The Bottom Half is the fifth album from progressive rock group Umphrey's McGee recorded during the band's 2005/2006 sessions of their previous studio effort Safety in Numbers. The first disc contains complete songs that were initially left off the Safety in Numbers album, while the second disc features demos, outtakes, and b-sides from the sessions. Like the previous album, the artwork was done by Storm Thorgerson. The first single from the album is "Bright Lights, Big City," written by Mother Vinegar frontman Karl Engelmann, who is also a member of Ali Baba's Tahini with Umphrey's guitarist Jake Cinninger.
The album was released on April 3, 2007.
Track listing
Disc One
Disc Two
Words (a capella version) Great American / Believe the Lie Believe the Lie Time Eater Never Cease Rocker Ready Noodles Higgins (instrumental version) The Heart of Rock 'N' Roll Fresh Start The Browning Special Ocean Billy Intentions Clear What Else? Alex's House End of the Road Red Room Disco Rocco WWS The Weight Around Liquid Atmosfarag Words (chorus) Memories of Home Browning Family Creed Biscuits & Gravy Words (Intro) Words (Instrumental)
Artwork
The sleeve's designer Storm Thorgerson said: "This design was originally rejected by Jane's Addiction (the fools!) and was resurrected at short notice by a band called Umphrey's McGee from Chicago, God bless 'em. We had completed the design despite rejection from Jane's, and UM needed something in a hurry and thought this suitable for their humour and album title, The Bottom Half."