Widespread Panic

It stinks that Widespread Panic have been tagged as just another jam band. The group is far more in touch with Southern rock, country, blues and jazz than groups like Drive-By Truckers and the Black Crowes. This has been true ever since the Panic's self-titled debut for Capricorn (their second overall). While the probing musicianship is top-notch, it's the husky croon and lyrics of the late Michael Houser that push the band over the top. This is great American rock, plain and simple.