Dark Side of The Mule                                                Gov’t Mule                                                                       Evil Teen, 2014

This release documents the 2008 Halloween show by Gov’t Mule in which they prove themselves to be quite possibly the best Pink Floyd tribute band ever. Dark Side of the Mule, recorded at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, features all the well-known Pink Floyd tracks you’d expect — with a few lesser-known ones for the die hards in the crowd. This is available in the single CD, eleven song version, or the deluxe 3 CD/1 DVD version.

Gov’t Mule as they continue to delve into their influences show they are far more than another jam band. There are Rolling Stones and reggae releases, as well as a Doors and Neil Young sets in the works. This sort of profound dedication to lovingly recreating entire sets dedicated to their musical inspirations shows a purist streak that runs deep.

Dark Side of the Moon sports the most songs here, but “Pigs on the Wing” from Animals is played as well as Meddle’s “One of These Days” and “Fearless.”It’s easy to tell the band is having fun. On “Have a Cigar” drummer Matt Abts changes the signature line to “By the way, which one’s the Mule?”

Whether you’re a casual listener of Floyd’s radio friendly hits or of deep cuts connoisseur, this is an undeniably brilliant release.