Mule variations

Following Ed's splendid solo session on Saturday's show, Shelly and I sploshed through the rain to the Spitz last night to see the Mules, and it was well worth braving the elements for. I'm a sucker for a band with a singing drummer and these fellows are very very good live - to these ears occasionally reminiscent of the Violent Femmes, Kurt Weil, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Sparks, Adam and the Ants and, according to Shelly, Devo. That probably says more about our reference points than theirs though. As a tribute to another band they are sometimes compared to they included a storming version of Talking Heads' 'Life During Wartime' in their live set. Their own songs are just as strong though: seek out their excellent 'Save Your Face' album, it's terrific stuff.