Throwback Thursday: Staind – Mudshovel

Here's a weird throwback fact; "Mudshovel" used to be "Mudshuvel" and was originally on Stainds debut album, but was reworked by the band and their label and re-released 3 years later.

"Mudshovel" was actually the 3rd song released from Stainds debut album Dysfunction, although it's really the first time a lot of us were introduced to the band. It shot up the charts, hitting #14 on the US Alternative chart and #10 on the US Mainstream Rock chart.

What's amazing about that song, and album really, is that it's SO much more aggressive than what they immediately went back into with their next album. Just contrast "Mudshovel" and "It's Been Awhile." There's no real denying which was the more successful song; "It's Been Awhile" hit #1 in Alt and Mainstream Rock, and caught fire all of the damn world.

Staind followed up "It's Been Awhile" with "Outside", "Fade" and "For You", and the only one that came close to showing the kind of heaviness that "Mudshovel" had was "For You". And let's be honest, it wasn't close.

It's funny. I'm such a fan of "Mudshovel", but the world seemed to prefer everything else. Regardless, let's all enjoy the majesty and chugga-chugga of "Mudshovel" together.