JOHN DARNIELLE’S evergreen and much-loved Mountain Goats are shaping up to release their second full-lengther of the year, Getting Into Knives; and today they’ve released a highlight from the forthcoming album in the shape of “Get Famous”. Take a listen on our embed below.
You’ll find organ and brass-led warmth, a real kind of Memphis soul inflected boogie, in which frontman John Darnielle exhorts the subject of his song – “You should be famous / I want you to be famous”.
But is John’s blessing all it seems? Listen deeper: “You took notes on what you had to do / To get the piece of the pie that belonged to you / You’ve been waiting for this ever since you were young / Be careful not to choke on your tongue.” Aaah: no, it’s a go-ahead to those who seek all the seductions and poisons and glitter and glam of ‘fame’ as we know it today. He sings the title as if it were a curse.
Getting Into Knives was laid down quickly; John Darnielle, Matt Douglas, Peter Hughes, and Jon Wurster recorded it in a single week at the legendary Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, Tennessee. There’s plenty of local talent involved; many tracks featuring seven or more musicians playing.
Getting Into Knives follows the already pricey, limited cassette Songs For Pierre Chauvin in a productive year for the Mountain Goats.
“If I told you all how much fun we had making this one you wouldn’t even believe me, but we hope it comes through.” says John.
The Mountain Goats’ Get Into Knives will be released on cassette, CD, and double vinyl on October 23rd by Merge; there’s also a limited gold pressing over at the Merge store and salmon-coloured deluxe vinyl at the Mountain Goats store. In addition, the Merge store carries a new enamel badge, which is available à la carte or as part of a bundle that comes with a free embroidered patch – while supplies last.
