...Live in Chicago

Having not been on the music scene for very long, a live album kind of had me worried for Panic at the Disco. Seeing some of their earlier live performances turned my stomach, so I had very low expectations when it came to this album. Long story short, I was extremely impressed with their work.

Performing a good mix of older and newer songs, the band did a good set for their live album. "/Live in Chicago" is a must hear compilation of Panic's work if you consider yourself a fan. If you have never quite been a fan like I was, listening to a few of the tracks could change your mind.

"Nine in the Afternoon" is a great song for the band to put toward the beginning of the album. It tends to set the mood for the following tracks, and has a mellow vibe that leaves the listener wanting more. One really great part of the album is that the lead singer doesn't have a lot of unnecessary chitchat with the audience. The band keeps it mostly about the music throughout this live experience.

"But It's Better if You Do" may be a song to skip if you are not a big fan of lead singers obnoxiously manipulating some of the vocals in live performances. Brendon Urie tends to get a little carried away, and this could make you hit skip and see what you think of the other songs on the album. Considering this was a live concert, Urie's voice stayed consistent throughout, and a few of the voice cracks seem to be added for dramatic effect.

"Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off" almost sounds better live than it does in the studio version. The listener can hear the passion in Urie's voice when it comes to the lyrics, and it really helps the audience relate to the music. The song is a "you had me, screwed me over, now leave me alone" type of recording, so if you're a guy who has ever been hurt by a girl, this is the song for you.

The song that launched their careers, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," had to be done in concert. The band did a much better job live with this song than some other performances I remember, but it still doesn't give the song justice. The studio version is much better if you really enjoy listening to this song.

A softer side of the band comes out with "Northern Downpour," a mellow mix of soft music and lyrics. It was nice to hear this song live, since it seems to do it justice. The studio version is better overall, but the live version gives you a better sense of what the band can really do with their music.

There are some bonus tracks on the album, but they don't give or take any value to what you are already receiving. A DVD is included with the CD purchase, so it's nice to see the band perform with the audience reaction. This was a good purchase if you are already a fan of the band, and an even better purchase if you are not yet a fan. I have heard better live albums, but this was overall a great effort and nice album.