Here it is folks: further proof that John Darnielle can write a song about anything, literally, and make it amazing.
One of the best songwriters of the last 15 years, John Darnielle’s work has been chronicled here several times over. I just love him to bits.
This new EP, Moon Colony Bloodbath, is pretty far out there in concept. Darnielle told P-Fork (and I quote): “Some of the songs have something to do with a loose rock opera/’concept album’ idea about organ harvesting colonies on the moon and the employees thereof, who spent their off months living in secluded opulence in remote American locations.”
I know, right?
But Darnielle and Vanderslice make it work. Buried in the bizzaro narrative lie deeper cautionary tales about the false comfort of materialism and the dangers of overindulging in earthly pleasures. Mostly, its just a freakadoo wacko tale flying straight out of left field. Either way, I’m calling it another win for the Goats.
Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice - Surrounded:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice - Lucifer Rising:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Pat entries
acoustic, indie, John Darnielle, John Vanderslice, Mountain Goats
4. LaGrecia - On Parallels
There’s a touch of irony in the title of this record, as thematically and practically it is far more perpendicular to any of songwriter Jason Shevchuk’s previous high-profile bands. It’s the albums use of assertiveness to mask its conflicted sense of self that leaves the listener with a somewhat skewed feeling once the closing notes fade away; Shevchuk states explicitly on “In The Grass” that he’s trying something new to put the feeling back in his music, and he accomplishes that. But those intentions ring hollow once you learn that he broke up the group before the album even came out to reform his inferior previous band. That said, the songwriting is worth coming back to, regardless of the author’s mental state.
5. Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
Of his four or so releases in 2008, none of John Darnielle’s albums held the resonance and gravitas of Heretic Pride. A return to character-based storytelling after a trope of incredibly personal work, Darnielle’s story-songs are rendered in technicolor, some of his most vivid and accomplished in a career marked by astounding songwriting. The metaphors are rich and engaging and the emotions genuine and affecting. Not only that, but the man who waited more than fifteen years before recording in a proper studio turns in one of the best-sounding albums since, “Kind of Blue.” On the quieter tracks you can practically hear the sound of each crevice of his fingertips brushing against the strings and the fragility in Darnielle’s voice is captured flawlessly. This album re-affirms my love for his abilities and I’m recommitting myself to buying every piece of music he releases.
6. Papermoons - New Tales
I recently got some amazing news from Aaron Danger, the proprietor or Team Science Records and official discoverer of Papermoons, one of my favourite tiny band discoveries of the last two years. Playing a delicate brand of indie rock/folk that can’t be accurately described by conventional musical tropes, these two men in their early 20’s have a melodic sophistication much more mature than their years. And I recently learned they’ll be touring Canada this spring. I for one can’t wait to see how they pull an album of such depth and layering off in a live setting and hopefully you can’t either.
LaGrecia is on iTunes and hard copies are put out by Suburban Home/Vinyl Collective.
Heretic Pride is everywhere, including iTunes and 4AD.
Papermoons loves iTunes and Team Science helps them out.
Pat entries
acoustic, best ofs, indie rock, Jason Shevchuk, John Darnielle, LaGrecia, Papermoons, punk rock, the Mountain Goats
This is probably not news to a lot of you out there, but there’s a brilliant music site on the interwebs called Daytrotter. The folks over at Daytrotter are committed to capturing live performances by thoroughly underground acts (with the occasional recognizable name band dropping by) passing through their studios. They shine especially bright when it’s SXSW time, given their proximity to the action. That’s where this track comes from: Daytrotter’s session with Mountain Goats’ principle member John Darnielle.
Darnielle is probably one of the most prolific songwriters ever, penning tragic tales of human fragility at a rate other musicians could only dream of. And here’s the kicker: they’re all brilliant. His leftovers are as golden as his full releases. He’s one of my favourites, so if you haven’t heard him yet let this gem that fell through the cracks be your gateway. And while you’re there, explore Daytrotter’s embarrassment of riches.
Mountain Goats - Pinklon [3:57m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Sorry dudes, but you only get one. For more of the Daytrotter exclusive session which has unreleased tunes on it, go directly here and look around
iTunes: Buying Mountain Goats music is beyond easy. Twenty-one releases alone on iTunes alone
4AD web store: Latter-day Goats releases are here in all formats
InSound: The band and myself recommend going to InSound for a more comprehensive selection.
Pat entries
acoustic, Add new tag, indie rock, John Darnielle, lyrics, Mountain Goats
