Widespread Panic is set to release 'Dirty Side Down' -- their 11th studio album -- on May 25, some 24 years after the Athens, Ga. band's inception.After cutting two albums in the Bahamas with producer Terry Manning, Widespread Panic decided to come home to Athens to record 'Dirty Side Down.' Recorded in a residential neighborhood with longtime friend and producer John Keane, 'Dirty Side Down' includes both new Panic songs, as well as road-tested material the band has never released on an official album. Keane also engineered, mixed and mastered the album, as well as contributed pedal steel and acoustic guitar.
'Dirty Side Down' is comprised of 12 songs, including a beautiful cover of the late Vic Chestnutt's 'This Cruel Thing.' This isn't the first time Widespread Panic has recorded Chestnutt songs; the singer collaborated with the band on two albums under the name Brute. According to Jambase, Panic lead singer John Bell felt the need to pay homage to their fallen friend, saying, "Widespread Panic and Vic aren't quite done with each other yet."
Other highlights include the sultry opener 'Saint Ex,' which builds into a dark, blues-laden jam and the hazy Southern comfort of 'When You Comin' Home.' Both showcase Widespread Panic's range and seem to best represent the artwork and title for their 11th record.
Set for release once again on ATO Records, you can listen (for free) to 'Dirty Side Down' now through this Sunday, May 30, on AOL's Full CD Listening Party.
'Dirty Side Down' Track Listing:
1. 'Saint Ex'
2. 'North'
3. 'Dirty Side Down'
4. 'This Cruel Thing'
5. 'Visiting Day'
6. 'Clinic Cynic'
7. 'St. Louis'
8. 'Shut Up and Drive'
9. 'True to My Nature'
10. 'When You Coming Home'
11. 'Jaded Tourist'
12. 'Cotton Was King'
Listen to Full CD Listening Party
