Gov't Mule

Some music is just good, but if you never get the opportunity to give it a listen or hear it on the radio, you just don't really know. I'd heard of Gov't Mule ever since they formed and released their first album in '95, but my travels had taken me to some out of the way places so that I no longer got good (AOR) FM radio options like I did in Dallas/Ft. Worth (KZEW & Q102). So I missed out and for whatever the reason I never searched 'em out...tyme passed and they just slipped into the shadows for me personally. As I noted in a earlier review, I purchased Gov't Mule's "Holy Haunted House" recently and was impressed enough that I decided to go back and get the first Gov't Mule release. I was not disappointed. I was pleasently surprised as the first track was just a vocal rendition with no instrumentation, but plenty of attitude. It then takes on a slightly early Black Sabbath feel on track two's "Mother Earth". Not the vocals, but the heavy guitar sound. "Rocking Horse" is another heavy guitar and bass attack with plenty of attitude. "Monkey Hill" is my personal favorite of the twelve tracks on this release. The sound is just what I like, kind of a dark heavy feel...great guitar playing throughout. For those who are interested because of their affiliation with The Allman Brothers Band, this ain't your typical Allman Brothers sound. It is considerably heavier, but very well compossed. Warren Haynes is really a very good guitarist, but most likely I'm the only one just figuring that out. I just arrived a little late to the Party! The rest of the album is very good, I'm just not going to review each song. Rock On!

Having just recently discovered the mule I have been enjoying going back and exploring some of the band's back catalogue. This is the band's debut album from 1995 and it is a good one. Gov't Mule began as a side project of the Allman Brothers. Allman's guitarist Warren Haynes and bass player Allen Woody formed the band along with drummer Matt Abts in the early 90's as something to occupy their time in between their main band's albums and tours. The music is similar to the Allman's output with a healthy dose of southern influenced blues, but the band has also been known to mix in reggae, jam, dub, and even a hint of metal at times for a rather wide variety of output. For a debut album this is a really strong one. There is not a weak track on the disc and the three instrumentalists shine throughout. Warren Haynes is known for his guitar prowess, but he is also a great blues vocalist which never seems to get as much attention. I also like Hayne's lyrics; they fit the music like a glove and tend to cover a bit more ground than just generic blues images. Instead of listing the highlights I will simply say that every track on this disc is a highlight. I love the whole album from start to finish. For a first album these guys hit a home run right off the bat.

Came in good time and fairly good shape. Dad's enjoyed it. Thanks!

The debut album is the seminal album IMO! It rocks from start to finish!!!

Great cdAs advertised

I had been wanting this one for a while. This is the 1st release by Gov't Mule and it's a great one! The playing on this CD is superb and the songs are absolutely great. In my opinion this one should be held as one of the finest debut albums of the time. Real playing by real musicians! check it out!

this album is a one of a kind. The lyrics are strong and visual, the instrumentation is clean and paints a road, for the listener. There are many artist that the entire albums lyrical theme is within only one or two subject matters, this is quite diverse. This often happens with the musical structure, but again they have true talent and many ways to reach to listener. I am grateful for this musical contribution, and don't get why they aren't more in the front.

Amazing band that doesn't get the credit they deserved,!