Customer Reviews

Ball

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On Ball, the boys in WSP head for unchartered waters, recording their first studio album since the passing of the great "lingering lead" guitarist, Mikey Houser. Filling in is the former guitarist for Beanland (JoJo's old band too), and new Panic member, George McConnell. Overall I'd say that the album is very good, promising for the future. Fishing and Papa Johnny Road are two of the best tunes they've cut in years. Longer Look is similarly great, a beautiful acoustic JB number, a unique song in the Panic catalogue. And Travelin' Man, penned by the late Mr. Houser, is a fun and fitting tribute to its author, classic Mikey. JoJo's Don't Wanna Lose You is great too, reminiscent of his solo work with the Smiling Assassins. Also keep your ears out for the hidden track: a 10 minute jam riffing on Thin Air slowed down to about half tempo, great stuff. But... there are some weak songs as well. Specifically, Counting Train Cars, which has some of their worst songwriting on any album, is a real disappointment. Meeting of the Waters is also unfortunate, and Nebulous (great jam not withstanding) and Tortured Artist are both sub-par. While McConnell's presence is a source of great controversy in the Panic community (e.g., is his sound really a good fit for the band?), and there are a lack of interesting leads on this album, there are also some truly great songs, and it is definitely worth overlooking some of Ball's shortcomings to hear the boys do what they do best.

OK, so this CD isn't Everyday, but I'm not ready to head to the used CD shop with Ball in hand, either. I've been listening to the guys since the early 90's, and I felt like Panic hit their collective strides around about Bombs or Medicine, excluding, of course any live releases (nothing can compare to any of those).
One of my favorite things about Widespread Panic was always Mikey Houser's guitar sound, and frankly, that sound is gone. But, having accepted that fact, I was able to listen to this with an open mind, or ear. George McConnell is a more than adequate guitarist. I listened to him in his old band, The Kudzu Kings. Give him time to settle in, and and Panic will be churning out 5-star records again.
As far as the songs go, "Fishing" and "Meeting of the Waters" stand out for me, as well as the Houser-penned "Travelin' Man". I'd be hard-pressed to name a song that I genuinely dislike.
All in all, as a long-time Spreadhead, I can honestly say that this disc is a good first step in a new direction for Widespread Panic.

Of course I bought the new album today and am going through my first official listen to the tunes of the new panic. Ball- very polished, very studio. Not what I was expecting when I heard that they had not played any of these songs live. McConnell shines as does Bell's vocals. When I first heard the songs that Panic leaked out, I was beginning to wonder about the future of the boys. After reviwing their latest CD, I am still sure about what they're about and where they are heading. This CD is unlike most other panic discs due to the length of the CD. It's not your typical Panic 40 minute CD. It is a whole 60 minutes in length, with a bonus. JoJo's piano has taken more of a lead in certain songs, but I like that. I don't hear Dave standing out at all. Again, NOT AT ALL.

1. Fishing... Great song in the same realm of most WP ballads. Has airplay potential.
2. Thin Air... Sounds like Carlos Santana sat in on the writing of this song. Throw in a 60's keyboard and this song was written. All that's missing is the DDBB.
3. Tortured Artist...no opinion yet. This song will have to grow on me. I'm leaving it at that.
4. Papa Johnny Road...Here is southern rock taking over the grooviness that Houser added to the band in earlier releases. "I got a real good mind to beat you senseless"...Not bad though, I'd redo the chorus.
5. Sparks Fly...Sounds like Col. Bruce on Greta. I really like Bell's vocals on this, however be prepared for some Panic fans to not like this one.
6. Counting Train Cars...Kicks should be playing this. Twangy but sometimes twangy is where it's at. Nice story.
7. Don't Wanna Lose You...I have liked this since I first heard it a couple of days ago. Has college radio potential. JoJo on lead, then Bell. McConnell adds exactly what he needs too. Not too much, but his pronounced style is heard throughout the song.
8. Longer Look...Oh yeah...this is what I like about acoustic guitars. WP ballad. Could have been in Houser's solo CD if he had wrote it, same type of style.
9. Meeting of the Waters...hmmmm, make that two songs that have to grow on me. A longer tune from Panic at 6 minutes, but to me, it doesn't seem like it was finished before they recorded it. This song could have been on the Who's "Tommy". McConnell does what he does best in this song.
10. Nebulous...I have to admit I wasn't blown away by this song when I downloaded it the other day. But this version sounds cleaner than what was online. Personally it sounds like something Phish would have put out back during the "Hoist" days. I do like it. It helps that it is a jam-band type song, in other words it's long and groovy.
11. Monstrosity...A modern "Blight"..And it's 4:20 in length. Actually a great Panic song. This one has everything I like about Panic in it.
12. Time Waits...Reminesent of "Christams Katie" but it could just be me. Barstools and Dreamers, very Doors-esque!!!
13. Travelin' Man...written by Houser.
I feel like the people who when you bring up R.E.M., always go "Man, their stuff is good, but nothing compares to early R.E.M. like "Reckoning" or "Murmur".
WP has taken a change of direction either for the better or for worse (you decide), but however you want to feel, there is a song on the new CD that is for you. Just open your mind. I am and always will be a huge panic fan.

Ball is a great CD, it is one CD I can listen to from beginning to end, and over and over again. It is spontaneous, calming, exciting. JB sounds great. Fishing has one of the tastiest licks I think since Mikey. I get lost in that song. The lyrics are great, and proves Widespread Panic as a solid force to be reckoned with, Ball is a great CD, from a great band, with their heart and soul poured into each song.

...Ball is a spectacular album from Widespread Panic, one of the finest rock bands in the world. It is immaculately produced by John Keane, and is the debut album for the new guitar player, George McConnell.
This is an album that takes repeated listenings to fully understand it's brilliance. 'Papa Johnny Road' and 'Thin Air' are ballsy rockers that will get the ball rolling. 'Counting Train Cars' and 'Travelin Man' are smooth sailing, country tinged sweet ones that will have you wishing for the road or a cool tall boy on your front porch. 'Meeting of the Waters' and 'Nebulous' are lysergically dripping shape-shifters, while 'Fishing' makes me feel like going into orbit for a meditation on the universe, sometimes. 'Sparks Fly' is nothing less than the most unique WSP song ever concocted.
'Time Waits' puts me in a lounge full of cool cats, none cooler than John Bell, who touches heart and soul throughout this suberb work. Kudos to the band for releasing their best album ever after the loss of Mikey Houser, and to McConnell for doing a marvelous job at replacing a legend.
However, no matter how great this album may be, nothing will ever compare to the magic that this band creates in the live setting. So get up out of your easy chair, strap your boots on, and get to travelin', man.

Now, 'Ball' has taken almost 7 years to really grow on me, even though there were songs that immediately gripped me the first time i heard I spun the disc.

What is really interesting to me is that overall, I never really got into George's playing w/ Panic. His live playing seemed very noodle-y and for the most part, uninspiring. He often sounded lost and simply trying to 'play along' rather than really grab hold of the songs and make them his own. There are certainly exceptions (I thought they way he ripped up Rebirtha consistently was an astounding feat!), but I really can't say I miss him now.

Given what I just said, George's playing on 'Ball' is outstanding. He does exactly what I would have hoped someone would do when they first come aboard an already-established band: he asserts himself, yet doesn't try to overdo things. George did a fantastic job of not trying to copy Mike's style, but also not straying too far off point. It's the rest of the band that really brings their collective A-game on this record. Also, this is a damn-near perfect sequenceing of a record!

Song-by-song:

(01) 'Fishing' - a nice way to introduce the new era of panic. love the acoustic interplay between Bell & McConnell, with the added bonus of Jojo's Bear Gone Fishin-esque organ work.

(02) 'Thin Air' - album picks up with a classic Panic track, driven by Schools' excellent bass-work (what a solo!). George makes his presence felt here, but does a nice job avoiding potential Southern Rock cliches, instead focusing on the interplay between himself, JB and Dave Schools.

(03) 'Tortured Artist' - This song was one I initially overlooked, but now have grown quite fond of. George does an outstanding Neil Young impression with his strong melodic sensibilities and frequent attempts to strangle his guitar with some mean 'Southern Man'-esque bends. JB brings it on this one as well. In fact, it's worth noting that this may be JB's best vocal album yet.

(04) 'Papa Johnny Road' - Another track that could've existed a decade before its time, PJR showcases George's versatility w/ some excellent slide guitar interplay between himself and JB. Got a nice little catchy singalong part as well. Jojo adds his signature touch here, as well.

(05) 'Sparks Fly' - On my first listen, this song made me say aloud, 'what the f*** was that?' only now have I come to appreciate it for what it is, an oddball deviation from the norm for Panic. after a run of classic-sounding material, this and CTC offer a total change of direction that makes much more sense now. Actually, this is quite a catchy little track. Love the juxtaposition of the crunchy verse (think of that gritty 'You Got Yours' guitar sound) and that smooth, pop-friendly chorus.

(06) 'Counting Train Cars' - I routinely skipped this track back when the album came out, but you have to love the harmonies sprinkled over this lovely little alt-country tune. Props to Keane's pedal steel and George's perfectly delivered twangy-ness.

(07) 'Don't Wanna Lose You' - Jojo and George dominate this track. Mike would be proud of this one. Yet another Neil Young-ish track for George. Jojo's piano playing is absolutely ace here. his vocals aren't too shabby, either!

(08) 'Longer Look' - Beautiful performance. been waiting for a JB solo tune for years. great delivery. and perfectly placed as a lead-in to...

(09) 'Meeting of the Waters' - this song doesn't get the credit it deserves. what an epic. love the message, the vocal delivery and the music going on here. George rips during the jam. ace playing here. and this sounds like no other panic song I've ever heard.

(10) 'Nebulous' - at first, I could've done without this track, but i've come around on it. I actually could still do without the meandering 5 minute jam tacked onto the end, but it's got a few moments where George shines. Love the main body of the song much more now. Nice riff-rockin'

(11) 'Monstrosity' - Phenomenal tune. one of my alltime favorite panic tracks. JB's vocal performance is scintillating, and George's finest hour occurs here. love the song construction as well, with the trippy ending. Fine collective effort here, and I can't believe this hasn't been more of a prominent feature in live sets.

(12) 'Time Waits' - nicely placed here. this is a solid little track, and JB feels right at home in these kinds of tunes.

(13) 'Travelin Man' - great ode to Mike. George does very nice things here. a fitting close to an outstanding record.

initially, my only real complaint with the album was it's length. It seemed a bit too bulky. But as I listen now, I don't think I could cut anything. one might suggest snipping Sparks Fly and CTC, but imo, those songs give the album a distinctly unfamiliar flavor that really spurs it forward.

I guess the only things that really seem excessive are the last 5 minutes of Nebulous and the hidden slowed-down Thin Air.

wish this existed in vinyl-form.
Imagine:
SIDE A: Fishing, Thin Air, Tortured Artist
SIDE B: Papa Johnny Road, Sparks Fly, Counting Train Cars, Don't Wanna Lose You
SIDE C: Longer Look, Meeting of the Waters, Nebulous
SIDE D: Monstrosity, Time Waits, Travelin' Man

THIS CD CAPTURES WHAT WIDESPREAD PANIC DOES BEST (IN THE STUDIO)

Released in 2003, this is the eighth Widespread Panic studio album. It is 73 minutes long and the sound quality is very good.

This is the first CD after the death of Michael Houser. He is replaced by George McConnell, who used to play with the band from to time, stepping in while Houser was incapcitated with pancreatic cancer. The two guitarists have distincty different styles. Houser was very unique while McConnel plays more in a traditional Southern Rock style.

What is interesting, is that with Houser gone, the band reverts back to its original style of music that was featured on the first two albums. It is a more driving, tight and concise type of music with some great guitar turns. The music is also clear, bright and energetic. It is much different that was the group did on the third through seventh albums, where the music is muddied and sometimes muffled.

Most of the tracks on this CD are excellent, with only three clunkers. Counting Train Cars is a failed attempt to do country rock, instead of staying with more of a southern rock sound, and Pappa Johnny Road is one of those songs there were typical of the nineties songs. Unfortunately, worst song is the Mihcael Houser composed tune, Traveling Man. But, it is followed by a 10 minute instrumental that is very good.

I was really surprised with this CD. I didn't expect to like it. This is the first time, in a long time that Widespread Panic went into the studio and recorded a bunch of songs without first trying them out in concert. Most of the best, classic rock music of all time was first tried out on the road to get it right, before it got recorded in the studio. Nearly everything Pink Floyd ever recorded was road tested first.

When Ac/Dc lost lead singer Bon Scott, nobody ever could have imagined that they would replace a legend, and create their biggest album ever, "Back in Black". When the Allman Brothers lost Duane Allman, who would have thought that Dickey Betts would step up, and create classic after classeic, and make the Almman Brothers Band one of the most enduring bands ever. The basic premise for both of these bands is essentially the same, why try to fill shoes that can never be filled, when putting on a new pair serves just fine. While WSP is not as famous as Ac/Dc or the Allmans (both a blessing and a shame at the same time) their approach is the same one they both took. Mikey Houser will always be remebered as THE guitarist for WSP, but George McConnell does a darn good job of taking over Mikey's duties. "Ball" is very different from anything Panic has ever done, but underneath are some elements of the old WSP. JB's unique vocals, Schools' acrobatic basslines, and those oh so funky grooves. The tracks on here that really caught my attention are the Southern-rockish "Thin Air", the straight up country of "Counting Train Cars", and "Monstrosity". Panic is also a very different band live. While Mikey was intricate and methodical with his solos, George takes the overall energy to new heights. Needless to say, their live show is still without equal. While the album is unique, it does tend to meander lose your intrest at times, such as with "Don't Lose You", and the ending jam on "Nebulous", but don't let that be a deterrant. This is a strong album, and shows that soon, George McConnell will fit this band like a good new pair of shoes. But more importantly, it's solid proof that WSP is light years away from being washed up. RIP Mikey.

Ball is a wonderful addition to any WP music collection. I, personally, own every single one of WP's CD's and have seen them live many times. Listen to this CD with an open mind and feel the groove. They just keep getting better. Of course it sounds a little different than what we're all used to, but a little different is a good thing. As with all WP, it's best listened to from beginning to end in one listening session (whether you're at work, in the car, whatever). Give it a go at least 4 or 5 times and you're bound to be hooked. I can't wait to catch them live over the summer so I can hear the cuts from this album up close and personal.

Why, you may ask, do rate rate a "Great" album with only 3 stars? Let me assure you that this album is 3 stars only in the pantheon of Widespread albums. Compared to every other release I've heard this year the album rates 5 stars.

As reviewers have noted, this CD is a ponderous affair. But, this is where I leave off with the professional reviewers. I do not see and I have never seen the comparisons between this and any other band. I find Widespread music to be transcendent. Comparing them to bands like Allman Bros. is a disservice to both bands. Just because you could tap your toe while listening to either band doesn't make them similar.

The only good comparison I can see for this album is Widespread's self titled album. It seems a return to a more contemplative and, somewhat more, serious tone.

I own every studio album by this band. While Ball isn't their best effort, it's a damn good album all the same.