Search - Gov't Mule :: Mulennium

GREAT MULE FROM TEN YEARS AGO

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 08/03/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Three discs 62, 73, 63 minutes each approximately. The sound is clean and warm with a good guitar sound in front of the rhythm section. The booklet contains a short synopsis on each of the three sets, along with many color photos of the group (and guests). The discs are snapped in, inside a tri-fold cardboard holder. There's a list of tracks and song lengths and recording information.



The first set is strictly GOV'T MULE playing some of their older material, along with smokin' covers of "21st Century Schizoid Man", "We're Not Gonna Take It", and a lengthy "Dazed and Confused". This is the band that most people will readily know, with Warren Haynes guitar and insistent vocals out front of a powerhouse rhythm section. Several tracks are lengthy, giving the band time to work through whatever they feel like playing. From all out assaults like "Blind Man In The Dark", to slower songs like "Life Before Insanity", the band show they can adapt their style to any tempo. This sets the scene for whats to come.



The second set is given over to the blues, with blues great Little Milton, a long time blues singer/guitar player. The tempos range from shuffles to slow blues. Among the songs are the well known "I Can't Quit You Baby", "It Hurts Me Too", with Elmore James-like slide guitar, and "Blues Is Alright". The set finishes up with "Power of Soul". The guitars of Haynes and Little Milton weave in and out of these songs, and its on the slow blues where they particularly shine.



The third set consists mainly of covers, starting with "Helter Skelter", which roars out with a lot of power. "30 Days In The Hole", by HUMBLE PIE, Dylan's "I Shall Be Released", and a great rendition of "Simple Man" by LYNYRD SKYNYRD round out this set. The addition of peddle steel played by Mark Van Allan, and additional guitar from Audley Freed gives this song an extra depth and punch.



This is another concert recorded on New Year's Eve (in 1999), and its hard to understand why it took so long to be released. This is prime GOV'T MULE, with the addition of a true bluesman and other friends/musicians which set this music apart from other releases. The band is well known for their New Year's Eve blow-outs, and these three sets are as good as any previous live recordings by the band. Tap in and listen to any of the tracks here and you'll hear what I mean."

Great Classic Mule from the Trio era

Alex | San Francisco | 08/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The mix is good. The show is hot. This is classic Mule from the trio era. Made me really miss the old Woody days. The stuff with Little Milton is great. Just hot rockin' old school blues. Wish these guys would release some of the jams they did with Larry McCray back on the '98 tour! The stuff with Audley Freed shows that the Mule works as a two guitar combo. It's fun to hear these guys play stuff they like. A great show. Miss the old Mule. Release more of this stuff, guys!"

Just GREAT

BEAR8040 | ELLINGTON, CT USA | 08/10/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My favorite Mule era, the power trio with Warren, Matt, Matt and Woody. Still attend most shows in my area theses days. As a collector with over 150 Mule shows, this one might get played the most alond with 10/31 shows and other NYE shows. A fine opening set with Mule oldies along with a long Zep tune. Added guests as all Mule NYE shows are just a big plus. Great sound with vocals clear and a deep bass. I miss Woody. Sorry they haven't been the same since BUT still a fine band. I do love live recordings. Is it because of the Allmans' live at the Fillmore or all my DEAD bootlegs, LOL LOL"