Strong representation of Mule Variations outstanding work released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of album and record label Anti
To mark the 25th anniversary of the two Tom Waits’ Mule Variations and the record label Anti, an unreleased “spiritual” version of the outstanding song “Get Behind the Mule” was unearthed for the first time.
While the album version of “Get Behind the Mule” features an all-star cast including guitarist Smokey Hormel, bassist Larry Taylor, harpist Charlie Musselwhite and drummer Stephen Hodges, the “Spiritual” version – a variation of Variationsif you will – features Waits alone with his electric Wurlitzer piano, adding emphasis to the murder ballad’s lyrics, written by the singer and his wife and collaborator Kathleen Brennan.
Mule Variations was Waits’ first album since 1993 The Black Rider and the first since the expiration of his contract with long-time label Island. To release the album, Waits made the surprise decision to sign with the newly formed Anti, an offshoot of the punk label Epitaph Records. The album, released in September 1994, Mule Variations was the first album in the Anti catalogue.
“As Anti Records celebrates its 25th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude for Tom Waits and his album. Mule Variations“This not only launched our label, but also created a lasting partnership built on trust, creativity, and a love of pushing artistic boundaries,” said Brett Gurewitz, founder and CEO of Epitaph, in a statement.
Anti President Andy Kaulkin added, “Personally, I have been a huge Tom Waits fan since I was a kid. We founded the label to release his music. Tom’s embodiment of the spirit of artistic authenticity and resilience was our guiding light when we started, and his unparalleled creativity continues to inspire and drive everything we do.”
Although Waits has not released a new album since 2011, Bad like meHe has often accompanied new editions of his works with unpublished versions and live recordings.
