True Stories of an Imaginary Past

by Shackled Mule

supported by

Matthais and again a very screwed experience ... I love Simon Listers musical cosmos even if I can´t stand it every day.

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£3.50 GBP or more

1.	A Cautionary Tale 02:44	info	buy track
2.	Ain't Got a Prayer 03:18	info	buy track
3.	Shackled to a Liar 02:05	info	buy track
4.	The Blade 03:49	info	buy track
5.	Nobody Can See the Cracks 03:15	info	buy track
6.	A Parasite for Sore Eyes 02:28	info	buy track
7.	Mirrors & Smoke 02:37	info	buy track
8.	It's No Fun When Everyone's Dead 02:17	info	buy track
9.	If This is the Answer, What was the Question? 04:12	info	buy track
10.	Bedtime Story 02:14	info	buy track
11.	Lest Ye Be Judged 02:43	info	buy track
12.	Not Out of the Woods Yet 03:02	info	buy track
13.	Who is Me? 03:15	info	buy track
14.	Watermark 03:06	info	buy track
15.	The Tangled Web 03:27	info	buy track
16.	She'll Steal Your Heart and Everything You Own 03:50	info	buy track

about

This, the third Shackled Mule album is dedicated to my daughter, Madeleine, whose unselfconsciousness and freedom of expression inspires me daily.

Over forty songs were recorded for this album. Following much deliberation and head-scratching, I finally whittled it down to these sixteen. These little ditties were chosen because it felt like they should be living alongside each other. Fear not, the songs that didn't make the final cut haven't been taken out the back and shot, they will (or most will) see the light of day at various points in the future.

Each time I write a song, I try my best to do something original. I might not succeed, but I try. I know I would have greater recognition and success if I wrote more conventional, less peculiar songs, but recognition and success is not why I do this. I do this because I HAVE to. I do this for myself and my sanity and for the more discerning listener who isn't afraid to try something that's a little unfamiliar.

I really like this album and I enjoyed writing and recording it. This is the kind of album that I would actually buy.

If you're listening to any of these songs, let me give you a very sincere thank you. If you've downloaded the album, thanks again, and I hope you enjoy it. If you've actually paid money for it, a massive thank you; I've said before that every penny I earn from recordings goes toward the cost of the next recording, so you're actually enabling me to do this.

Until next time
Simon

credits

released April 23, 2014

license

about

Shackled Mule Halifax, UK

Thanks for stopping by. I'm Simon and I have a knack for writing songs that nobody likes. I've covered a lot of bases over the years but I'm currently making miserable folk music for miserable folk.

My recordings are available for the price of a decent cup of coffee because I like coffee. ... more

Recommendations

contact / help

Contact Shackled Mule

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

Shackled Mule recommends:

Levy on the Eyeway LP
by Loto Ball Show

In a perfect world, artists like Loto Ball would be huge. But this isn't a perfect world, it's a world of ignorance, superficiality and diposability - that's why we need artists like Loto Ball. Shackled Mule
go to album

If you like Shackled Mule, you may also like:

Halcyon Days
by Kevin Farge

A vibrant vision of "Central Americana" from the Costa Rica-based artist, blending heartland devotionals with playful Tropicália grooves. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 27, 2022
go to album
Dakota Blue Moon
by Jackson Harden

Gorgeous acoustic Americana from North Carolina, stripped-back and sublime. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 5, 2023
go to album
Caught Up On A Feeling
by Veronica Stanton

Stunningly beautiful orchestral folk songs with just a hint of country, delivered with heart-on-sleeve immediacy. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 19, 2022
go to album
Forever Only Idaho
by Harrison Lemke

Big, strummy songs that recall the heart-on-sleeve earnestness and lo-fi glory of early Mountain Goats. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 20, 2021
go to album
Tides of a Teardrop
by Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange)

The forthcoming album from Mandolin Orange blends rustic Americana melodies with aching, orchestral arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 27, 2018
go to album