Search - Gov't Mule :: The Deep End, Vol. 2

Much More Than A Gimmick Record

El Kabong | 02/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A necessary addition to the series started in vol 1

ECU_Classic_Music_Fan | Charlotte, NC United States | 03/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A true mulestone for Haynes and the gang

charlie Nelson | Birmingham, AL USA | 10/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."