Record Rack

** Widespread Panic, “Til the Medicine Takes,” Capricorn. This Athens, Ga., sextet is one of a handful of bands that have filled the void left by the Grateful Dead’s demise with expansive jamming, shambling tempos, and lyrics that evoke pastoral idylls and storybook whimsy. On its latest release, the band keeps the improv head-trips to a minimum and spotlights its solid if unmemorable riffs and the gruff vocals of guitarist John “J.B.” Bell. It’s all amiable enough, but too lightweight to resonate.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.