The Mountain Goats - "Whole Wide World". John Darnielle from the old days, when his music was something simpler, more familiar to those of us who don't get to hang around in studios or with electric bassists. I too could learn the acoustic guitar, scrawl some lines, then hit 'play' on a tape-deck and by the open window sing the smells, the feels, the sounds and the thump-thump-thump of my heart. But maybe I wouldn't be able to record something that stays rich so long, so far: a warm evening pressed into magnetic tape and humming even as it plays, softly, years after that June night.
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The 1990s - "You're Supposed To Be My Friend". The (modest) success of this Glasgow band has little to do with their songs - mostly so-so, sometimes lame, better packed onto a CD than played live to a big room, - and a lot to do with its members' origins in Yummy Fur. Be that as it may, this song is a brilliant mix of coos and burrs, passive-aggressive and aggressive-aggressive, puppydog Glasgow smiles and slick skinny-jeans moves. It's more pre- than post-Franz Ferdinand, but as scientists have long known: there's magic in disco-beat, overdriven guitars, and untrained voices united in sneer.
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Posted by Sean at February 8, 2007 11:12 AMOld Mountain Goats? Yesss!!!
I know there are many for whom the 4AD stuff is preferable - and it's certainly more 'mature' - but for me the early- and mid-period stuff might never be beaten. Something about the energy, the intensity (quiet and loud), the apparent simplicity...
The mid-1990s- good times.
Posted by Robert P at February 8, 2007 1:13 PMOh yes, I'd have to agree with the above re early MG. As far as I'm concerned, nothing will ever compare with Zopilote Machine. And it's very nice to think of warm June nights on an extremely cold February one. Hope the road's treating you well, Sean.
Posted by Amy at February 8, 2007 10:04 PMHey Sean! Just stopping in again to express my appreciation for your blog. Yours and your companions' posts reflect a depth and passion that's been admirable and inspiring for me.
And actually, I just posted a little quip about the 'Goats on mine and my friends' blogspot project of sorts:
http://likefloating.blogspot.com/2007/01/you-and-i-look-so-keen-together.html
Take care!
-SM
The 1990s make me wanna die, but old Mountain Goats I don't have more than makes up for that.
Posted by lism. at February 9, 2007 2:49 PMHey Sean you traitor posting those cheeky 1990s chappies after you told me you hated them!
P.S. when you getting a myspace so I can deluge you with spam??
M
Posted by Milo at February 12, 2007 12:19 PMI love hanging out with electric bassists.
We just don't go swimming together.
And I do not stick forks in them.
Posted by H at February 16, 2007 10:33 PMhey Sean! its been a while since we connected.
1990s is going to be our (Worlds Fair's) record in the US - we should hook up! Scots rock!
and it will begin playing. All songs are also available to download: just right-click the link and choose 'Save as...'
