Search - Widespread Panic :: Bombs & Butterflies

Grat rock, not enough soul

Adam Renick | Buffalo NY | 03/24/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being one on Widesread Panic's earlier releases this album features more of a classic rock theme with more basic chord progressions and arrangements than their more recent releases. Looking back with 20/20 hindsight it is easy to tell that at this point the band hadn't quite come into their pinnacle of songwriting that they have now. Of course, with this album Widespread Panic continues the true rock and roll tradition that seems to be underground at this point. A great album for those who love rock."

A Darkhorse Favorite WSP Record!

J. Andrews | Tucson, AZ | 12/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For some reason, B&B is criminally overlooked among folks I've talked to about the band. I consider myself well versed in the recordings of Panic, and something about this album has latched it's claws onto me. I can not get enough of it. Another reviewer noted correctly that this is a very focused, classic-rock sounding effort. As my tastes have changed and matured over the years (trending away from drawn-out jam-rock), the songs here have stood out as perfectly crafted nuggets of brilliance.



The album's 2 epics, "Rebirtha" and "Greta", are live Panic staples that exude that jammy spirit most fans adore. The former features the late Mike Houser's finest playing caught on tape (in my humble opinion).



The production on B&B sparkles w/o feeling overdone or calculated. This is a pristine recording with just the right amount of ambience. Classic Rock opener "Radio Child" sets the tone wonderfully for the rest of the 10-song set. "Gradle" may be one of the best unheralded Panic tunes ever written, featuring JB's spot-on-perfect soaring vocals and Houser's triumphant solos. "Glory"'s abrupt time changes and anthemic chorus is the perfect midpoint and setup for the aforementioned monstrosity, "Rebirtha".



Do NOT hesitate if you're looking to dive into a random Panic record! this is your album. Non-Panic, classic Rock fans should really get a kick out of this...



thanks for reading!

-Jon"

Once upon a time..

spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 03/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"..Widespread Panic was a group still in the process of finding their own sound and trying to keep the spirit of southern rock & roll alive. Though they hadn't developed into the distinct entity they are today, though their singer had a tendency to sound like Gregg Allman at times, they built a good following on the strength of albums like this. And though they've done better albums since.. Bombs & Butterflies is still a heck of a fun listen.One spin of the opener "Radio Child" should rub out any notion that these guys are an ordinary southern-rock band. And if public opinion hadn't tossed so many jam bands into the "Phish wannabe" pile, WP might be just as well-known right now. There's flat-out rock ("Tall Boy," "Radio Child"), some quiet-but-not-sappy moments ("Glory," "Aunt Avis") even a.. well, happy instrumental ("Happy"). This is an album for sunny spring & summer afternoons, a spirited bunch of tunes that'll make those miles on the highway go by before you notice. Pick this one up if you've already heard Don't Tell the Band and Til the Medicine Takes.. or if you just want something a little more focused than the marathon Light Fuse & Get Away. If you like that southern sound the Allmans do so well, though, any one of them will be just fine."