originally released in 1998, first time on vinyl! The Disco Biscuits' second album, Uncivilized Area, shows that the stellar musicianship and improvisation of the jam bands is alive and well on the independent scene. While critics often complain that many of these bands can't put it together in the studio, this album is a musical tour de force and the songs are all very good. Tracks like "Aceetobee", which have some sick counter bass lines from Marc Brownstein, the quirky "Morph Dusseldorf", and the playful "Jamilla", are outstanding musical adventures that bounce between several genres within the same song. "I-Man" is also a great jam led by the stellar piano playing of Aron Manger and a cool chorus that you could sing along to. Also worth noting is that unlike similar bands such as The Dave Matthews Band, the band don't take themselves too seriously as evidenced by the hysterical lyrics in "Jamilla" and "Little Betty Boop." Even when the band decides to play it somewhat straight on "M.E.M.P.H.I.S." and "Awol's Blues", the band's considerable chops shine through. Another great track is the opener "Vassillios", which starts out heavy before suddenly breaking into piano jazz before returning to its original theme. The only track that doesn't work is the aforementioned "Little Betty Boop", which is great for the first 6 minutes but then becomes meandering and self-indulgent. All told, Uncivilized Area proves that today's jam bands could bring the excitement of their live shows into the studio.
| 1 | Vassillios | 6:18 |
| 2 | Aceetobee | 10:55 |
| 3 | Jamillia | 7:39 |
| 4 | Little Betty Boop | 15:11 |
| 5 | M.E.M.P.H.I.S. | 4:59 |
| 6 | Morph Dusseldorf | 7:56 |
| 7 | I- Man | 13:12 |
| 8 | Awol's Blues | 5:44 |
