Customer Reviews

Life Before Insanity

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

 

 

Gov't Mule's LIFE BEFORE INSANITY is a slab of good old Southern power-trio hard rock. All of the songs are great, especially "Bad Little Doggie" and the the title song. Get this album in whatever format you find it first.

This disc is part of the reason why I don't burn or share studio discs. This is an inspired work of art. It is the last Govt Mule studio work that includes founding bassist, Allan Woody. The song writing is inspired, the lyrics are pure poetry, often dark and brooding explorations of ego. and examinations of the self society. Warren Haynes' voice is powerful easily interpreting his private examinations of self and society. His tales often betray his emotions and feelings laying bare places most of us keep hidden. He is a modern slide, blues, rock guitar virtuoso. This is a studio work but you still hear great demonstrations of his improvisational skills. Skills currently being used by the Allman Brothers Band as well as Phil and Friends, two of the top improvisational bands of this and the last century. Matt Abts is a frenetic, embattled engine producing much of Govt Mule's horsepower. He hammers away on the drums, relentlessly battering the skins creating a consistent Thunder Thor would be proud of. Allan Woody powers the team shouldering the Mule's yoke. His contribution to the band is difficult to convey. A founding member and friend who's loss triggered a Govt Mule Odyssey that ultimately brought the fan the "Deepest End" series that culminates in a DVD/film that chronicles Rocks most unique and creative "Power Trio".

"Life Before Insanity" is ABTS-SO-MULE-LY FAB-MULE-OUS! A disc that makes me listen. It gets better with every spin!

Why in the world do these record people keep taking this CD off the market. This is a solid jam CD that has some great gutiar work from Warren Haynes. He was in the Allman Brother for awhile and he can flat out play the slide guitar. Great song, Life Before Insanity. Buy this CD if you can find it. You won't be sorry.

After the over-heavy, muddy Dose, I was pleased to find this effort more melodic and more musically leaning toward the adventurous first Mule album (one that knocked my socks off with the first play). There's more of the off the wall sounds, reverbs and tremloes and tones that made the first Mule so different from everything else. One listen to "Life Before Insanity" tells you everything you need to know about this album. If you don't like that track, you don't need this album.

From the simple riff that opens "Wandering Child" to the end of "It's My Life" (NOT the uncredited add on "If I Had Possesion Over Judgement Day," the old Rev Gary Davis track, if I am not mistaken... that is an unnecessarly and mediocre track) I can constantly roll this album and not get bored with it. There's always a new turn to be found in repeated listenings. The only other track I might program off is "Fallen Down", but it's not worth the time to even do that. Overall a very solid effort.

This is one malodorous effort which I would advise serious music lovers to avoid like the Dengue fever. After all the good things I heard about this band I finally decided to buy this CD based on the reviews here at Amazon. Good Lord was I dismayed and disgusted when this abomination made it's debut on my CD player. I know these guys have a great pedigree, but what in the name of all things decent were they thinking when they unleashed this stench on an unsuspecting public? There is not a single tune on this CD worth playing a second time. I have probably listened to this CD from start to finish about 10-12 times, and it completely eludes me as to what people see in it. The lyrics are pathetic and the playing is unimaginative to the point of being embarrassing. I have played this disc in the morning and in the evening. I have played it cruising down the freeway and lounging on my deck. I have played it in every imaginable spiritual, psychological, and mental state. And it continues to disappoint! Well done, lads. Hope my [number] bucks makes it all worthwhile. For my money, I'll stick with The Mississippi Allstars.