of nearly every band who can’t make a decent studio album. Widespread Panic, however, is one band whose studio efforts–such as Space Wrangler and Ain’t Life Grand–have been quite good but still pale in comparison to this two-CD concert souvenir. That’s hardly a surprise, given that the group thrives more on touring than album sales, but it’s still a treat to hear songs like “Porch Song,” “Disco,” and “Rock” energetically leap from the speakers. Extended jams like “Diner” “Greta,” “Barstools and Dreamers,” and “Conrad” achieve new heights, while Panic, renowned for their treatment of occasional cover tunes, don’t disappoint here, with worthy takes on J.J. Cale‘s “Travelin’ Light” and the Talking Heads‘ “Papa Legba.” Light Fuse Get Away is funky and expansive, leaving an aftertaste somewhat similar to that of a terrific (albeit much shorter) live album from a generation earlier, Little Feat’s Waiting for Columbus. –Daniel Durchholz