|
|
January 14th, 2006 by Chris Browne (Permalink)
Label: Absolutely Kosher Year: 2000 Add Comments |
Few musicians’ products are as metaphoric, self-referential, and loaded with innuendo as those of John Darnielle releasing under the moniker of the Mountain Goats. Since the early 90s, the Mountain Goats have recorded with a rotating group of musicians, now limited to a primary cast of Darnielle with Peter Hughes accompanying on bass. The 2000 release of The Coroner’s Gambit marks a point of perfection for the Mountain Goats’ lo-fi boombox recordings, both lyrically and musically. While Darnielle’s voice may be high-pitched and grating initially, his effort is endearing in the most human way. The music is incredibly specific while remaining accessible and global; like the best literature Darnielle’s words reach the listener through broad themes presented in intimate moments.
The Coroner’s Gambit is certainly not the Mountain Goats’ most accessible recording, but time reveals the most gripping fiction available in the music world. Songs like “Bluejays and Cardinals” are playful and poppy but not childish and treat the world around us with the greatest sense of awe, while “Jaipur” and “Shadow Song” present the darkest regions of a heart. At times the music becomes so engrossing that it is easy to forget Darnielle’s expressions are fictional. Missing out on The Coroner’s Gambit is a critical mistake like wearing white after Labor Day, or abducting a toddler.
Purchase or search for related items:
