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| John Darnielle, guitarist/mastermind behind tMG |
It’s really no secret that I’m a fan of The Mountain Goats, and basically anything that John Darnielle has done musically. From his early solo boombox cassette recordings to the fancy studio albums he’s been delivering to us year after year as of late, I’ve loved every second of every song that he’s released. I’ve been a fan since late 2008, when I heard a song on the first episode of the last season of Adult Swim claymation heartstring-tugger Moral Orel. When I heard the lyrics “I hope you die; I hope we both die” (song: No Children) in the credits of that particular episode, I just knew that I’d stumbled upon something amazing that I had to look up and check out. At first, I was taken aback at how vast their/his discography was. Thirteen studio albums, six cassette releases, three compilations, and countless other tracks, singles, and EP’s. Yikes. It was quite intimidating at first, I must admit, but as I listened more and my journey through the mind of Mr. Darnielle turned into full-on obsession, I began to see the pure beauty and passion that is The Mountain Goats. So I decided to do this little write up about my favorite releases that he’s put out. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll turn you on to this spectacular songwriter and this amazing band as well. So, here we go.
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| Taboo VI: The Homecoming (1991) Darnielle’s first recording under the name The Mountain Goats, released on Shrimper records. Long out-of-print, and pretty much disowned by it’s creator, it’s a hard release to track down indeed. Copies go for hundreds of dollars on Ebay. But fortunately, due to the magic that is the Internet, tMG connoisseurs such as me are able to finally listen to these ancient tracks. While many have dismissed it due to Darnielle’s (then) lacking singing voice and the different style from later tMG material, I find it to be one of my personal favorites. Production is as raw as it can get, and gives this release a certain charm that differentiates itself from later releases. With the heartbreaking song “Don’t Take the Dogs Away”, and a fun cover of The Drifters’ “This Magic Moment”, plus the introduction of the infamous Alpha couple, which would culminate later into their own album, what’s not to like? Well, based on Darnielle’s less-than-positive outlook about the album, and the fact that most tMG fans don’t even know of it’s existence, this album is doomed to be one of the least known tMG releases, for the time being at least. |
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| All Hail West Texas (2002) The last boombox recording, and arguably the best. Funny thing is, the first time I listened to this release, I wasn’t a fan to put it nicely. I thought that the lyrical themes were silly and it was kind of a turn off. But as I listened to it more and began to peel back the layers of the album, it became one of my all time favorites. Songs like “The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton” and “Color in Your Cheeks” still don’t fail to put a smile on my face. And “The Mess Inside” still breaks my heart every time. A great overall release, and sadly, the end of an era. |
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| Tallahassee (2003) Without a doubt the most famous of Darnielle’s albums, and in my opinion, the best overall. This album defines dysfunction. Taking its story and themes from Darnielle’s (in)famous Alpha couple, he decided that, instead of dedicating one or two songs to the tragic lovers/self loathers, he’d dedicate and entire album. And boy is it good. The album opens with the couple moving to Tallahassee, into a run-down dilapidated house, a metaphor for their marriage. Consequently, they begin drinking themselves to death, and throughout the album are unsure if they actually still love each other or if it’s all gone up in smoke. As the album concludes, we’re left breathless. This album is absolutely incredible, and should be listened to as a whole instead of individual tracks. Best tracks include “No Children”, “Peacocks”, “Idylls of the King”, “International Small Arms Traffic Blues”, pretty much the whole album. I can’t recommend this album highly enough. |
4. The Sunset Tree:
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| The Sunset Tree (2005) The most autobiographical, and heartbreaking, of Darnielle’s albums. Subject detail includes the relationship with his abusive stepfather (“Hast Thou Considered the Tetrapod?” “Pale Green Things”) his mother (“Up the Wolves”) and pretty much just life through his childhood. I don’t want to say too much about this album, because I believe it’s something that should be taken in on its own without too much description. But you’ll understand how good it really is when you listen to it. |
With each album released, my love for this band grows more and more. I encourage you, the reader, to go and listen to each of these albums, and I dare you to not come out a fan like I am. Everything about them is so good, and like I said in my Tallahassee description, I can’t recommend them highly enough.
