I've listened to all these albums this week, and I'd have to say I've enjoyed the Gov't Mule the most, I'm not familiar with their work, but that will change now, thanks Pete!
Been a Gov't Mule fan since they formed, seen them a bunch of times. Like said in a few other comments, when I heard the first song released months ago, I was like ehh. I chose not to listen to the other tracks released and opted to wait until my vinyl and CD arrived. Well like always when I pre order through a label, its never on time. Anyway, this is a great album to my ears. Totally agree with Pete how Jorgen is outstanding on this album and you can hear him clear as a bell. Bass is awesome here. I can't pick a favorite track yet but my top 3 are Made My Peace, Head Full of Thunder and lol Same As it Ever Was. The bonus CD is just as good, Stumblebum I definitely hear a Zeppelin vibe. Overall I'm giving it a 5 out of 5 stars. Keeps getting better each listen!! Glad you reviewed this Pete!!
Warren Haynes is one of my fav-o-rite guitarists who is still touring. Seen him all the different ways, with Gov't Mule, with Allen Woody (RIP) about a week before he passed, without Allen Woody, with the Allman Brothers Band a few times, with Phil Lesh and Friends, a few times, and with, what was apparently the current edition of Gov't Mule, a couple of times. I haven't seen him with his solo band, but I will. He is so creative, and excellent and always out there, that you can't miss him. More good music from him, I'm in. But damn, I miss Mr. Woody on the Bass.
Have really been enjoying this album! It gets better with additional listens...Saw them in concert earlier this month and they were top notch as always!
I've been listening to this new album the last few days and it gets more interesting each time. Its starts out great with a Folky/Proggy/Psych jam that sounds straight out the 70's on, "Same As It Ever Was," then gets Bluesy in a hurry with help from Billy Gibbons on, "Shake Our Way Out." From there, it takes a bunch of twists & turns for well over an hour...its a long listen, but doesn't drag at any point along the way. Its a good one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pete, great review! I totally agree! Warren Haynes is one of the greats! Every time I buy an album, whether it's solo or Government Mule, I know it's going to be a treat. Like you said, so many flavors. Leonard Krupski Jacksonville, FL
Shout was the last Mule album that’s a top to bottom listen for me. While I love the early power trio stuff, my favorite era is 2000’s Mule. Warrens songwriting at an all time high (Time To Confess, Beautifully Broken) but the band was still providing really dense and heavy hard rock (Brand New Angel, About To Rage, Broke Down On The Brazos). It was the best of both worlds. While Made My Peace and Same As It Ever Was are 2 of the best songs I’ve heard from them in a while, I think stripping down and getting back to basics would benefit them. Put “loose concept albums”, genre surfing, and getting a host of different guest vocalists on the back burner, and write good songs with heavy riffs and live performance production. I do need to give the album a few more listens. It’s Warren Haynes so anything he does if going to be of a higher quality as is…. Great review Pete!
Thanks for the review Pete solid review my favorite tune is Shake our way out with Billy Gibbons. Nice solid tune could also be a ZZ Top tune too. But really solid. I would give it 4 out of 5 too.
I bought Gov't Mule's debut when it came out. Haven't bought a studio album since "The Deep End, Volume 2" (not including "Heavy Load Blues"). I know the Mule name pays the bills but most of the recent output aligns more with the Warren Haynes solo stuff, which I like well enough. I can't make the disconnect though. As an aside, I listened to "Tales of Ordinary Madness" yesterday and enjoyed it quite a bit.
Yeah, good point. The lines between Warren's solo stuff and the Mule are pretty blurred at this point. I do like it all, but I often miss those heavier, power trio days.
Only heard once but impressed with the creativity. Some soul, some Floyd/Beatles, phased vocals, very good Billy F Gibbons guesting. Short songs and albums never been their thing. Neither of the last ABB guitarists emphasize their instrument much as it's tasty and restrained rather than theatrical.
Pete - I couldn't agree more about Warren Haynes. He can do it all, and luckily for us fans, he shows no signs of slowing down. I think I rate this a bit higher than you do (so far probably a 9 out 10 for me). I enjoy the fact that the keyboards are a bit more prominent on a number of tracks, and I don't mind the tempos. Personally, I like all four "new" songs on the bonus EP and note that they are only on the deluxe cd version and are not available digitally, so that is definitely the way to go.
Life Before Insanity to me is still a special album - partly because I think it's the first thing I heard from Gov't Mule but also by that 3rd record Haynes/Woody/Abts had fine-tuned their sound. Also to me has a somewhat haunting/dark vibe to it - and of course Woody's last album
When I heard the first song they released for the first time, i was kinda disappointed. But listening to it and the other songs they released prior to the album it really grew on me. And listening to the album for tge first time in it's entirety I was really happy and still am. I think it has its own vibe, all fits nicely. It's not my favorite album of theirs, that's the live albums, but it's a damn fine album, my ranking would be 7 to 8 of 10 which is where all of their studio albums are. Really sad that Jorgen left. Read a couple of days ago, couldn't really find out why. The statement by the band was pretty vague.
8 really solid tracks on this one (the original one-cd album), I like this album quite a bit. The Deluxe Edition of this also just came out with an additional disk of 5 extra tracks (the Time Of The Signs Bonus EP-4 unreleased tracks plus one reworked tune - why Billy Bob Thornton on vocals?). That bonus EP adds 4 more winners so 12 good tunes in all. That automatically qualifies it for being in the running for album of the year (at least for me). If you liked Gov't Mule's prior albums, or Haynes' solo work, you'll most likely enjoy this. Easily a 4.3 out of 5 & could score even higher with more listens...
Ye took the words out of my mouth MICROSCOPIC . The writing on these cds is ridiculous, tiny or orange writing on a yellow background or grey on black it's like they don't want ye t read it .That's no good for nerds like us
I've listened to all these albums this week, and I'd have to say I've enjoyed the Gov't Mule the most, I'm not familiar with their work, but that will change now, thanks Pete!
Good solid album. Have listened to it twice. Loads of variety with blues, rock, and funk. Fantastic musicianship. A grower for me for sure.
Terrific review Pete. Agree 100% - bought the cd last week and is getting lots of play here .
Been a Gov't Mule fan since they formed, seen them a bunch of times. Like said in a few other comments, when I heard the first song released months ago, I was like ehh. I chose not to listen to the other tracks released and opted to wait until my vinyl and CD arrived. Well like always when I pre order through a label, its never on time. Anyway, this is a great album to my ears. Totally agree with Pete how Jorgen is outstanding on this album and you can hear him clear as a bell. Bass is awesome here. I can't pick a favorite track yet but my top 3 are Made My Peace, Head Full of Thunder and lol Same As it Ever Was. The bonus CD is just as good, Stumblebum I definitely hear a Zeppelin vibe. Overall I'm giving it a 5 out of 5 stars. Keeps getting better each listen!! Glad you reviewed this Pete!!
Warren Haynes is one of my fav-o-rite guitarists who is still touring. Seen him all the different ways, with Gov't Mule, with Allen Woody (RIP) about a week before he passed, without Allen Woody, with the Allman Brothers Band a few times, with Phil Lesh and Friends, a few times, and with, what was apparently the current edition of Gov't Mule, a couple of times. I haven't seen him with his solo band, but I will. He is so creative, and excellent and always out there, that you can't miss him. More good music from him, I'm in. But damn, I miss Mr. Woody on the Bass.
I will be checking this out when I get a chance, thanks Pete for these new reviews!
Have really been enjoying this album! It gets better with additional listens...Saw them in concert earlier this month and they were top notch as always!
Cool album with some definite funk vibes.What i like about this band...diversity.
I've been listening to this new album the last few days and it gets more interesting each time. Its starts out great with a Folky/Proggy/Psych jam that sounds straight out the 70's on, "Same As It Ever Was," then gets Bluesy in a hurry with help from Billy Gibbons on, "Shake Our Way Out." From there, it takes a bunch of twists & turns for well over an hour...its a long listen, but doesn't drag at any point along the way. Its a good one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pete, great review! I totally agree! Warren Haynes is one of the greats! Every time I buy an album, whether it's solo or Government Mule, I know it's going to be a treat. Like you said, so many flavors.
Leonard Krupski
Jacksonville, FL
Shout was the last Mule album that’s a top to bottom listen for me. While I love the early power trio stuff, my favorite era is 2000’s Mule. Warrens songwriting at an all time high (Time To Confess, Beautifully Broken) but the band was still providing really dense and heavy hard rock (Brand New Angel, About To Rage, Broke Down On The Brazos). It was the best of both worlds. While Made My Peace and Same As It Ever Was are 2 of the best songs I’ve heard from them in a while, I think stripping down and getting back to basics would benefit them. Put “loose concept albums”, genre surfing, and getting a host of different guest vocalists on the back burner, and write good songs with heavy riffs and live performance production. I do need to give the album a few more listens. It’s Warren Haynes so anything he does if going to be of a higher quality as is…. Great review Pete!
Love Gov’t Mule, own all there albums except this one, hope to buy it in the next few weeks, thanks for the review Pete.
Thanks for the review Pete solid review my favorite tune is Shake our way out with Billy Gibbons. Nice solid tune could also be a ZZ Top tune too. But really solid. I would give it 4 out of 5 too.
I'll probably buy this now.
Damn dude you nailed it again ! Mule in my opinion is the very best touring band out there today!
Such a great record. My favorite Mule album in quite some time. A real shame about Carlson leaving. He is great on this record
I bought Gov't Mule's debut when it came out. Haven't bought a studio album since "The Deep End, Volume 2" (not including "Heavy Load Blues"). I know the Mule name pays the bills but most of the recent output aligns more with the Warren Haynes solo stuff, which I like well enough. I can't make the disconnect though. As an aside, I listened to "Tales of Ordinary Madness" yesterday and enjoyed it quite a bit.
Yeah, good point. The lines between Warren's solo stuff and the Mule are pretty blurred at this point. I do like it all, but I often miss those heavier, power trio days.
I havent been a huge Mule fan but liked them. For some reason this album really hit me the good
way on the first listen. Just quality music!
Only heard once but impressed with the creativity. Some soul, some Floyd/Beatles, phased vocals, very good Billy F Gibbons guesting. Short songs and albums never been their thing. Neither of the last ABB guitarists emphasize their instrument much as it's tasty and restrained rather than theatrical.
Pete - I couldn't agree more about Warren Haynes. He can do it all, and luckily for us fans, he shows no signs of slowing down. I think I rate this a bit higher than you do (so far probably a 9 out 10 for me). I enjoy the fact that the keyboards are a bit more prominent on a number of tracks, and I don't mind the tempos. Personally, I like all four "new" songs on the bonus EP and note that they are only on the deluxe cd version and are not available digitally, so that is definitely the way to go.
I really miss the power trio Govt Mule days.
Life Before Insanity to me is still a special album - partly because I think it's the first thing I heard from Gov't Mule but also by that 3rd record Haynes/Woody/Abts had fine-tuned their sound. Also to me has a somewhat haunting/dark vibe to it - and of course Woody's last album
When I heard the first song they released for the first time, i was kinda disappointed. But listening to it and the other songs they released prior to the album it really grew on me. And listening to the album for tge first time in it's entirety I was really happy and still am. I think it has its own vibe, all fits nicely. It's not my favorite album of theirs, that's the live albums, but it's a damn fine album, my ranking would be 7 to 8 of 10 which is where all of their studio albums are.
Really sad that Jorgen left. Read a couple of days ago, couldn't really find out why. The statement by the band was pretty vague.
8 really solid tracks on this one (the original one-cd album), I like this album quite a bit. The Deluxe Edition of this also just came out with an additional disk of 5 extra tracks (the Time Of The Signs Bonus EP-4 unreleased tracks plus one reworked tune - why Billy Bob Thornton on vocals?). That bonus EP adds 4 more winners so 12 good tunes in all. That automatically qualifies it for being in the running for album of the year (at least for me). If you liked Gov't Mule's prior albums, or Haynes' solo work, you'll most likely enjoy this. Easily a 4.3 out of 5 & could score even higher with more listens...
Warren wanted Billy Bob Thornton on the track because he wanted a different voice for the kinda spoken word lines.
Great jam band. Has the feel of classic Allman Brothers.
Goes well with the recent new Goose album (Live At Radio City Music Hall)
Pretty good cd like the first hand full of songs and couple at the end.
I listened to this album the other day. I liked it and my rating is the same as yours, 3.5.
Ye took the words out of my mouth MICROSCOPIC . The writing on these cds is ridiculous, tiny or orange writing on a yellow background or grey on black it's like they don't want ye t read it .That's no good for nerds like us