[rating=2.00]
Widespread Panic’s Live in the Classic City II is an example of how not to put together a live release, and it stands in stark contrast to the beloved first volume of the series. Comparisons between the two releases are inevitable, and this two disc set is the son that could never live up the older brother, the participation award winner instead of the blue ribbon holder, the comeback bid that fell short. Panic fans will want to own it – it puts them one step closer to having the entire three night run (April 1-3, 2000) and there are a few notable song selections ("End of the Show," "You’ll Be Fine") and guest appearances (John Keane, Bloodkin, and more).
But the appeal of Live in the Classic City II is very limited beyond the band’s hardcore fan base.
The construction of this release manages to make a forgettable experience out of rare recordings (no audience tapers were allowed) from the spectacular Athens, GA shows that feature the late Michael Houser. Disc One is passable but far too short. A standalone "Travelin’ Light" serves as prequel to a nonstop chunk of the first set from night two, and the feel of a Panic show is achieved through this simple presentation. "Machine > Barstools and Dreamers" is classic live Panic with Houser in full flight, and "Sleeping Man" is a ton of fun as always. "This Part of Town" with John Keane sitting in is also a highlight. But the enjoyment soon ends after the disc-closing "Imitation Leather Shoes."
On Disc Two the flow completely unravels. Forget about a cohesive full-disc listen – the music doesn’t even work on a track-by-track basis due to the haphazard placement of performances from all three nights and an obvious avoidance of cover songs. The debut performance of "E on a G" is made utterly out of context and inconsequential for no good reason. The version of "Greta" that precedes "E on a G" is included, but the "Holden Oversoul" that followed is not, even though it didn’t appear on the first release and, as such, remains unheard. That’s just poor execution, and it makes one wonder why the organization didn’t just release the three-night run in its entirety. If the band is holding back on performances of songs that they deem sub-par, that is their prerogative, but also ridiculous given that they frequently release full archival shows and quickly make recent shows available for download.
T
he failure to fully release these otherwise amazing shows ultimately resulted in this regrettable second disc, which features other stunning failures like a standalone "Disco" that abruptly fades out as not to include the Talking Heads cover "Papa Legba" that followed; "Rebirtha" plucked from the middle of "Low Rider"; and uncomfortably snipped versions of "Big Wooly Mammoth" and "Fishwater" that just don’t sound good next to each other. More Houser is always welcome, and the release will have a built-in, albeit small, audience. But this blast from the past isn’t going to make much of an impact in other circles.
