The eleventh studio album by Widespread Panic signaled the return of John Keane as producer and was recorded in the band's hometown of Athens, Georgia, in contrast to the previous two albums produced by Terry Manning at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. It is the fourth album released after the death of Michael Houser and the first for ATO Records. The 12 songs incorporate Panic's unique blend of rock, jazz and blues-inspired textures into songs flowing with melody, rhythm and emotion.

Songs on the album range from road-tested classics like Jerry Joseph's classic "North," "Clinic Cynic" and "Visiting Day," to new originals like "Saint Ex," "Shut Up and Drive" and "Cotton Was King." Also included is "This Cruel Thing," the latest in a long line of Vic Chesnutt covers released by the band, and "True to My Nature," a collaboration with Daniel Hutchens of Bloodkin.

At an hour long - which may not bother Spread Heads - Dirty Side Down is a tad long, but when the songs are this good, WP gets a pass. This is easily the band's finest studio offering in over a decade.

Selections

1. Saint Ex
2. North
3. Dirty Side Down
4. This Cruel Thing
5. Visiting Day
6. Clinic Cynic
7. St. Louis
8. Shut Up and Drive
9. True To My Nature
10. When You Coming Home
11. Jaded Tourist
12. Cotton Was King