The Mountain Goats
Black Pear Tree
Filed in: Songs
Black Pear Tree - The Mountain Goats & Kaki King (from the Black Pear Tree EP)
I remember reading quite a while ago that The Mountain Goats and Kaki King were going to collaborate and at the time I remember wondering what that would possibly sound like. Turns out the result is a wonderful collaboration that evidentially was only ever released as a small run for a tour which is just beyond reason. Because of this I had to find this by other means online but I am glad I did as it lead my ears to a wonderful EP. The push and pull from these two is perfect and their styles somehow match a lot better than I had expected. Here in the title track of the EP the delicate little voice from Kaki King is accompanied by piano and she sings as though channeling the vocal timing of John from the mountain goats. It’s a great match and if you can get your hands on this great music I suggest you do because its great and I hope to hear more from the two together in the future.
Mountain Goats Artist Page • Kaki King Artist Page
Get Lonely
Filed in: Albums
The Mountain Goats - Get Lonely
This album certainly has a story like feel about it. I love the way that it straddles a depressing feeling and an uplifting one. A strange mix of feelings that come across in a straightforward way because of the very direct approach to its songwriting if that makes sense. I first heard these songs when I saw him perform live at one of the quietest shows I have ever witnessed. Live he sang the words with a whisper to the audience, not even a whisper, quieter than that. It was as if the words being sung were simply floating off of his breath in a fascinating way. Sure, you could barely hear it but it certainly was memorable. Back to the album, the songs here are about loss, awakening, and the discovery that can be found at the end of a relationship. In my opinion it’s his best album and while many fans of The Mountain Goats may disagree I feel it’s his strongest moment as a songwriter. Its focused, to the point and above all, absolutely beautiful. Easily one of my favorite albums. Start with the song, Woke Up New, its perfect.
Another take on the album is here in the pitchfork review, the opening lines were:
“I introduced myself to John Darnielle after his performance at this summer's Pitchfork Music Festival, and this conversation happened:
Darnielle: Have you heard the new album?
Me: Yeah, I just got it.
Darnielle: What do you think?
Me: I've only heard it a couple of times; I'm still processing.
Darnielle: Do you have a girlfriend?
Me: Yeah, she's right over...
Darnielle: I hope she leaves you. Then you'll understand it.
He was joking. I think.” -from the pitchfork review
iTunes Link • Artist Site