Gov't Mule's New Album - High and Mighty

If you've been watching my recently listened to music page over the last week or two, you would have come to one of two conclusions based on what you saw.

• I wasn't listening to anything.
• I was listening pretty much constantly to the same album.

That's because the list of albums, artists and even songs hasn't changed much over that time. And, the second conclusion is pretty much why.

I've been listening, nearly non-stop (with a few deviations) to Gov't Mule's new album: High and Mighty. It, like the 9 or so albums that they released before this one (what counts as an album isn't entirely agreed on) are like musical barbeque: rich, savory, filling and enjoyable.

They hit one out of the park again with this one. All of the reasons I'm a stubborn Mule fan hold true throughout this album. Warren Haynes' vocals have that rich depth to them that tells a story in and of itself. The guitars, keys, bass, drums and the occasional cowbell all have a wonderful interplay that balances the jazz improv approach and a rock sensibility. The lyrics are intelligent (I love a band that can use "sycophantic tirades" as a lyric) I've always respected the improv jazz musicians, but never really enjoyed the music. Mule does some of that same idea, but with rock/blues and, on this album, even a bit of reggae. They tend to understand the attention span and keep songs a bit shorter than other jam bands, which I appreciate. I really don't like hearing myself say, when the lyrics kick in again after a long interlude, "I'm still listening to this song?"

As far as the disc itself, I had actually ordered it as soon as I found out they were recording it, but was thrilled to find it on Rhapsody about a week before it actually came out, thus giving me time to already be enjoying it before getting the actual disc. By the time it arrived, I had forgotten that pre-ordering also garnered a copy of the MuleOrleans concert recording as well. Given how seldom they come near here, the concert recordings are as close as I'm likely to get to most of their concerts.

If you've never heard Gov't Mule, this is a fantastic introduction. If you have, then you'll love it too. If you need more objective opinions (and your head doesn't explode at the concept of an objective opinion), read the various reviews by the pros.