This is the original 1999 U.S. pressing of Mule Variations, Tom Waits’ Grammy-winning masterwork that blends gravel-throated ballads, junkyard percussion, and backwoods blues into a raw, deeply human listening experience. Released on Anti-/Epitaph, this double LP is a cornerstone of his later career—loved by longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Standouts like Hold On, Cold Water, and What's He Building? showcase Waits’ mix of haunting storytelling and sonic experimentation, co-produced with longtime collaborator Kathleen Brennan.
Tom Waits – Mule Variations (1999 US Original 2×LP)
Label: Anti- / Epitaph – 86547-1
Released: April 16, 1999 (United States)
Format: 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album, Gatefold
Genre: Blues, Rock
Style: Experimental, Contemporary Blues, Avant-Garde
Media: Near Mint (NM): Both discs are clean and glossy with no visible wear—playback is crystal clear and dynamic.
Sleeve: Very Good + (VG+): Strong overall presentation with minor shelf wear and slight edge rubbing typical of a well-cared-for original. Gatefold spine intact and legible.
Inserts: Comes with plain white inner sleeves—they appear clean and era-appropriate but originality cannot be confirmed.
Mule Variations
Tracklist:
A1 Big In Japan
A2 Lowside Of The Road
A3 Hold On
A4 Get Behind The Mule
B1 House Where Nobody Lives
B2 Cold Water
B3 Pony
B4 What's He Building?
C1 Black Market Baby
C2 Eyeball Kid
C3 Picture In A Frame
C4 Chocolate Jesus
D1 Georgia Lee
D2 Filipino Box Spring Hog
D3 Take It With Me
D4 Come On Up To The House
Barcode & Other Identifiers:
Barcode (Text): 0 4577-86547-1 0
Matrix / Runout (Side A runout etched): I-86547-A S-40262 CB.
Matrix / Runout (Side B runout etched): I-86547-B S-40263 CB.
Matrix / Runout (Side C runout etched): I-86547-C S-40264 CB.
Matrix / Runout (Side D runout etched): I-86547-D S-40265 CB.
Rights Society: ASCAP
📦 Shipping: The record will be carefully packaged in a sturdy vinyl mailer, with the vinyl placed outside the sleeve to prevent seam splits during transit.
