The Mountain Goats Keep Pumping Them Out
15th album in 13 years ends up being more of the same.
The Mountain Goats
Heretic Pride
Released on Nov 30, -0001
I often hear people complain about John Darnielle’s singing voice. Whether it is the pitch or the overly dramatic delivery, I don’t really know. What I do know is that this guy has some serious pipes. Yes, like a good scotch or a nice pair of crocs, The Mountain Goats are an acquired taste. Regardless of differences of opinion about the music, you have to respect the fact that this is Darnielle’s 15th album in 13 years.
Heretic Pride strikes a perfect balance of acoustic verses more rocking songs with drum representation, the production is glossy in a very good way and, as always, the lyrics are skillfully penned by the prolific song-smith. “New Zion” sounds like it could be a good Elvis Costello song, while, “Lovecraft in Brooklyn" makes reference to a kid wearing a Marcus Allen jersey (Chiefs or Raiders, I wonder?).
Unfortunately, Heretic Pride sometimes comes across as being too sensitive/sweet in the lyrics department (“So Desperate”). Occasionally the songs feel cramped with too many instruments and sounds crammed into one sonic space and, as usual, many of the tracks sound similar to others on the album along with sounding like many tracks off other Mountain Goats’ albums. Can you really blame an artist who cranks out, on average, over an album a year? My answer is no.
High Point
Low Point
Posted by Greg Herald on Feb 27, 2008 @ 12:00 am