Customer Reviews

The Deep End, Vol. 2

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For the last 100 years - well, it seems like 100 years - I've watched America salivate like Pavlov's brood over guys like Bruce Springsteen because rock journalists, in tandem with TIME magazine, trumpeted him as America's one authentic rock'n'roll working class hero. Well, here's a working class hero so authentic TIME magazine doesn't know he exists, only this one has the chops and soulfulness to match his vision, his heart and his seemingly-effortless songwriting. Are you still listening, America?

As the above might indicate, Gov't Mule is pretty much The Warren Haynes Band now. And that's a very good thing, because right now the man is at the peak of his powers. He's getting closer and closer to a place he's been heading towards his entire career: becoming this generation's somewhat-unwilling, definitely-uncomfortable (those publicity photos!), yet unquestionably-bonafide incarnation of Johnny Cash in HIS peak period. And while these two DEEP END albums are ostensibly tributes to the late Allen Woody and feature a rotating who's who of bassplayers, they are first and foremost a step up to a new, higher level for Haynes' songwriting. The originals are snapshots of America between the coasts; the covers, like yellowing photographs passed down as heirlooms from generations past. In either case, the performances of the songs put real faces you can't forget on the sorts of everyday people and experiences MTV and the culture-at-large prefer to leave faceless, and ignore. There is a richness of feeling - a bittersweet wistfulness and a barely-checked rage, and sometimes both at once - inside these deceptively simple & straightforward songs that you shouldn't cheat yourself of experiencing. The Mule's diehard fan base may or may not be comfortable with the portents of the DEEP END albums - hell, I love the debut album to death myself - but I hope they're embracing this growth & maturity, because records this good are all too rarely released in any era, and especially now. Allen Woody would be very proud of these two cds, I think.

As far as I'm concerned Vol 2 only manages to add even better performances to the series of recordings with guest bassists that started on vol 1. There's a crazy, almost over the top slide performance in Catfish Blues that just pushes the entire set into the stratosphere and firmly establishes Warren Haynes as one of the most vital electric guitarists in the last 20 years. This set rocks so hard it's incredible. If you can only get one of the Deep Ends then purchase vol 2 but you really need both. It'll be good for your soul.

Gov't Mule has consistanly released quality albums that keep getting better and better every time. In the Deep End Vol. 2 is easily a step up from Vol. 1. I have eagerly been awaiting the release of this one, which was supposed to be releasied in spring of 2002, but i'm happy to say that the 6 month delay was worth it. The first track is simply rockin, filled with that southern boogie flavor that Mule has built its reputation on over the years since the band's conception. Greasy Granny Gopher Gravy (parts one and two) with Les Claypool on the bass is truely one of a kind. In it exists a paradox of some sort. It rocks hard enough to blare from your classic muscle car. However, Les Claypool's bass truely "does it to you in your eardrum", resulting in a funk that even the great George CLinton would be proud of. The albums brightest spot, however, is the track "Lay of the Sunflower". David Grissman joins in on mandolin and with Warren's guitar culminates into a near religious experience. This track truely speaks for itself. As for the rest of the album, it is great. I highly reccomend In the Deep End Vol. 2 over any other Mule album because it showcases all of their styles. Other Mule albums i would reccomend the most are Dose and In the Deep End Vol. 1. It is also great that Mule has dedicated this CD to Mikey some of the other heros who have recently passed on to the next world.

I love the fact that these guys have taken their personal tragedy (the death of beloved bassist Allen Woody) and generated new vitality and spark. The inclusion of such a variety of guest bass players forces the band to experiment outside the lines without losing their 'sound'. This second volume has more extended jams than volume one. I personally liked the more pop oriented songs of vol. 1 better, but put both volumes in your CD player and you have a total picture of what the Mule is all about.

As a dedicated Muler I've waited a long time for this, the second installment of an ambitious project by Warren and Matt. Due out several months ago, it was seriously delayed, but make no mistake - the wait was worth it! A continuation of Mule's tribute to Allen Woody featuring a host of Woody's favorite bass players and influences, Vol 2 runs the gambut of musical styles, from the gritty roots rock sound we've come to know and love to jazz and funk. A particular surprise was a smokin' rendition of Tower of Power's "What Is Hip" featuring Rocco Prestia - absolutely tearing it up!

Last night at the House of Blues in Hollywood, I caught the Mule on their latest tour. In the spirit of the Deep End CD's, they played with 5 (count 'em FIVE) different bass players, rotating though after 3 or four songs each. Though it was a good show, with Warren kickin' it out hard, the show never really settled in. Just as they'd get things rolling - here comes another bass player! I left feeling just a bit disappointed, especially having seen their previous tour with Dave Schools playing all night and Chuck Leavell on keys. Now THAT was a show!

In spite of all the great music included on this and the Vol 1 release, I find myself eagerly looking forward to hearing Mule as a BAND again, not just an extended jam session with rotating players. It seems like Dave Schools is the obvious choice, but whoever they get I eagerly look forward to another chapter in the "Book of Mule"!

You may have noticed a sharp difference between Gov't Mule's Deep End Vol. 1 and their previous albums. Well Volume II continues on that same tangent and takes it into a whole new arena. A few tracks sound like the old Mule, but overall this is a new Mule taking their music into new waters. This album is all about different musical genres and how together they form a single cohesive album. They've got hard rock, jazz, folk, funk, and blues all combined into one sound. I've listened to this CD about a dozen times and still have no clue on how to review it, so will just give personal opinions on the individual tracks. This CD is like a musical journey...you have to really listen to the whole thing in one sitting and keep an open mind to appreciate it. If you are just expecting that heavy southern blues-rock from back in the day, this probably won't do it for you.

Trying Not to Fall - My favorite track on this album...probably the one that sounds most like the old Mule. Hard blues based rocker with a funky intro.

Time to Confess - Laid back tune...Haynes voice almost has a spooky feel to it. Pretty straight-forward...not great but nice.

Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy - This is the weirdest Mule track EVER. I don't like Claypool's vocals too much, but it's good for a smile and a 'what the hell are they doing!?' remark. Part 2 is much more listenable to me...sounds like some of the weirder Zep or Floyd moments.

What is Hip - They've been playin this live for a couple years. Think jazz-rock combined with the standard heavy Mule formula. Not bad.

World of Confusion - Southern ballad that evolves into a great classic Mule finish. Another one I really like.

Hammer and Nails - Raw Blues number...almost gospel sounding vocals. Lyrics aside (same line over and over and over again), this has some great guitar work on it. Starts off slowly but ends up nice and loud...problem is getting to the good part takes patience.

Slow Happy Boys - Ugh...not a bad tune if you can get past the opening. Haynes vocals are very soulful here.

Sun Dance - Jazzy Instrumental. Would almost fit in a classical-jazz rock category if that even exists. Think Blood Sweat & Tears with jazz overtures. Lots of keyboards and drums on this one.

Lay of the Sunflower - Great folk-rock ballad...one of my favorites. Haynes vocals are great here (think Soulshine part 2!). Phil Lesh from Grateful Dead appears on this. Written by Robert Hunter.

Catfish Blues - Wants to be a Mule classic. Almost succeeds, but falls short due to repition more than anything else. Still listenable if you like your blues very raw. Vocals are reminiscent of Monkey Hill, Gonna Send You Back to Georgia. Something I'd expect to hear in New Orleans.

Which Way Do We Run - Pretty average Haynes tune in that it starts off soft and picks up as it goes. Not quite as loud as some of their other stuff, but pretty good nonetheless.

Babylon Turnpike - Very mellow jazz-blues instrumental. This is 100% elevator music.

The Bonus CD contains 4 tracks - Driving Rain, Rocking Horse, Lay Your Burden Down, Sco-Mule.

It is phenomenal that Gov't Mule recorded TWO tribute albums to their departed bassist Allen Woody (1955-2000), continuing with the theme of recording killer music with a rotating cast of legendary bassists.

The first such effort, The Deep End - Volume 1, was an absolutely phenomenal album, possibly the strongest effort from Mule to date, and a stunning tribute to their fallen comrade. So would the second live up?

Well, simply, it doesn't quite do so, but not for lack of trying. My first exposure to Gov't Mule was the opener, "Trying Not to Fall," a great track that has a nice groove to it. Needless to say, it caught my attention, I dove head first into Mule, and I haven't looked back. But, it's not even close to the best that Mule have done. "Time to Confess" is a great track, but the guest work of Les Claypool on "Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy," though enjoyable, seems very out of place. Claypools playing and vocals take it from a guest spot to something much more akin to his own work, solo or with Primus.

A cover of Tower of Power's "What is Hip?" quickly sets things right, as does Mule original "World of Confusion," both quality tracks that fill out the middle of the album quite well. "Slow Happy Boys," the beautiful "Lay of the Sunflower," and "Catfish Blues" all help to fill out a quality back end.

Hands down, this is one of the greatest albums I have ever heard. Volume one is also great but if you're looking for a little more diversity, get volume 2 first. All the bass players on both volumes put in great efforts. Warren Haynes is in absolute top form (the pinnacle of his musical career so far)with his best songwriting to date. Most of the other reviews sum up the albums pretty well but I wanted to emphasize just how good this album is and that it should be considered a MUST HAVE for ALL bass players as well as any person that enjoys listening to well-written songs that are played just as solid as they are written.

I will make this simple. Here are the five things you need to know about your need to purchase this album.

5. It's one of the best produced albums in recent memory, with strong songs and great individual/group performances.

4. You have a line-up of bassists and guest musicians you will likely never see again, and if do, it won't sound as coherent as this great disc does.

3. Though not as strong as their second album, Dose, this album is as good if not a little better than Life Before Insanity.

2. Though Allen Woody has passed on, you still have Matt Abts and Warren Haynes creating and performing some very strong material. This albums has more to offer for fans of many genres than any other album in my recent recollect. Most definitely Zepplin-ish in its diversity and dynamics. Also, some of these songs would never have come to life if Matt and Warren hadn't decided to carry on. That alone is worth supporting.

1. It's perhaps the greatest musical tribute a lost brother. Pink Floyd's albums detailing the life and times of Syd Barrett have their historical importance, but those were tributes in a more lyrical way. This album, the second of two, is a complete statement on both the life of a man, but of everything that man stood for, wanted to become, was proud to have come from, and was shaped by. When I pass, my heroes will most likely not gather for me. But Allen was the special kind that comes along once in a lifetime, much like Warren and Matt are. They are and he was among the best at what he did, considering all eras and styles. That's all you should need to know to make mouse over the "Add to Cart" button and depress your index finger. Peace.

Studio version of known pieces. Very good collection of blues/rock music. Perfect studio work, perfect sound. Must be a part of CD collection:)