Tom Waits is a living legend. And living legends allow off and even a misstep. They may also, no question. "Mule Variations" is absolutely none. Because MV was not the masterpiece that we had at that time expected of him, so it's an exceptionally good album, on which he once again makes its versatility. The best thing is that he has published in the 90s, however, the gloomy "Bone Machine". In this decade he had anyway very restrained when it comes to the number of publications. There is no lack of highlights, as one might think the first time through (although the face of firecrackers mark: "Come on up to the House" hardly possible "Big in Japan" or). Gradually, the less impressive songs take effect. For example. "The House Where Nobody Lives", which can develop even in a rather strange catchy. The surprise and possibly even the best song is "What's he buiding?". A spoken monologue, but backed by incredible impact and with a carpet of sound from most strange noises. You have to listen well, to understand it. "Eyeball Kid" is again one of the strangest and weirdest songs ever. This is what the masters have always understood very well indeed. If the album has a weakness, it is that it might get a bit of too long. Anyway, MV is also recommended for beginners in the strange world of T.Waits because it can give an overview of where he is stylistically classified. Namely nowhere.
