(RockAndMetal.com) (06/24/04)

Edited By Michael Bennett

NEW YORK, NY, USA - WIDESPREAD PANIC will release an album of "unplugged" songs, recorded live last November just before the band began it's controversial year-long break from touring.

"Uber Cobra," in stores July 13th on Widespread/Sanctuary Records, is also marked by the inclusion of several of the band's favorite cover songs, reflecting the depth of their influences, as well as their musical dexterity.

'City Of Dreams,' by Talking Heads, Neil Young's 'Walk On,' Blind Faith's classic 'Can't Find My Way Home' (written by Steve Winwood), the more obscure 'Geraldine And The Honeybee' by Willis Alan Ramsey and 'Expiration Day,' by longtime band friend Vic Chestnut all shine alongside Widespread Panic originals like 'Mercy' and 'Wondering.'

"Uber Cobra" is the unplugged companion to "Night Of Joy," the live album released earlier this year that also featured The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Infamous for their legendary live performances and fiercely devoted followers, "Uber Cobra" is a compilation of stripped down, acoustic-leaning songs taken from two concerts taped at the House Of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC on November 6th and 7th, 2003.

George McConnell leaves his electric guitar in its rack, and reveals his unassuming, emotional acoustic performances.

"We realized early on in the tour that George is a great acoustic player," explained bassist Dave Schools.

"He's terrific, so we started integrating acoustic sets into our shows any time we had more than one night at a venue."

While the album does sneak in a few electricity-enhanced moments, it's the closest thing to a truly acoustic album than the band has done before.

Currently the band, featuring John Bell, John "Jojo" Hermann, Dave Schools, Todd Nance, Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz, and George McConnell, is on their first year-long hiatus in over 18 years.

One of the most successful touring bands in rock music, Widespread Panic shocked fans and the music industry by announcing a much-deserved break from live performances at the close of 2003.

But despite their temporary retirement from the road, 2004 remains a busy year for the band.

"Uber Cobra" is the second live album of four planned releases.

The next release, due this coming Fall, will be a live Halloween CD from their annual holiday show, with the final live CD of the series arriving at the beginning of next year.

Widespread Panic planned these releases as a way to give their intensely loyal fans something to savor while awaiting the band's return to the stage in 2005.

Their extended vacation comes at the height of their career.

2003 marked a new level of success for Widespread Panic, as they continued to sell-out dates across the country, headlined the Bonnaroo Festival, sold out two nights at New York's Madison Square Garden, and set a record at Colorado's famed outdoor concert venue Red Rocks.

Widespread Panic have sold more tickets at Red Rocks than any other band in history, with 21 sold-out shows to date.

"Uber Cobra" Track Listing:

1. Walk On 5:59 (Neil Young)
2. Wondering 4:33 (Widespread Panic)
3. Can't Get High 3:57 (Daniel Hutchens & Eric Carter)
4. Party At Your Mama's House 6:01 (Widespread Panic)
5. Nobody's Loss* 5:45 (Widespread Panic)
6. City of Dreams* 6:20 ( David Byrne)
7. Geraldine And the Honey Bee* 3:42 (Willis Alan Ramsey)
8. Expiration Day* 5:22 (Vic Chestnut)
9. Mercy 5:45 (Widespread Panic)
10. Imitation Leather Shoes 4:33 (Widespread Panic)
11. Can't Find My Way Home 5:15 (Steve Winwood)
12. Papa Johnny Road 5:37 (Widespread Panic)

*with John Keane on pedal steel

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