By Andrew W. Griffin, reviewer
The Norman Transcript
Norman —
REVIEW: “Dirty Side Down” – Widespread Panic (Widespread Records) 2010
Two years after the release of “Free Somehow,” which I gave a grade of B+ on the pages of Pop, Georgia’s terrific jamband Widespread Panic has once again reached similarily lofty heights with the diverse collection “Dirty Side Down.”
Guitarist Jimmy Herring’s pretty and almost dreamy chords that kick off the disc opener “Saint Ex” are fleeting before he is given a chance to jam a bit and then bring it back down. Vocalist John Bell sounds equally laid back as the line “flowers under glass” is emitted. Then it builds. It’s a roller coaster ride, but not one that makes one nauseous. Interestingly, the song was inspired by the French author of the classic children’s book “The Little Prince.”
Herring, who has played with the Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends and others and is now a member of Panic, has really added his signature style to a band that has been around for some time now. This album is their 11th in the studio. That said, Widespread Panic sounds entirely more relaxed, yet more musically creative.
You think you’re hearing Jerry Garcia play when the opening chords of “St. Louis” are played. No, that’s Herring, and it’s a nice homage to Garcia. That, and keyboardist JoJo Hermann gets to have a little fun on the organ, and percussionist Domingo S. Ortiz keeps time with his sublime wood block.
The title track breezes right along, but isn’t particularly memorable. “This Cruel Thing,” a previously-unreleased song by the late Vic Chesnutt, has a haunting feel about it.
A live number finally put in digital form, “Visiting Day,” has a Southern-rock vibe that harkens back to their earlier years as a band.
But the jams are there, and “Jaded Tourist” is an example of this. Hermann’s piano and Herring’s guitar are dynamite. And if you’re looking for a really funky groove, “Cotton Was King” is what you need, daddy-o.
Drummer Todd Nance gets a chance to sing on “Clinic Cynic,” a song that features pedal steel and acoustic guitar, courtesy of producer John Keane, and is one being played on SiriusXM’s “Jam” channel. That country influence is evident on the tender and atmospheric “When You Coming Home.” Bell’s vocal is great.
“Dirty Side Down” shows Widespread Panic really is stretching themselves. Even after nearly a quarter-of-a-century, the boys really are writing and recording some fine American music.
Grade — A-
