Late last year, we reviewed the first volume of Gov’t Mule’s recording of their 2009 Halloween concert, in which the southern rock giants performed a blistering set composed entirely of Rolling Stones classics. The two-volume album is entitled Stoned Side of the Mule Vol. 1 & 2. This time around, we examine the tightly arranged rock n’ roll perfection that continues on the second side of this record.
These two volumes are exclusive vinyl-only releases and feature special guests: multi-instrumentalist Jackie Greene (Phil Lesh & Friends, The Black Crowes, Trigger Hippy) and saxophonist Steve Elson (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Radiohead, David Bowie).
The first song on this highly-festive, hit parade of a Halloween show is the classic Stones ballad “Wild Horses.” The band is right-on-the-money and Haynes’ voice is soulful as ever, as the delighted audience soaks in the ever-so-glorious sound of this bluesy masterpiece.
Furiously picking up the pace on the next song, the boys rip into a raunchy rendition of “Bitch” from the Rolling Stones’ 1971 album Sticky Fingers. Steve Elson’s uncanny saxophone playing shines as bright as the heavens on this in-your-face rocker. They then jump up one decade on the Rolling Stones timeline, to 1981’s Tattoo You for a funk-filled performance of the Stones standard, “Slave”. Drummer Matt Abts kicks into the steady drum opening with clocklike precision as the band harmonizes on the repeating refrain, “Don’t wanna be your slave!” Once again the sweet sound of saxophone turns up the heat as the boys groove out this jam-heavy rendition of the raucous Rolling Stones tune.
Going way back, the next selection from the Stones’ vast repertoire is the 1965 hit song “Play With Fire”. While the performance is incredibly intimate and beautifully played, the psychedelic tinge of the original is not present in this interpretation. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable listen. On track nine, the Mule stomps into a impassioned performance of the classic “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’”, which turns out to be one of the strongest songs of the evening. Warren delivers the grungy opening riff with unmitigated flawlessness, as they proceed to hit this eight-minute jam-masterwork far out of the park.
Finally, the rock n’ roll staple “Brown Sugar” puts a cap on this unforgettable evening. Continuing the top-notch playing and meticulous musical interpretations, the band ends on a high note as the audience is left breathless yet begging for more. Over the years and continuing into the present, Warren Haynes seems to show up everywhere in the musical stratosphere and there seems to be nothing he cannot do. As long as he keeps playing and kicking out these great albums, we are happy as can be.
Stoned Side of the Mule is no ordinary cover album. It’s an absolute all-out party and also a limited vinyl-only release. Our recommendation is to go out and buy this record immediately. You will not regret it. Hey – it’s only rock n’ roll, but we like it!
By Joseph Conlon