Michael Gaither
Spotted Mule and Other Tales
© 2006 Michael Gaither (874044009448)
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Bluegrass, folk, and Telecaster-driven country arrangements drive these stories about big cars, bad drivers, a final appearance from Johnny and June, unrequited love at a music festival, and (of course) mules.
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Like his song "Jack of All Trades" says, singer/songwriter Michael Gaither has done a bit of everything: journalist, corporate trainer, even joke writer for Jay Leno. All roads danced around - and eventually led back to - writing. And music. He favors songs with stories and tales of day-to-day life: Big cars. Bad drivers. A baby’s first steps. And, well, even mules. This debut CD, the 2006 release "Spotted Mule and Other Tales", is an Americana mix of folk, bluegrass, and a little gospel.
(Michael’s song “Entertaining an Angel”, from this record, was one of 20 winning entries in the Indie Artists Alliance "Songwriters and Storytellers" contest in May of 2007.)
Michael also produces and hosts "Songs and Stories", a bi-monthly songwriting podcast which features stories behind his songs and interviews with other songwriters. Songs and Stories can be heard on his web site at www.michaelgaither.com, in iTunes (it's a free subscription) and Friday evenings on Grateful Dread Radio, a Baltimore-based Internet station carried by the Live365 network.
Here's what a few folks have to say about "Spotted Mule and Other Tales":
"A brilliant debut CD from Michael Gaither. A fine blend of folk, bluegrass, alternative country and Americana in its purest sense. Aside from the strong songwriting ability and Slaid Cleaves-style vocals, Michael surrounds himself with very strong and multi-talented musicians.
(Jeff Scammon, Wild West Radio/KVMR FM, Nevada City)
"Album of the Week for May 21 2007": Michael Gaither, "Spotted Mule and Other Tales"
(Eddie O'Strange, Town & Country Radio [New Zealand])
"It's a testament to Gaither's songwriting skills that songs about mules and bad drivers come across as effective and engaging, as opposed to gimmickry, and there's a lot to be excited about in an artist who, relatively early in his career, shows this much promise."
(Paul Davis, Metro Santa Cruz)
reviews
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Spotted Mule
author: wim van santenGreat album, must be known to many
Spotted Mule
author: Virgil JenkinsI love it. You're very taleneted..best $10 I've spent in a long time. My Fav's "Old Tyme Heaven",HWY 17 "(made that drive every day for four years), and "My god man how big a car do you need?" I bet your fav is "Not Stubborn..." your love for that mule jumps out of my IPOD and runs around the room! I even got the throat lump a couple times, The whole Carter-Cash family and Mahelia Jackson is truly an "Angel Band". Thanks for the subtle suggestions about morality. I listenen to this CD every night. "Broke" is so true. Very few arists can make yo laugh,cry and wan't to be a better person all at the same time! Bravo Michael...Bravo!
Spotted Mule
author: Betty OverstreetLove it, love it, love it!!! My favorites are Takin" Baby steps and Entertaining an angel and , and, oh heck just buy it I know you will like it!
Spotted Mule and Other Tales
author: Linda DenmanSam Mule and his team mates all enjoyed the entire CD even though they were originally interested in the "Not Stubborn Not My Mule" song. The request was made by Joshua Mule to have a CD player installed in the trailer to allow them to enjoy this when they travel. Route 17 AKA the "Quickway" which runs from New York City to Buffalo is well described even though we are on the opposit side of the country. We ordered two and hoped for the best. The other one was a gift for a fellow mule skinner.
Spotted Mule and Other Tales
author: KPIG QueenieWell, if you - like me; are looking for the perfect gift, shop no more. Michael's cd, Spotted Mule - is an excellent choice for all those folks on your list who love music. It is entertaining as well as well written. I do believe, Jack of All Trades and Highway 17 are just two of my favorites. And who'da thunk, Spotted Mule, gotta love it! If you have not yet caught Michael on stage, now is your chance to enjoy him in your own home. Pick up Spotted Mule and Other Tales today, who knows, you may just get a spotted mule on your doorstep! Aileen says, Enjoy!
Publisher
author: Bill MooreWaiting to hear it!
Great Album!!!
author: patrickGreat album, As a banjo player myself i really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
Great Album!!!
author: patrickGreat album, As a banjo player myself i really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
- author: Mark Pistrang
Songs about mules, cars, angels, and a darn banjo picker who got the girl... what's not to like? Michael's songs and strong, yet sensitive... Serious until you find yourself laughing. Two words for ya: BUY IT!!
wow the Spotted Mule song blows me away
author: Penelope ShibleyThe Spotted Mule is a real animal that led me to this CD. I heard about her and went to her website and found out she had not just a song but a whole CD about her. Then I found Michael Gaither's music and fell in love with the song. The CD itself has a picture of a closeup of spotted mule fur. (worth looking at if you've never seen it). The rest of the CD is great, folky, roots music. I love mules and used to live in Santa Cruz so I could identify with the Highway 17 song as well. The writing is great, very original.
Tired of "Top 40" boring music? These are fun songs!
author: DaveI am a driving instructor, and as soon as I heard "Highway 17" on KPIG I bough the CD. I play this song in my classes. My kids keep asking me to put the CD on since they like the other songs as well.
A hell of a record !!
author: Ray DjThis guy could be the son of Guy Clark, Butch Hancock or even Lee Clayton. Don't miss his hell of a record !!
Familiar & Friendly Folk
author: David L Hays JrMichael takes things everyone can relate to and adds his own spin to them in a style reminiscent of Bob Dylan and Roger Miller. Songs, such as "Takin' Baby Steps," "Jack of All Trades," and "Not Stubborn Not My Mule" seemed familiar to me even the first time I heard them. Every day events, like commuting to work, are captured in song wonderfully. Every word of "Highway 17" rings true ... and "Good God Man How Big a Car Do You Need?" compliments it wonderfully. It's a great collection of songs, worth every penny! (and kudos to the guy who designed the album cover)
Songs that'll have you saying, "I know what he's saying."
author: Tom SellersSensitive and thought-provoking yet rambunctious enough to have you laughing. If you've ever cussed at the oblivious SUV driver, seen a driver watching TV at 70 mph, taken on a challenge in life, felt the pang of unrequited love -- or if you miss Johnny Cash -- you'll find something familiar here. Vocals are Dylan-esque, but the songwriting and hooks stride strongly in that direction, too.
story songs with humor and heart
author: sherry austinNo doubt about it, Michael Gaither is a story teller. He has a knack for making the odinary spring to life and amuse and delight us. With small, everyday things his songs find that warm, familiar fuzzy spot. Even when he tackles annoying issues, such as bad drivers on "Hwy 17", and over-large cars in "Good God Man How Big a Car Do You Need?".. he finds the humor-the parts that we can laugh about-nod our heads and commiserate with. Santa Cruz guitar wiz, Jimmy Jackson (Trailer Park Troubadours) found the heart of the stories that Michael tells, and adds the perfect accompaniment.