I will say that this was my first “real” listen to Gov’t Mule, and I must say I am disappointed at myself for not catching on sooner. I was aware that Warren Haynes, guitar, and Allen Woody, bass, were former members of the Allman Brothers, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy this band.

Life Before Insanity offers 11 tracks that showcase much of the band’s talent. Haynes showcases his great vocals throughout the album.  As for his guitar playing, let’s put it this way, Haynes is good as shit. If not better.

“Wandering Child” is great opening track for the album that gives a slow intro, then kicks in with Haynes’ guitar. The rest of the album has some great tracks filled with Haynes’ talent on guitar and at writing lyrics like on “I Think You Know What I Mean.” The only funny thing about this track is that it was written in 1988 about Reagan, I guess, and has lost its meaning in 2000.

“Tastes Like Wine” is my favorite track off the album even though it is somewhat deceptive. At first one might think it is a soft, slow song, but out of nowhere Haynes changes to a loud tone with the line “the gods must be nervous—can’t you feel it shaking inside you.” Then he continues with the powerful, inspired lyrics, finishing up with, “…blood raining down from the heavens—and it feels like gold—tastes like wine.” I wish the band would have chosen this song for their first single off the album, but they unfortunately chose “Bad Little Doggie” for the radio disc jockeys.