The Umphrey's McGee Thread

Just wanted to let y'all know about a band I think you should check out.

Umphrey's McGee is an American progressive rock jam band based in Chicago whose music is often referred to as "progressive improvisation."
Although the band is part of the jam-band scene, like Phish and the Grateful Dead (with ever-changing setlists, improvisation, two sets per night, open-taping policy, etc), they are much more influenced musically by progressive rock bands such as King Crimson, Yes, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Frank Zappa, and Genesis, as well as heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden. The band also identifies The Police, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin as primary influences.

^ From wikipedia

Off their newest album, very beatles-ish sounding: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwm9BBeYnTo]YouTube - Umphrey's McGee - Made to Measure - 12/30/2008[/ame]
*Horns aren't permanent, just something the do every New Years

Here's a *much* spacier tune: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfwSTBLoVgk]YouTube - Umphrey's McGee - Nothing Too Fancy - 3/11/06[/ame]

They can throw down fer sure as exemplified by "Wappy Sprayberry": [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbvGfQvNsFw]YouTube - Umphrey's McGee - Wappy Sprayberry - 10/25/2008[/ame]

Here's something a little "sexier": [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSsrZunDcLs]YouTube - Umphrey's McGee - Dick in a Box - 12/31/2006[/ame]

If you feel so inclined, there's plenty of free downloads here: Internet Archive Search: collection:UmphreysMcGee

And coming to a city near you in 2010, here's their tour dates: Umphrey's McGee - Shows

There's a podcast on their website as well.