Halfway through this week I took delivery of the new Gov't Mule album, "By a Thread." Now, anyone who knows me will confirm that Mule is my favorite band to listen to and to attend concerts for. However, I was slightly disappointed that they released a new album so close to the end of 2009. Why? Earlier this year, Derek Trucks Band released a killer album, "Already Free." When I had listened to that album I said it was hands down the best album of 2009, perhaps unless the Mule released an album. Well, here it is.
This is a preview of the album that I pieced together to give you a sampling of the flavor of this disc:
The Review:
Needless to say, this album is awesome. Warren Haynes and gang never fail to impress me, and with Jorgen Carlsson onboard they have a new style at bass which is immediately apparent from the first few seconds of this album. All of the guitar work is stellar, and is somewhat of a depart from the power trio style of before. Everything sounds a bit more full, with more layers of guitar and keyboard than previously. Also, just like Already Free, Gov't Mule decided to try a more bluesy tone, although Mule remains a Southern Rock band whereas Derek Trucks lays down a set of Delta Blues tunes that cannot be rivaled in today's music scene.
One of the things I love about "Already Free" is that I don't really have that 'least favorite' track, the one that I always skip. Every since track on that album is great, and for the most part "By A Thread" is the same way. Their last album, "High and Mighty" had a few tracks that dragged on- and for a jam band, Mule is quite capable of avoiding that effect.
Obviously hearing the music for yourself is the best judge of the album, so commenting on detail is pointless. Warren busts out some amazing slide riffs on this album, but does seem to use the same tone for most of the slide licks. Not that it is a bad thing, because his tone is beautiful, but he isn't able to diversify as much as he did in "Dose" or their self-titles album. Either way, Warren Haynes gets better at playing every day, and does not disappoint.
My final verdict on this album is: 9.0/10.0
It isn't perfect, but it will definitely get many listens and should be in every jam band, southern rock, or blues lovers' collection. If you have $15, you would be foolish not to get this album.
As for whether it will win the Best of 2009 award (to be awarded in December), all I can say is that I am still heavily contemplating passing up an album by my favorite band for one of the best blues albums of all time. (Spoiler?)
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