does anyone actually even like this band? i guess so, as evidenced by their late-night comedy tv stint, but gawd: so annoying.

john darnielle is an american treasure. i've seen him referred to as the best lyricist outside of hip hop and he's certainly amongst the best songwriters of our time.

he has the balls to take on a topic (like domestic violence, religion, mental illness, etc.) and write inspiring songs cycles. he's also one of the nicest guys who will always take time to talk to you after a show.

colbert did something huge here in introducing him to a mass audience. his new album is amongst his best work.

Another Bible pusher...using music to Push!

updated with Colbert videos.

why would you find this band annoying?

fuck me, what a performance. the mountain goats must be seen live just to see darinelle make snake faces during every one of his songs.

He's not so much pushing the Bible. The songs are able to be appreciated with or without the Bible and aren't at all any sort of indoctrination. Another point is that the songs tend more towards exploring the psyche of false prophets, those who blatantly test God in order to feel closer to him, cancer patients who believe medication is useless and God will save them, murderers, etc... It is possible to write a spiritual album about life, death, and the struggles various people have with spirituality without it being laden with religious indoctrination, though I do admit the line is a very vague one. It's also important to note that it's not impossible to appreciate the Bible without being a pious Christian. It's an important book, if only from a historical view. I say all of this while being an Atheist myself.

i like it ,thanks

thank you so much