Waits's first album on his new label, Mule Variations, was issued in 1999.

Waits released Real Gone, his first nontheatrical studio album since Mule Variations, in 2004.

("Mule Variations" is due April 27 from Epitaph, an independent label known for its punk-rock releases.)

The band, named after a Tom Waits song from Mule Variations, were known for their live show in which they usually wear outrageous costumes.

Music Mule Variations , by Tom Waits (Epitaph).

Tom Waits - Mule Variations (1999)

However, Small Change fell off the Billboard Top 200 three weeks later, and Waits was never to better its position until 1999's Mule Variations.

Musselwhite plays on Tom Waits' 1999 album Mule Variations.

Upon its release, Mule Variations received positive critical acclaim.

Moberly is mentioned in the Tom Waits song "Black Market Baby," from the 1999 album Mule Variations.