Dark Side Of The Mul

Personnel: Warren Haynes (vocals, guitar); Danny Louis (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Ron Holloway (saxophone); Matt Abts (drums, percussion); Machan Taylor, Durga McBroom, Sophia Ramos (background vocals). Audio Mixer: Gordie Johnson. Recording information: The Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA (10/31/2008). Gov't Mule's show on Halloween 2008 at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts has since become a legendary one among the group's many fans. The Mule's first set that night was what one might expect from this hard-rocking outfit led by guitarist Warren Haynes, and included a powerful instrumental version of the Grateful Dead's "St. Stephen," but it was the second set, the portion issued here, that placed this concert as a thing apart. Opening with Pink Floyd's "Brighter Days," the band put its spin on several Floyd classics, including "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," "Time," "Money," "Comfortably Numb," and "Wish You Were Here," among others, and while no attempt was made to faithfully imitate the Floyd versions, Haynes still skillfully echoed David Gilmour's elegant and graceful guitar style, while drummer Matt Abts turned "Have a Cigar" in a delightfully funky direction. The band finished off the second set with encore versions of "A Million Miles from Yesterday" and "Blind Man in the Dark," neither of which is included in this release. ~ Steve Leggett