MP3 The Mountain Goats - "Palmcorder Yajna"
I have to plead a little ignorance today. I frankly don't know all that much about the Mountain Goats, except that I think I read that John Darnielle is the "finest songwriter in America" about fifty times this year - minimum. Now I won't go so far as to repeat that sentiment, though all the good word of mouth did prompt me to eventually buy their cd, We Shall All Be Healed.

Actually it was this track, which was a free download & got featured on several blogs, that truly lead to my purchase. As I listened to it more & more, I began to really dig its simple & organic feel, the rough-edge vocals, the odd-yet-clever lyrics about dreams & hooking "up with some friends at the Travelodge." I still don't know what it all means, but it leaves me with an uplifting feeling, somehow optimistic despite all the talk of "headstones."

ETA: John Darnielle's take on year-end "top ten" lists is up for perusal over at Last Plane To Jakarta (via today's edition of chromewaves). Go read.

Track 01: The Arcade Fire - "Wake Up"
Track 02: Frou Frou - "Let Go"
Track 03: The Walkmen - "The Rat"
Track 04: Interpol - "C'mere"
Track 05: Franz Ferdinand - "Jacqueline"
Track 06: The Killers - "Somebody Told Me"
Track 07: Junior Boys - "Bellona"
Track 08: Kings of Convenience - "I'd Rather Dance With You"
Track 09: The Go! Team - "Bottle Rocket"
Track 10: Belle & Sebastian - "Your Cover's Blown"
Track 11: TV on the Radio - "The Wrong Way"
Track 12: Metric - "Succexy"
Track 13: The Fiery Furnaces - "Tropical Iceland" (single version)
Track 14: Apostle of Hustle - "Energy of Death"

This entry was posted by mr gilbert at 12/20/2004 06:00:00 AM.