The Mountain Goats

When I told my parents I was going to see The Mountain Goats my dad asked me if that was a title of a movie..um, he was confusing it with Men Who Stare At Goats. A few differences..like The Mountain Goats were actually enjoyable!

The Mountain Goats have been around since 1991. And they have proven they aren't going anywhere. Once known as a lo-fi band they are now growing as a full band, even incorporating a violin into songs and their stage set.

Their live set was long. I'm not going to lie. And their newest album The Life Of The World To Come isn't in my top list, but the history of their work still holds a dear place for me. AND - they happen to have a great stage vibe which is a huge plus for me. Seeing too many shows I really appreciate the effort a band puts in to connect with their fans. Front man Darnielle works the audience into a giggle fit with his stories of how his songs came to be, and just really seems to feel at home on that stage, even though they appear like they are the nerd crew that happened to stumble upon a very cool group of listeners.

Download:
Genesis 3:23

http://www.myspace.com/themountaingoats

A Monday Night : Herman Düne & Jolie Holland

Herman Düne & Jolie Holland just met yesterday in Solana Beach, CA. It was day 2 of their tour at The Troubadour. Herman Düne aka David-Ivar Herman Düne, known to his friends as Ya Ya owns the stage with a look reminiscent to Santino of last year's Project Runway. With roots in Sweden, France and Brooklyn - their sound is somewhere in between Jonathan Richmond and The Mountain Goats. Sweet thoughtful lyrics - which fits his personality. He wears a heart shaped locket around his neck with his girlfriends picture. Ahhh. While watching the show I noticed a sketch artist drawing his portrait. I wanted to go back towards the end of the show to see how it progressed...but maybe we will see it on a album cover or t-shirt one day? Oh - so back his nick name Ya Ya. It apparently came from a song he sang as a child, and so people began to call him Ya Ya. One day he looked up what it meant in the context of the song, and it is African for "Uncle". Thanks Uncle. BTW, I love "Next Year In Zion".So then Jolie Holland comes on stage. An unlikely pair - putting this hipster-y European musician with a Texan Indie Country/Blues/Folk artist.
I found it so interesting that while most lead singers of bands stand center stage, Ms. Holland took all the way to the left and almost at a angle, shying away from the audience. With little to no talking to the audience, the quiet performer played a long, yet beautiful set promoting her new album "The Living And The Dead".