Just finished my first listen through to the Mule's blues record released today. Very, very good listen.
A blues release by this band is long overdue and it was worth the wait. The basic release includes 13 tracks, the bonus disc of the deluxe version, an additional seven. Warren penned (or co-wrote) six songs on the basic release and another on the bonus disc. As one might expect there are also covers of songs by blues giants like Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Howlin' Wolf. Additional covers are from a variety of performers including Kim Simmonds, Tom Waits and Bernie Taupin/Elton John.
The Muddy Waters tune "Long Distance Call" just had to be an automatic inclusion if for no other reason that the line "the party said there's another mule kickin' in your stall."
There are several songs with a horn section, several in an acoustic blues setting but the large majority are electric blues arrangements. One song, "Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody's Home" appears on both discs. The extended version on the bonus disc was my personal favorite between the two.
There are quite a few highlights like "Wake Up Dead," "(Brother Bill) Last Clean Shirt," "If Heartaches Were Nickels," "Hiding Place" and "Street Corner Talking."
The one song that would absolutely leave any blues hall/juke joint smouldering in rubble is the cover of Wolf's "I Asked For Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)." At nine plus minutes, it takes no prisoners!
The bonus disc ends with two live performances "Need Your Love So Bad" (which was a staple of the late 70's ABB) and "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl." The rest of the release is studio versions. The main disc is 77 minutes in length, the bonus disc just more than 50.
For me, this one is a home run, there's not a bad performance on either disc. I'll be interested in other opinions after more have had a chance to digest this one.
"Is that a real poncho or is that a Sears poncho?"
Thanks for posting I Asked For Water (She Gave Me Gasoline).
First let me say that I am a Mulehead but by far from the standpoint of seeing them live. To me they are possibly the greatest live band out there. I must admit that I don't listen to their records a whole lot. Their recent one Bring On The Music: Live From The Capitol Theatre was GREAT but mostly because it really captures the live Mule. Going back a bit I liked Shout as well, especially the second disc with all the great guest vocalists on it. That is NOT a criticism of Warren as a vocalist; I happen to think he's great. One of the greatest things about hearing the Mule live is that they have such an amazing repertoire and you never know what you are going to hear next.
But I have to admit that I found that link you posted of I Asked For Water to be a very boring 9 minutes. Not criticizing you at ALL for liking it............Hey, as always, to each their own! But I will add that I have never considered the Mule to be anything even close to a blues outfit and if that is a good sample of this record, I am hesitant to buy it. When I heard that they were releasing a straight ahead blues record I had second thoughts right from the get-go.
I'm moving to El Paso next month and I got my dose of the Mule last month at The Outlaw Music Festival here in the Bay area although unfortunately they were only given an hour set. As always, they BROUGHT IT. I'm already thinking that I may have to fly to Austin or Dallas if they swing through Texas because very few touring bands even bother with El Paso, I think mostly because it's just so out of the way of any other big cities (El Paso is around 700,000).
Thanks for the reviews guys. The last few or so releases from GM have been kinda hit or miss for my listening. Kinda lackluster in a sense. I agree with Rob, great live band no doubt. I am looking forward to hearing this. I like my Mule Rocking and Blusey! Earlier the Mule the better.
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
@robslob I'm the same. Earlier Mule the better with the records. Well now that I think about it, I'm that way with the ABB. Eat A Peach and AFE always play much more here than later albums.
The very first Mule album I play probably the most and Mother Earth is my favorite track.
Like them live then and now.
But the new blues release is growing on me.
Thanks for the reviews gents.
I bought the deluxe CD and vinyl which is supposed to be delivered today. Should come just in time to rip to my phone and listen to while doing leaf cleanup today.
I agree the earlier albums are best but I do love the newer stuff as well. Seems to be the same with just about any band IMHO as the music is not as consistent the more albums a band makes. The well starts to run dry I guess.
About 4 songs into disc one. So far, so good. Excellent,
in fact. Best Mule I've heard in years (and I've got them
all).
Has Gov't Mule played Just Before The Bullets Fly?
I don't remember seeing them play it live.
Here is Warren in 1992 solo.
Mine was supposed to come today, but delayed until tomorrow. Looking forward to it!
Thanks for your thoughts coot!
Listened to it the other day. I really enjoy it. It's my favorite Mule studio album since the Woody era.
