Funny Little Tragedy

Album: Shout! (2013)
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Songfacts®:

  • This was recorded for Shout!, a double-album comprising one set of 11 new tracks, and the other featuring an all-star lineup of artists interpreting those songs. Frontman Warren Haynes wasn't initially certain the tune belonged on a Gov't Mule album. "Not only is it different from anything Gov't Mule's ever done, it kind of reminded me of The Attractions or The Clash," he said. With that in mind, he asked Elvis Costello for guidance on what kind of vocal mic he should use to get the late '70s-early '80s garage rock sound he was after.

    "Elvis sent me a very elaborate response explaining how he recorded this vocal and how he recorded that vocal, going all the way back to My Aim is True," recalled Haynes. "I was really happy to get his response and I wound up using the Shure SM58, which is about a $100 microphone, and it turned out great. That was the first seed that was planted for Shout! because from that point forward I started thinking it would be cool to hear Elvis sing this tune."

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