Audio: Gov’t Mule And Elvis Costello – Funny Little Tragedy

Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule came up with an interesting concept for their 10th studio album –Shout!. The band recorded 11 tracks for the LP, which comes out on September 24 via Blue Note Records, and then brought in guest vocalists such as Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews and Jim James to lay down new versions of each track. This morning, Rolling Stone has premiered both the Mule version and the Elvis Costello-sung take on Shout! track “Funny Little Tragedy.”

After just a few seconds it’s clear “Funny Little Tragedy” isn’t your usual Gov’t Mule song. It’s got an edge that’s more punk than metal, making “Funny Little Tragedy” the perfect track for Costello to sing. Mule wasn’t abiding by any rules in the studio as we hear banter between the band and squeals of delight in the band’s version of the heavy-hitting tune. “Funny Little Tragedy” also finds Mule’s Danny Louis in the lead guitar role as Haynes handles rhythm.

Take a listen to both versions of “Funny Little Tragedy”: