Rating: 
Summary: Falling Action
Review: "To see beauty decay is such a sad thing ..." -- Bob DylanThese words from Bob Dylan's "Love and Theft" never rang so true for me as when I viewed Widespread Panic's latest offering, "Live From the Backyard". More than a decade ago, I was given a copy of "Space Wrangler", and I became a "Spreadhead" from that moment on. Seeing them live on every chance I could, they became one of my favorite bands. However, since the death of Jerry Garcia, they have become more of a touring attraction, but less of the band the original fans knew and love. This latest DVD release only mirrors that. While I admire WSP's confidence in playing new material, not much has held up as much as the first "classic era" four LPs. This release only goes to show that. Maybe it's the passing of Mikey. The concert starts off with a tentative "Weight of the World", but then kicks into high gear with the highlight of "Don't Tell the Band", "Down". "Tall Boy" keeps things moving along well, and "Rock" just kicks. It's after this 25 minute outburst that the show suffers. It's not until the beautiful "Trouble" that WSP engages us again. The second set, however, just sinks more deeply into the forgettable. Not much before the "Jam" (which is quite Allmans influenced) holds weight. Only "Stop Breakin' Down Blues" is adequate. Interestingly enough, the band only regains form when it delves back into the aforementioned "classic four" for "Picking Up the Pieces" (from "Everyday"). Here we can feel the release that WSP used to give us. It's hard to argue that "Old Joe" and (one of the best numbers from "'Till The Medicince Takes") "Blue Indian" don't sound great-- it's WSP sounding soulful and resounding. The set closes with "Imitation Leather Shoes" which reminds us sadly where this great band is going -- and it lies flat. For live WSP, the commercially released "Light Fuse, Get Away" is a great place to start. While not truly a continuous concert, it shows what is great about this band. "Live from the Backyard" does not. It represents only a holding pattern
Rating: 
Summary: It is, what it is ...
Review: After viewing this several times and then comparing to the "Live at Oak Mtn" show, it's apparent these guys are tyring hard to carry on. But, it needs to be taken in the context of when it was recorded: three weeks after Houser leaves the band and discloses he's dying and three weeks before he does die. With that in mind, what an inspired show. It still rocks and rocks hard in the 2nd set. The jam is very cool. I disagree this is a band in decline. They take their lumps and do what they do best ... play. Compare this to the recent Allman Brother's "live at the Beacon" dvd (which incidently was filmed by the same guys) and you'll see a big difference.
Rating:
Summary: It is, what it is ...
Review: After viewing this several times and then comparing to the "Live at Oak Mtn" show, it's apparent these guys are tyring hard to carry on. But, it needs to be taken in the context of when it was recorded: three weeks after Houser leaves the band and discloses he's dying and three weeks before he does die. With that in mind, what an inspired show. It still rocks and rocks hard in the 2nd set. The jam is very cool. I disagree this is a band in decline. They take their lumps and do what they do best ... play. Compare this to the recent Allman Brother's "live at the Beacon" dvd (which incidently was filmed by the same guys) and you'll see a big difference.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent DVD
Review: As a recent Widespread fan, I understand the controversy behind George's addition to the band. However, he truly shines on this dvd in several songs. Although "Bayou Lena" isn't typical of WP, it made the dvd a must have for me, and "Stop Breaking Down Blues" is mind blowing with the guy from North Miss. All Stars making a guest appearance. The future of Widespread looks bright.
Rating: 
Summary: music tremendous---video color ghastly
Review: How can I rate this with 5 stars if the video color is a horific muddy brown (note almost everyone on stage is wearing brown t-shirt as well)? The music is absolutely first rate and the camera work is not great but very acceptable. If you want to make this DVD both gloriously listenable AND watchable, then get your remote and go to your TV's control setting and set the color on zero giving you VERY watchable black and white. You might have to tinker with brightness but that's about it. The difference between black and white and the so called "color" format of this DVD is stunning. It used to be a very annoying production and now watching in black and white it is a gem. Due to the down to earth nature of the band and the depth of their music, it probably should have been filmed in black and white regardless if they could have done it in adequate color. Now that I know the black and white "trick" I've been able to salvage a couple other music DVD's that are now beautiful rather than nearly unwatchable.
Rating:
Summary: Great Show, Great Sound!!
Review: I have read numerous reviews from folks that do not like this DVD because Michael Houser is no longer with us. It is rather obvious to me that these folk have no idea what they are talking about. Perhaps they would have preferred if WP had just quit making music after Michael passed away? Or perhaps, they feel that Michael's body would have played a good guitar?
This is a GREAT concert. Do not let these other rubes that detract from this DVD fool you. I would say that Mr. Houser would be very proud to see his band striving on, in the face of adversity, still making awesome music. George McConnell plays a mean guitar and fills Michael's shoes just nicely, thank you very much! Rock on WP!!
Rating: 
Summary: No Buy Because of George McConnell
Review: I think George McConnell is the person that makes this DVD a no Buy! I paid good money to buy a DVD, thinking i was going to hear the band that I loved. Instead I find a half rate guitar player on a movie. I think if more movies are to be released then Widespread Panic should find themselves someone else to star in the role of Lead guitar.
Rating:
Summary: BEST LIVE FOOTAGE..................................
Review: If you seen em' on Direct TV's freepreview week, the best parts of the show were left out. The Stop Breakin' Down is completely awesome, along with the drum jam. The bonus footage and interviews makes this DVD more than worth buying..........................................
Rating:
Summary: Only a fool
Review: Only a fool would buy a DVD that was recorded after Houser dropped off the tour and expect to see him...."I paid good money to buy a DVD, thinking i was going to hear the band that I loved. Instead I find a half rate guitar player on a movie."....what is this person talking about!?!?!?!? McConnell first played with WSP in 1993....then he filled in all summer 2002 with super hot guitar after Houser fell ill....listen to some of the live recordings from last summer and your ears will be smoking...checkitoutat furthur.net....spread the word.....McConnell rocks....BUY IT
Rating:
Summary: No Buy Because of George McConnell
Review: Truly great playing. How cool is it that they have someone like George McConnell to take over lead git? I really enjoy his playing. And the addition of Randall Bramblett's sax is icing on the cake. running time 157 minutes, recorded 7/20/02. The jam with Luther Dickinson is unbelievable. Sorry, haven't watched the extras disc yet.
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