The Mountain Goats are stirring the pot again, folks. This time, they’re bringing back The Coroner’s Gambit from the depths of the year 2000. It’s not just any reissue, though. Picture this: “kandy korn” colored vinyl, shiny CDs, and, for the first time, cassettes. That’s right, cassettes. Mark your calendars for June 28, because that’s when Merge is set to drop these gems. And guess what? John Darnielle himself penned some fresh liner notes for this special occasion.
Now, if you’re quick on the draw, you might snag a copy wrapped in a paper bag. Yep, just like the original. They’re doing this over at the Mountain Goats’ Bandcamp and the Merge store. But, you gotta be fast. These limited editions won’t hang around for long.
Darnielle had quite the journey with The Coroner’s Gambit, recording in places with names as intriguing as the music itself: Omaha, Nebraska; Colo, Iowa; Ames, Iowa. He’s got a soft spot for this album, calling it a close personal friend among the Mountain Goats’ extensive catalog. It’s unique, he says, bearing a “sonic thumbprint” unlike any other. And though not autobiographical, Darnielle finds it deeply personal, a diary of sorts. He reminisces about writing and recording in Colo, the blurry Greyhound trips to Omaha, and the friends he made music with. It’s a slice of life, encapsulated in an album.
2023 was a busy year for the Mountain Goats, with the release of Jenny From Thebes. Darnielle even popped up in Rian Johnson’s TV show Poker Face, playing a guitarist in a fictional one-hit-wonder metal band. It’s been a whirlwind, but then again, when isn’t it for the Mountain Goats?
For a deeper dive into Darnielle’s thoughts and the band’s journey, there’s an interview titled “Inside John Darnielle’s Boiling Brain.” It’s a peek into the creative process and the stories behind the music. So, if you’re a fan, or just curious, it’s worth a read.
