By: David Schultz

Twas the night before New Year and all through the Big Apple
There was but one question with which we did grapple
We’ve already passed through the holiday of Yule
Was it worth it this night to see Gov’t Mule?

All stops would be pulled for next evening’s show
Pearl Jam, Nirvana, grunge rock, you know
No reason to think thoughts of all doom and gloom
It’s still Warren Haynes at the Hammerstein Ballroom

“Blind Man In The Dark” started the set
And with Warren and Co., you know what you get
Some well-chosen covers and a couple guest spots
High octane boogie and blues by the lots

In tribute to Hubbard, some jazz they did play
Offering a fine version of Freddie’s “Red Clay”
Jeff Young and Vivino gave Mule a hand
As did Marc Quinones from the Allman Brothers Band

They covered the Zeppelin encased in Led
They played “Tomorrow Never Knows” out of “She Said, She Said”
Haynes’ gruffly toned voice and licks never simplistic
Gave a weathered dimension to “Into The Mystic”

Obama in 09, “Yes We Can,” Heaven Sakes!
A little righteous glee to “When The Levee Breaks”
It was a stellar show but not one to make news
Even if it ended with a great “32/20 Blues”

In 2009, Haynes star will be streakin’
Reunion with The Dead and a residency at the Beacon
But in 2008, for one final date
The Mule were not sublime but they were pretty great

Labels: Gov't Mule