Tom Waits, known for his unique style and gravelly voice, released his album Mule Variations in 1999 after a six-year hiatus. The album was released under Epitaph’s Anti- imprint which was created specifically for this purpose and remains active to this day. Mule Variations was a commercial success, selling 500,000 copies and earning a Grammy. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Waits has shared an unreleased version of the track “Get Behind The Mule” from the album.
Though released a few months after the actual anniversary in April, the alternate version of “Get Behind The Mule” diverges from the original by offering a more stripped-down and intimate rendition. This new rendition showcases Waits’ raw and emotive vocal prowess, highlighting a different facet of the song’s essence.
Unearthing unreleased versions of songs rarely results in a superior take compared to the official release, however, in this instance, many fans believe this alternate version surpasses the original. While Waits has been less active in the music scene in recent years, his appearance on Dale Crover’s upcoming solo album offers a glimpse into his continued presence. With his last album Bad As Me dating back 13 years, fans are thrilled to have the opportunity to experience a novel Tom Waits track. Take a listen to both versions of “Get Behind The Mule” below.
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