Product Description In the world of Gov't Mule, big is best. It's attitude that serves Gov't Mule well on their ATO Records release, High & Mighty. Big riffs, massive grooves, and expansive improvisations are the hallmarks of the band's legendary live shows. Likewise, these twelve songs feature larger-than-life characters bearing life's heaviest burdens, performed by four mighty musicians guitar/vocalist Warren Hayes, drummer Matt Abts, keyboardist Danny Louis, and bassist Andy Hess whose powerful musicianship and tireless work ethic have earned them the respect of their peers, fans and critics alike. High & Mighty was produced by Haynes and Gordie Johnson, former leader of Canada's acclaimed Big Sugar, and was recorded at Willie Nelson's famed Pedernales Studio. .com It's invigorating to hear such a wide disparity between the music of Gov't Mule and the trusty blues/Southern rock of guitarist Warren Haynes's other full-time project, the Allman Brothers Band. Rooted firmly in the '70s riff-based power assault of bands such as Free, Mountain, and Humble Pie, with Haynes's gruff yet soulful vocals front and center, the Mule plow through 72 minutes of meat-and-potatoes, tougher-than-leather rock with the determination of their ornery moniker. The opening thump of "Mr. High & Mighty" will quickly separate the men from the boys as the band charges into one of their most potent and pointed tracks, helped enormously by Danny Louris's sinister organ fills. The disc continues with muscular material such as "Like Flies," "Streamline Woman," and the cowbell-driven "Brand-New Angel," that keep the thudding-guitar-and-drums attack at a high boil. Haynes borrows a page from Allmans co-lead guitarist Derek Trucks in the slide-powered worldbeat intro to "Brighter Days," but then it's back to business as the song transforms into a Jeff Beck Group-styled pile-driving scorcher. Things simmer down slightly for the sinuous reggae of "Unring the Bell," a few brawny ballads like "Child of the Earth," and the closing funk of the album's only instrumental, "3-String George," on which the Mule tap into an entirely credible Booker T. & the MG's vibe. The average tune is over five minutes, with the lovely yet cautionary "Endless Parade" clocking in at nearly twice that, but don't look for winding jams here. Rather, Gov't Mule have crafted their most dense and representative album yet, filled with steely licks and explosive melodies you'll be playing air guitar to after the first listen. --Hal Horowitz
R**N
This Mule is No One Trick Pony
Gov't Mule - High & Mighty (2006) 12 Tracks **** (72:03)High & Mighty is Gov't Mule's 7th Studio album and the second release with Danny Louis (keyboards) and Andy Hess (bass). They are still trying new things, as this time around there is one track with a background string arrangement and another with female backing singers reminiscent of the Black Crowes. Other than that, there are no guest musicians on this offering.I consider this kind of an "average" Gov't Mule album. Not the best, but not bad. It has a couple of excellent tracks in Brand New Angel (a scorchin' Rocker) and Endless Parade, a very nice slow, bluesy number that's almost 8 minutes long. The problem with High & Mighty is it also contains three 3-star songs that really hurt its average rating. The track Like Flies, is simply a strange song that I don't prefer. The odd lyrics are mostly spoken word by Warren along with an odd time signature and presentation. The next track, Unring the Bell is a reggae song, and I just don't want to hear Warren and Co. doing any reggae. I am just not into it.Again, just like the bands last studio album, you get a 14 page booklet with photos, liner notes, AND all lyrics included. Any real fan of Gov't Mule should own this one.
B**S
Gov't Mule picks up where the old Skynyrd left off!
Maybe there aren't too many Mule fans out there who compare the Mule to the old Lynyrd Skynyrd from the 70's (My all time favorite band), but I hear a lot of similarities in the musical style, power, and feel of the two bands' music. I am overall disappointed with the later incaranations' of Skynyrd's music (their last two albums are just not very good) and have always wished there was a band still out there that reminded me of Ronnie V.Z. and co.--well, Mule is it! Warren Haynes is an amazing talent. Not only is he a great guitarist, he's also one helluva vocalist and songwriter. I don't know how he keeps coming up with such original sounding and also GREAT songs in the blues-rock tradition. The guy's a monster! Not only that, he's a great ensemble player, helping to make the great musicians in Gov't Mule one of the tightest and intense bands out there! ALL the Gov't Mule albums are FIVE STAR albums. I haven't been into the Mule that long, even as a long-time fan of the Allman Bros. But I highly recommend any fan of jam bands, blues-rock or Southern rock to check out Gov't Mule--they bring back the fire to old-school rock!
J**B
Great album.
Such a great album! Arrived in good shape. Thank you!
J**Y
Mr Haynes Has Another Hit On His Hands
Gov't Mule has gone from my favorite power trio to one of the most talented, stylistically diverse rock and roll bands on the planet. The Mule dish out rock, blues, soul and reggae and succeed impressively. At one time they were known more for their legendary live shows, now they've shown that they have staked a claim for the title of best rock and roll band operating today. Just think about it, the Allman Brothers eventually replaced Duane Allman and Dickey Betts with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. The latter duo proved not only that they could fill some very big shoes, they went on to form very fine bands of their own and we now reap the benefits, Unbelievable! One of my favorites of the year.
M**5
The are a mix of some many groups I like but they have their own style too
This group is incredible. I had not heard of them before Pandora. When I did hear them I had to buy this album. The are a mix of some many groups I like but they have their own style too.
J**R
Five Stars
A++
C**R
High and Mighty CD
Great album by a great band. Not 1 bad song in my opinion on this CD.
J**S
Amazing
From my perspective this is the best recording I have of this band. Gordy Johnson if you are out there you rule as an engineer and producer. This just sounds killer period.
M**3
STARTS GREAT BUT...
For the first half this is stunning stuff from the mule, great riffs (a little like free circa ;tons of sobs') and some absolutely stunning guitar with emphasis on the wah-wah pedal. The keyboards though mixed a little too way back fill out the sound nicely and if you like the more streamlined 'deja voodoo' you won't be dissaponted but...oh dear about half way through the band lose it big time becoming very formalic and relying on some rather uninspired ballads. There is eight minutes of a psuedo raggae jam that just doesn't cut it mainly because there is practically no riff to hanf onto and the lengthly closer is your standard Gary Moore slow blues work out. Look anything by the Mule is worth owning, but i just wished that Warren had chosen one of the earlier tracks to jam out on-how could he fade some of those solo's out?
S**E
It's the Mule...
And the Mule is, in my world, the best. And this is my favourite Mule album. No more needs to be said.
S**N
Five Stars
As always an excellent album from a great band.
C**E
senza parole
senza parole x un album tra i più belli dei " mule " registrato molto bene un suono un pò diverso dal solito rock a cui noi fans siamo abituati ma non per questo meno affascinante, certamente da consiliare, agli amanti del genere e non. Al solito la spedizione è stata buona nonostante i " ritardi festivi " ma amazon ineccepibile
G**C
Lavoro discreto
Lavoro orecchiabile ma senza guizzi di genio....Registrazione molto buona, quasi audiophile....Nel genere c'è di meglio....
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