I saw the Mountain Goats tonight in Boston, and I now need to make sure you’ve got “You Were Cool” in your arsenal. I can honestly say that I can’t think of anyone who exudes more energy or raw emotion than John Darnielle. From joy that positively explodes in your chest to poignant anecdotes from days gone by, a Mountain Goats concert is a real workout for the soul. Which brings me to “You Were Cool…”
Originally released via Twitter back in November, “You Were Cool” is a beautiful, haunting postcard to an unheralded person from the past…and, in some ways, to the Past itself:
“It’s good to be young, but let’s not kid ourselves… It’s better to pass on through those years and come out the other side… With our hearts still beating. Having stared down demons, and come back breathing…”
It’s beautiful. Just beautiful. And, truth be told, it’s the sort of song that I’ve longed to hear for ages… And thanks to the amazing efforts of nyctaper, we can all hear it whenever we want:
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And while we’re at it… Good God, do I love me some “Going to Port Washington,” and some “Going to Georgia:”
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Great song. Hope the concert was awesome!
Oh, it was!
Sorry you couldn’t come… next time, tell your kid to move her birthday. She’s only one… what will she know? 