(New West Records; 74 Minutes)

www.newwestrecords.com

Cranking out the good vibes as solid as ever, Widespread Panic's newest DVD from New West Record's "Live from Austin, Texas" series features up close classic-Panic from their Halloween show in 2000.

With the stage decked with skeletons, pumpkins, and spider web-covered amps, the signs of the party are evident as tie-dyed hippies and dressed-up characters like Bart from Sesame Street sing and dance their way through an hour and half of Panic. New West provides a clear video with great angles of every member of the band and sound quality that is untouchable, the perfect combo to showcase all the features of a Widespread Panic concert.

Panic fans, known to be rowdy at the group's concerts, make their appearance known as the group jumps into "Let's Get Down to Business," and again as the band moves into "Ain't Life Grand," a country-tinged tune showing off John Bell's impressive mandolin skills and ability to keep time with drummer Todd Lance's tempo on hi-hat and snare.

Then, with the strum of a G from Bell and Houser's intoxicating electric groove, popular tune "Space Wrangler" appears, mixed with Jojo's piano fills and School's inter-winding bass from his usual spot stage left.

Houser adds his own element to each song, especially "Blue Indian" and "Time Waits." Using his original volume-pedal swells and wah techniques, Houser defines Panic's early sound where the focus was group melody.

"Casa del Grillo's" slow, southwestern flavor provided a change of pace from their southeastern flair, before the "Driving Song" and "Surprise Valley" combo showed off an impressive climax of the bands performance as they segue in-and-out of the two fan favorites. The DVD ends with "Porch Song," where Panic executes their special blend of melody and rhythm to perfection to the sounds of a roaring crowd.

Thanks to the help of New West Records, Widespread Panic can add another video to its list of top-notch performances showcasing the band's evolution over the course of their history. With a great set-list most Spreadheads will be drawn to, there is no doubt this classic will be welcomed enthusiastically by the community.

Special Features: None. MATTHEW RECCHIA

Track Listing;

1) Let's Get Down to Business

2) Ain't Life Grand

3) Space Wrangler

4) Climb to Safety

5) Blue Indian

6) Casa del Grillo

7) Driving Song pt.1> Surprise Valley> Driving Song pt. 2

8) Travelin' Light

9) Bear's Gone Fishin

10) Dyin' Man

11) Porch Song