Gov’t Mule
The Tel-Star Sessions
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
While on the road with the Allman Brothers Band, vocalist/guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody developed a fast friendship, recruited drummer Matt Abts, and began playing together as the Dickey Betts Band. Throughout the early ‘90s and through the end of the decade, the band quickly made a name for themselves by writing unique rock ‘n roll that would resonant with fans.
The Tel-Star Sessions are the first, never-before-released demos, from 1994 where they were recorded at the Tel-Star Studios in Bradenton, FL in 1999. The sextuplet introduces the next chapter of the Gov’t Mule legacy with the guitar-driven archival album.
The 10-song collection opens with the track “Blind Man In The Dark,” a song that blends elements of genres like classic rock, funk, blues, and R&B. The heavy, guitar-driven tune, is definitely perfect for opening any record. With a running time of 6 minutes and 49 seconds, the listener experiences the heavy-hitting guitar and rhythm that creates an aggressive tone.
“Rocking Horse” reveals a sick guitar groove and elements of blues rock that proves the band’s flexibility and versatility with playing multiple genres.
The opening guitar riff in “Just Got Paid” is so infectious and continues on through the song’s 4:22 running time. It’s classic rock ‘n roll, but with a twist of blues rock.
Gov’t Mule plays some of the greatest guitar riffs I’ve heard because on the track, “Left Coast Groovies,” the song opens with guitar you can’t help but be addicted to immediately.
The fact that this band is just now releasing B-sides makes me wonder how many more incredible “B-side” songs they have up their sleeve. This new release, albeit not new material, is a great way for an established, legendary band to release “new” material that was digitally released prior, but never in a format that’s more glorious than new mixes and masters are.
For as long as Gov’t Mule has been together, they continue to impress with all the elements of a legendary, dynamic rock and roll band.
Rating: Iconic
