Music review: Gov’t Mule – ‘Dark Side of the Mule’

Formed as a side project from the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule has entertained fans for two rocking decades by delivering a spirited combination of Southern rock and blues through the band’s legendary live performances.
As part of Gov’t Mule’s 20th anniversary celebration, the band releases another stellar live performance from the archives. “Dark Side of the Mule” stunningly captures the band’s 2008 show at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston on Halloween evening.
Released in multiple formats, the single CD package features the band delivering an engaging set of various Pink Floyd covers. Guitar virtuoso Warren Hayes superbly channels the genius of Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour through masterful guitar work on numbers like “One of These Days” and “Have a Cigar.”
The musicianship is faithfully flawless throughout the show as the players display the poise and maturity of a band that has played more than a few bars and clubs during a noteworthy career. Arrangements like “Money,” “Breathe (In the Air)” and “Comfortably Numb” are nothing short of mesmerizing as the music conveys a spiritual aura that is moving and surreal.
I can clearly remember the day back in 1973 when I permanently borrowed Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” from my older brother. With its weird album cover art, I was instantly won over by the hauntingly textured arrangements about everyday life that would meld together to deliver an atmospheric masterpiece of psychedelic perfection. I would eventually go on to own the entire Pink Floyd catalog.
“Dark Side of the Mule” follows the November release of “Stoned Side of the Mule: Volume 1,” featuring a set of Rolling Stones covers. Both collections are a must-have for music fans and a perfect and welcomed after-Christmas treat.
This review is dedicated to the memory of my older brother, who introduced me to the magically moving world of music with “Meet the Beatles.” May you continue to shine on you crazy diamond.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.