Let's get this out of the way: Warren Haynes is a great guitar player. Gov't Mule was formed to showcase that talent, but since the death of Allen Woody, the Mule has become more of a band again with Haynes at the focus as opposed to just a rhythm section backing him. High & Mighty is the second release to feature Danny Louis and Andy Hess alongside Haynes and longtime drummer Matt Abts, and it continues on the course they charted with Déjŕ Voodoo. Playing with a myriad of bass players following the death of Allen Woody almost certainly helps push Gov't Mule in some new musical directions, and this new lineup keeps adding new elements to their sound. Sure, you get plenty of great guitar riffs and bluesy soloing, but the intro to "So Weak, So Strong" almost sounds like Ali Farka Toure (the dumbek of the first verse is a nice touch, too), and "Unring the Bell" is Mule-style eggae, complete with cavernous drums and trippy dub flourishes. There was also a certain funkiness that crept in on Déjŕ Voodoo, well manifested here in the bonus track, "3 String George," which sounds like an alternate universe Meters. And while there's nothing really overt, it seems that songs like "Like Flies" and "Unring the Bell" flirt with the political. Louis' keyboards play a mostly supporting role, though he gets a couple nice solos ("Brand New Angel" and "Brighter Days") and trades licks with Haynes on "Endless Parade." Of course, the rhythm section is rock-solid, but the star of the show is Warren Haynes with his soulful vocals and fantastic guitar playing. You won't get flashy showboating, just tough as nails playing free of ock guitar clichés. "Brand New Angel" and "Like Flies" both have some great meaty slide work too. Even though only three of the 12 tracks are shorter than five minutes, it's only on "Endless Parade" that one gets a sense that they're really stretching out thanks to Haynes' imaginative playing. There aren't many bands out there still working this type of tough ock & roll, and Haynes' talents put Gov't Mule at the top of that list.
One of my all time favorites is Gov't Mule. I've been on board since early 1997 and they instantly grabbed me through their combination of chops and bone crushing heaviness. The band changed radically after Allen Woody's death and they have evolved into the tightest of the "jam bands'. I love their stuff!The newest release "High and Mighty" is a fine example of da Mule firing on all cylinder...
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I can put Gov't Mule on when I have friends over for a BBQ, and the attention turns to the music (not so with the latest radio rock). The Mule kicks it into high-gear with a funkified, straight-ahead southern rock. Some fuzzed-our guitars, some old-style organ, and a funky bass line are part of their sound. For years, I've been looking for some decent rocking tunes to take me back to my college...
More >
Gov't Mule | High & Mighty (pre-release exclusive!)This week, Rhapsody has the pre-release exclusive on the new Gov't Mule album. High & Mighty is a stellar evolution of the Mule, and is only available on the Rhap this week. With the usual shredding and gravelly singing of Warren Haynes out front, H&M kicks off with the Mr. High & Mighty and features 12 new originals written by Haynes, with t...
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Imagine that about ¾ of your year is spent living in hotel rooms, or on a bus with at least four or five other people, or flying - and then pouring your heart out night after night on a stage in front of hungry audiences who have paid for your performance. It sounds like a glamorous fantasy for a lot of us, but the reality is tough. The road has broken so many souls over the years. This Mule..
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One of my all time favorites is Gov't Mule. I've been on board since early 1997 and they instantly grabbed me through their combination of chops and bone crushing heaviness. The band changed radically after Allen Woody's death and they have evolved into the tightest of the "jam bands'. I love their stuff!The newest release "High and Mighty" is a fine example of da Mule firing on all cylinder...
More >
Gov't Mule | High & Mighty (pre-release exclusive!)This week, Rhapsody has the pre-release exclusive on the new Gov't Mule album. High & Mighty is a stellar evolution of the Mule, and is only available on the Rhap this week. With the usual shredding and gravelly singing of Warren Haynes out front, H&M kicks off with the Mr. High & Mighty and features 12 new originals written by Haynes, with t...
More >
I can put Gov't Mule on when I have friends over for a BBQ, and the attention turns to the music (not so with the latest radio rock). The Mule kicks it into high-gear with a funkified, straight-ahead southern rock. Some fuzzed-our guitars, some old-style organ, and a funky bass line are part of their sound. For years, I've been looking for some decent rocking tunes to take me back to my college...
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Mr. High & Mighty |
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| 2 Brand New Angel |
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| 3 So Weak, So Strong |
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| 4 Streamline Woman |
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| 5 Child of the Earth |
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| 6 Like Flies |
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| 7 Unring the Bell |
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| 8 Nothing Again |
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| 9 Million Miles from Yesterday |
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| 10 Brighter Days |
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| 11 Endless Parade |
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| 12 3 String George [*] |
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Click to purchase…
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 "High & Mighty")
