Gov’t Mule
Shout
Reviewed by: Robert Brind and Kathleen Larrick
Dirty: a superlative, sick, awesome.
And that’s how Gov’t Mule’s new album opens, with a low, distorted dirty riff on “World Boss”. The album does not fail to disappoint on its other tracks. The whole is characterized by the bluesy, funky jams that Gov’t Mule is known for. While the line, “Put on your sweatsuit, Baby; need I say more?” is probably not a seduction attempt I would entertain, “No Reward” solidifies the delightful brand of dirtiness only bluesmen get away with.
The album is not all at one pace. On the fourth track, “Captured”, a slow blues number, Warren Haynes’ fills integrate well with the tortured lyrics. Just as Haynes’ vocals growl then sweeten, the instrumental solos rise and fall, progressing through a low-slung writhe.
Not to be ignored are the guest spots. The album is recorded twice, the second run through with a list of guest musicians that include Dr. John, Ben Harper and Jim James. “Stoop So Low” opens with Dr. John’s distinctive laugh and his unique voice is a definite upgrade. A distorted guitar accompanies his melody on the chorus along with a well-executed key change and funky baseline. On the first disc, the tune culminates by featuring Danny Louis driving a quintessential funk breakdown on keys, the wailing organ paying homage to their psychedelic jam band roots.
Blending traditional blues sentiments (“One of these mornings, and it won’t be long; you’re gonna’ look for me, and I’ll be gone”) with entrancing grooves is a style Gov’t Mule’s had a couple decades to develop. Yeah, you’ll hear it done elsewhere. But not like this.
Gov’t Mule, Ben Harper and Dr. John? “This must be my lucky day.”
Rating: badass
