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Story by
mcfunley
Published on June 5, 2008 in Spotlight |
Photo by Mark van S. |
This is hardly exclusively the domain of males, but on occasions when I have been forced to enumerate my interests, "music" has never failed to breach the top two or three. So let me tell you about my favorite band.
"Band," of course, is a peculiar way to describe The Mountain Goats. For all practical purposes, the story begins and ends with John Darnielle. Peter Hughes's contribution to the band's live sound is significant and appreciated, as is the work of Vanderslice, Franklin Bruno, et al in the studio, but none would dispute that these play second fiddle to John's lyrics.
My efforts here are a gross simplification, as there is no alternative for an artist with north of five hudred songs, many of which were recorded on a boombox. You may have to take my word for it. Caveat emptor: this band requires effort.
But in broad strokes, the world that emerges from Darnielle's songs is one of bargained-price Travelodges, prison, Möbius highways, paranoia, rejoiceful subservience to television, and sea monsters. The recurring themes are numerous and include insane optimism, the cleansing qualities of fire, failure, and redemption. There is the deranged triumphalism of "Up the Wolves," "Hawaiian Feeling," and "Heretic Pride," and the perfect pathos and gut-shaking desperation of "Going to Georgia."
I struggle and inevitably fail to adequately communicate my enthusiasm for Darnielle's music, but if you are a smart kid with an occasionally rocky past it is probably not something that requires explanation. Not surprisingly, there appear to be more than a few of us here on Etsy! Check out nateduval's shop for awesome handmade tMG gig posters.
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| Tags | Etsy Finds, Mountain Goats, music, nateduval |
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9 comments Login to add your own!
SteppingStones
great picks! I own several Matt Hamblen pieces, he's an amazing artist!
excely
emusic appears to have their whole catalogue:
http://www.emusic.com/artist/The-Moun...
(I don't honestly think I can get used to his voice, despite the great lyrics :))
papertiger
think darnielle wrote a book about black sabbath lately for the 33 1/3 series.. need to check that out
moop
OMG! I love the Mountain Goats! Whew! Etsy, I just fell in love with you all over again.
tinaseamonster
ah. yes. the mountain goats have been my favorite band for like 10 years. first heard a song on a 7 inch comp. the sleeve was handmade. the song was low-fi. the story telling was awesome. the music has changed, but stayed the same. i understand your inability to describe what they mean to you. i am right there. in the same place. searching.
happyowl
foxlovesgnome
SCreeeechhh....
Etsy I heart you. I LOVE the mountain goats. I listen to their songs over and over and over again. 'No Children' has to be the BEST drinking song ever. This is such a cool feature. I saw them for New Years in Dublin last year and it was the coolest coolest coolest thing I have ever done. Thanks for this.
ebinard
the mountian goats are great...with lyrics and vocal styles slightly reminiscent of ye ol "They Might Be Giants" but with a deeper soul and more rustic musical style. I first heard them playing over the sound system in my favorite restaurant in NYC, the Fatty Crab...they go quite well with malaysian food!
MatthewHamblen
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