Twelfth studio album from American singer-songwriter Tom Waits. Mule Variations was originally recorded in 1998 at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California. Waits worked with his wife and longtime musical collaborator, Kathleen Brennan, on the album. It was his first solo outing since 1993's The Black Rider, and built on the ragged sonics of Bone Machine and the storytelling Waits originally developed with Rain DOgs. Includes the songs: "Get Behind the Mule," "Pony," and "Chocolate Jesus." Sixteen tracks in all. Released by Epitaph on double vinyl with a gatefold sleeve.

• double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Epitaph 1999 / 2010

reviewed by rusty nail 09/2015