Mudshovel

"Mudshovel"
Single by Staind
from the album Dysfunction
Released	1999
Format	CD single
Recorded	1999
Genre	Nu metal, alternative metal
Label	Elektra
Producer	Staind
Staind singles chronology
"Just Go" (1999) "Mudshovel" (1999) "Home" (2000)

"Mudshovel" (originally "Mudshuvel"^[1]) is a song by American heavy metal band Staind. It was the second single from their 1999 studio album, Dysfunction, and served as a breakout hit. "Mudshovel" song reached #14 on the Modern Rock Charts^[2] and #10 on the Mainstream Rock charts.^[2] It was originally on Staind's first album Tormented.^[1] It was included on The Singles: 1996-2006.^[3] A live rendition of the song was included on The Family Values Tour 1999 compilation. During Staind concerts, "Mudshovel" is usually played as an encore.

A music video was filmed for the single. It mostly consists of the band playing in an enclosed arena with frontman Aaron Lewis clutching a loose gate. Interspersed with this is a storyline involving a man being cheated on by his wife/girlfriend, only for her to be cheated on as well in the ending.

Musically, "Mudshovel" relies in a distinctive three-note bass line that shifts into a rumbling low. It opens the song and is preceded by tense vocals and a heavy ensemble of sliding guitar and drums which make up the verses. The chorus features chunky guitar riffs and a repeated murmuring of the song title.

The song was featured in Midway Entertainment's Hockey game "NHL Hitz 20-02". The single stayed in the top ten Mainstream Rock Charts for only 1 week.

Sources

• Rock On The Net: Staind

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Amazon.com: Tormented - Staind
2. ^ ^{a b} Billboard.com - Artist Chart History - Staind
3. ^ Billboard.com - Discography - Staind - The Singles 1996-2006