Space Wrangler [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED]

Widespread Panic

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 26, 1994)
• Original Release Date: February 4, 1988
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Volcano
• ASIN: B00005ABKS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,429 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
Built on a solid foundation of Southern rock but given a contemporary spin that places them in the vanguard of current jam bands, Widespread Panic take an obvious respect for the past and turn it to their advantage as they plot the sound of the future. Space Wrangler is the album that started it all for Panic, introducing loose-limbed rhythmic excursions such as "Coconut" and trance-inducing jams like "Travelin' Light" and "Chilly Water" on an album initially released in the Atlanta area on the Landslide label. The 1992 reissue, courtesy of Capricorn, comes complete with three bonus tracks--"Holden Oversoul," "Contentment Blues," and a likely unprecedented combination of Robert Johnson and Talking Heads tunes on "Me and the Devil Blues" and "Heaven." --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As fresh as ever, December 28, 2003

By	James Ferguson (Vilnius, Lithuania) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I guess it is about time I buy another Widespread Panic CD. I've just about worn this one out. But, I've enjoyed it so much that I'm a little gunshy in buying one of their new CD's. Afraid I might be disappointed. Panic was such a refreshing althernative to the grunge rock that dominated the scene in the late 80's. Their cool laid back style had many well springs. The Allman Brothers come immediately to mind. But, these are no imitators, they have a style and energy all their own. The music covers a lot of ground, picking up on a number of pleasant riffs, including those of John Coltrane. One of the Allman Bros' favorites as well. I can't say I have a favorite on this CD, since the songs fit together almost seemlessly into an extended jam sesssion, which is perfect listening for a lazy afternoon, musing on such songs like "Coconut." This CD includes some additional tracks like "Holden Oversoul," which stretch out the listening experience.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential for true Panic freaks...I'm one., January 15, 2000

By	M Lee Robinson "Lee Robinson" (Hartwell, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Space Wrangler (Audio CD)

If you're new to WSP, maybe you need to start with the band's second, self-titled release which is an absolute jewel. You can sense the potential the band has on "Spance Wrangler" which comes to fruition on "Widespread Panic." "Light Fuse...", "Til the Medicine Takes" and "Widespread Panic" are essentials for any music lover. The version of "Space Wrangler" will disappoint you if you've ever heard the live version. There are several great tracks and a couple of so-so tracks here, also. If you're a died in the wool Spreadhead, you must own this album.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finger-lickin' Panic!, August 28, 1998

By	Kent Bell (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Space Wrangler (Audio CD)

As John Bell (JB) croons on "Contentment Blues", a new addition to the Capricorn release of "Space Wrangler", "I love my chicken" you know you've stumbled upon some Southern-fried goodness that would make a certain Colonel roll over in his grave! There is something to be said for a band that can sing songs about all-American subjects such as baseball, cold beers and fried chicken. Yet the complexity of the jams far exceeds the intentional simplicity of some of their lyrical concepts.

In the canon of Widespread Panic, "Space Wrangler" is perhaps most often mentioned as the favorite album. And with good reason - it contains quintessential Panic material including "Chilly Water", the title cut, and "Porch Song" which includes the refrain "Havin' a good time/Here today" and has been aptly and affectionately dubbed 'Panic's Theme'. It also contains the first song that the band wrote together - the catchy tune, with a not-so-subtle Grateful Dead influence, "Coconut". Incidently, "Coconut" is played only on special occasions (Halloween, for one) but was a staple of old live performances. Not to be overlooked on this album are the incredible renditions of J.J. Cale's "Travelin' Light" and all-time country blues legend Robert Johnson's "Me and the Devil Blues". Panic friend David Blackmon accompanies the boys on fiddle just in case you had forgotten some of their roots.

Anyway, if you want something that tastes good, this is a real treat. Mmmm..."my chicken tastes good".