The Balky Mule is the project of Australia-via-England songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Sam Jones. Jones played with some of Bristol's best-known post-rock bands, including Movietone, Flying Saucer Attack, Minotaur Shock, and Crescent, whose founder Matt is Jones' brother. The Balky Mule's self-titled debut album appeared in 2000 on the Jones brothers' Archipelago label. Jones spent five years -- which included a move to Australia in 2006 -- recording his second album, The Length of the Rail, using old and often malfunctioning instruments, including a Bentley Carousel home organ. The Length of the Rail was released in spring 2009. ~ Heather Phares