Since listening to this record for the first time ever at 11 AM, I have been listening to it all morning. For me, it is a very welcome change from the softly introspective Get Lonely which at many moments was just too tiringly moody for its own good. The powerful opener "Sax Rohmer #1" welcomes the listener with a jagged poppy stomp and the catchiest song Darnielle has written since "This Year."
After three mostly autobiographical records, Darnielle has gone back to writing stories about other folks and after such an emotionally harrowing record, the life that is bursting from all seams of Heretic Pride feels quite vindicating. This record lacks a singular concept for the first time since Tallahassee which takes some getting used to, mostly because instead of the lo-fi folk of old Goats records, the production on this record is as clear as a bell.
Hearing songs that could belong on All Hail West Texas played by pizzicato strings instead of an tape-overdrive-soaked acoustic guitar and vocals puts a new perspective on the Mountain Goats. The production makes the reserved moments in album closer "Michael Myers Resplendent" as powerful as the opening track and everything in between.
I guess what I find strangest about this record is that the Mountain Goats have really treaded new ground constantly since they've been putting out records with 4AD. It's nearly impossible to match an effort as impressive as Tallahassee and this record still doesn't do it, but for the first time it doesn't seem like Darnielle is trying to match it. Instead, Heretic Pride just has great song after great song after great song. Although there is not much element of danger or surprise, that appears to leave Darnielle comfortable enough to have written thirteen songs that will stick with ya for a long long time.
1 comment:
One of my friends is generally frustrated by trying to predict my taste, but he knew I would like this, and he was right. It features so many things I love, plus more - John Darnielle's songwriting and vocals; songs about H.P. Lovecraft and cults; a comic book illustration; personal stories hidden within more unexpected narratives.
It would be interesting to hear one of your projects do a Mountain Goats cover. Hell, it'd be interesting to see you do an acoustic tour with Darnielle. But I agree that while this might not be his best album, it's not at all due to falling short of previous releases (in my opinion). It's just different, a perfect follow-up.
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