CD Review

Throughout their year-long hiatus, Widespread Panic has stayed off the road, instead staying consistent with three new releases. Although they have yet to jump on the bandwagon of others in their genre by releasing all of their live performances post show, Panic have narrowed their live albums to a select number of marquee performances. With their new release Jackassolantern, they follow the live album trend with a slightly different curve. Jackassolantern is a compilation of the band’s favorite covers from their previous epic Halloween performances.

Black Sabbath’s "Sweet Leaf" kicks things off and proves to be a strong opener for this tremendous collection as John Bell (JB) displays his powerful vocals and Todd Nance rifles through the tune, proving the classic Tony Iommi riff hasn’t lost a step. The Rolling Stones’ "Sympathy for the Devil" follows as the late Michael Houser helps out on vocals and JoJo Herman sets the tone on the keys. WSP gives "Sympathy" an energy that Jagger and Richards could have only exhibited in their younger years. With a little help from friend Randall Bramblett on sax, the band takes a crack at James Brown’s "Sex Machine." Although just as funky as the classic, George McConnell’s guitar licks adds a little extra something to the party. Not just focusing on the classics, an unlikely cover of Nelly’s "Hot In Here" is pulled out to show the band can play some hip-hop too.

The midpoint of the disc features a pair of Doors’ favorites, "Peace Frog" segueing into "Blue Sunday." The smooth soul comes out with War’s "Slippin’ Into Darkness," as the tune glides along with an extended groove showcasing Bramblett. Jimi Hendrix’ "Wind Cries Mary" is short and sweet, with a bold version that would make Jimi proud. JB handles The Temptation’s "Ball of Confusion" with grace, as an epic jam including long time collaborators The Dirty Dozen Brass Band hone up the nearly 17-minute track. Jackassolantern closes with Blue Oyster Cult’s arena rock favorite "Godzilla," which is is the only track we here any bass solo bombs from David Schools, proving better late than never.

Jackassolatern is a great collection from the band’s courageous Halloween shows. There’s no editing to bring the tracks together, but it’s still a must-have for any Panic fan or a good starting point for those that proclaim - "I just don’t get Panic."