Sanctuary Records
2004
Uber Cobra
About This Album
'Spreadheads should be delighted by this anomaly in Widespread Panic's catalog. Recorded live in Myrtle Beach in November of 2003, Über Cobra is the first set of the concert, and is now an "acoustic" album by the Southern jam rockers. The reason the word is in quotes is because the organ is still used and it's electric as hell, and John Keane, the band's producer, plays pedal steel on four tracks. That said, this is one of the most cohesive live dates the band has ever recorded. Full of the space and texture that only acoustic instruments can provide, the playing is tight and inspired. The flowing nature of the band's sound -- instantly recognizable even without electricity -- lends itself well to the relaxed, "unplugged" atmosphere. The effect of this set is anything but back-porch laid-back. The music is high quality, full of crackling energy and gorgeous dynamics. What's most revealing here is just how great a singer John Bell is. On the band's other live outings, he is forced to growl into the maelstrom of swirling instruments. Here, the subtle nuances in his voice are exposed up front and extend the musicality of the proceedings. The track selection is wonderful, too, including originals like "Wonderin'" and "Nobody's Loss," with Keane's sweet, loping steel in the background.
Track List (try tracks 2,3,7 and 10)

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