Come On Up To The House - Mule Variations [270]

We're a bit mixed on this final Mule Variations track, with Shelley questioning whether Waits completely captures the gospel sound and energy. We compare it with older revivalist music, talk about the earthly imagery in songs about the afterlife, and discuss the presence of onanism in the work of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Come On Up To The House, Mule Variations, Tom Waits (1999)

This Train, The Authorised Sister Rosetta Tharpe Collection (recorded live in Manchester, UK), Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1963)

This Train, TV recording live in Manchester UK via YouTube, Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1963)

Basket Case, Dookie, Green Day (1994)

Pachabel's Canon feat. Green Day, via YouTube (2012)

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Take It With Me - Mule Variations [269]

After a week away, Shelley Maxwell returns to celebrate this emotionally affecting track with Martin and Sam, one that seems to hit both the personal and the universal. We dig into the specifics of the lyrics, the memories linked to physical sensation and activity, and different ways "end of life" songs can be heard.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Take It With Me, Mule Variations, Tom Waits (1999)

Two Slow Dancers, Be the Cowboy, Mitski (2018)

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Georgia Lee - Mule Variations [267]

Shelley Maxwell joins Martin and Sam to discuss the haunting and brutal true story of Georgia Lee Moses, and Waits's description of circumstances surrounding her death. 

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Georgia Lee, Mule Variations, Tom Waits (1999)

Tom Waits Library entry for Georgia Lee, including many news clippings from the era.
TLC Child and Family Services, who continue the work of Lia Rowley's Sonoma Children's Village, inspired to help "future Georgias".
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), for support, resources and donations covering England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Save The Children for International support, resources and donations.
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