I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.1K ratingsWelcome to Night Vale creator Joseph Fink and the Mountain Goats singer/songwriter John Darnielle discuss what it means to be an artist, a fan, and, as many people are, both at once. Season Two explores the process of writing, recording, and releasing the Mountain Goats’ latest album, In League With Dragons, giving you an unprecedented look at the creative process as it is happening.
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Episodes
219: Hand of Death
November 21, 2019 04:51 - 40 minutes - 38.1 MBWe’ve reached the end of the season, and we saved the first song written for this album for last. Today, John and Joseph have one more conversation about what it means to be a fan, an artist, and both at once — and talk about “Hand of Death,” which never actually made it onto the Mountain Goats’ In League with Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. The Mountain Goats’ In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. F...
218: In League with Dragons
November 07, 2019 05:00 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MBJohn and Joseph talk touring, books, and the title track from the Mountain Goats’ In League with Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. The Mountain Goats’ In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
217: Maureen Johnson
October 24, 2019 02:32 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBWriter Maureen Johnson gets loopy with a very tired Joseph and John on today’s episode. The Mountain Goats’* In League With Dragons* is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
216: Doc Gooden
October 10, 2019 05:03 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBOn today’s episode, John and Joseph talk baseball, tragedy, and rhythm — and Doc Gooden from the Mountain Goats’ latest album, In League With Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
215: Passaic 1975
September 26, 2019 04:00 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBThis week, Mal Blum sticks around to talk Black Sabbath, touring, live albums, and Passaic 1975 from the Mountain Goats’ latest album, In League With Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
214: Mal Blum
September 12, 2019 04:00 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBMal Blum joins John and Joseph to talk about making a living as an artist and their relationship with fans. Check out Mal Blum’s latest album, Pity Boy, here: https://lnk.to/Pityboy. And for more Mal, go to malblum.com. The Mountain Goats’ In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
213: Clemency for the Wizard King
August 29, 2019 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBJoseph and John talk writing, musicals, mythology, and Clemency for the Wizard King from the Mountain Goats’ latest album, In League With Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
212: Waylon Jennings Live!
August 15, 2019 04:00 - 48 minutes - 45.4 MBJohn and Joseph are back in Brooklyn to discuss outlaw country, public figures in decline, and Waylon Jennings Live! from the Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
211: Possum by Night
August 01, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBThis week, John and Joseph discuss an important point of real artistic disagreement between the two of them, cute animals, and Possum by Night from the Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
210: Divided Sky Lane
July 18, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes - 35.3 MBToday Joseph and John talk time signatures, why great songs don’t always make it onto great albums, and Divided Sky Lane, a song that didn’t end up on In League With Dragons. Featuring two versions of the song: the guitar version that was released as a bonus track earlier this month and a piano demo. The Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons, is out now on Merge Records. Get it at to mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothe...
209: Anja Keister and Iris Explosion
July 04, 2019 04:00 - 51 minutes - 47.9 MBAnja Keister and Iris Explosion, creators of burlesque shows based on both the Mountain Goats and Welcome to Night Vale, talk with Joseph and John about burlesque, art, and fandom. I Only Strip to the Mountain Goats 2 — a drag, music, go-go, and burlesque show featuring Anja Keister — is this Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 7pm, at the Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St., Manhattan, NY 10002). For tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4264407. A portion of the proceeds will g...
208: Younger
June 20, 2019 04:00 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MBIn this episode, John and Joseph — with the help of a guitar, engineer Vincent Cacchione, and some prune hamentashen — walk through the evolution and production of Younger, from The Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. In League With Dragons is out now on Merge Records. Get it at to mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Chri...
207: An Antidote for Strychnine
June 06, 2019 13:06 - 56 minutes - 52 MBThis week, John and Joseph talk about their relationships to work, art, and family, our attraction to dark imagery, and what An Antidote for Strychnine is really about. Featuring an exclusive demo of the song. The Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons, is out now on Merge Records. Get it at to mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
206: PJ Vogt
May 23, 2019 04:00 - 47 minutes - 44.5 MBOn today’s episode, PJ Vogt of Reply All stops by the studio to talk with Joseph and John about story building and sword buying. We’ll be back with more song discussion and exclusive demos on our next episode. In the meantime, get the Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons, out now on Merge Records (mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons). For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
205: Cadaver Sniffing Dog
May 09, 2019 04:00 - 54 minutes - 50.9 MBThis week, John Darnielle and Joseph Fink talk tea shops, guitar solos, expanding your musical vocabulary, and Cadaver Sniffing Dog from the Mountain Goats’ new album, In League With Dragons, out now on Merge Records. Featuring an exclusive demo version of the song. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com, and to order the album, go to mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. From Night Vale Presents. Produced by Christy Gressman.
204: Going Invisible 2
April 25, 2019 04:00 - 49 minutes - 46.1 MBJohn Darnielle and Joseph Fink discuss growth through destruction, the value of creative constraints, and Going Invisible 2 from the Mountain Goats’ upcoming album, In League With Dragons, out April 26 on Merge Records. Featuring an exclusive demo version of Going Invisible 2. Episodes will be released biweekly from this episode on. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com, and to order the album, go to mergerecords.com/in-league-with-dragons. From Night Vale...
203: Done Bleeding
April 18, 2019 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mentions of addiction and self-harm. On today’s episode, Joseph Fink and John Darnielle talk leaving, learning how to live, and Done Bleeding, from the Mountain Goats’ upcoming album, In League With Dragons, out April 26 on Merge Records. Featuring an exclusive demo version of Done Bleeding. We will be sharing weekly episodes through April 25 and biweekly episodes thereafter. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com, and...
202: Sicilian Crest
April 11, 2019 05:07 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBFor the first time ever, a single is being released simultaneously with an hour-long discussion of the making of the song. In our first full episode of the season, John and Joseph discuss Sicilian Crest, the last song on the Mountain Goats’ upcoming album, In League With Dragons, out April 26 on Merge Records. We will be sharing weekly episodes through April 25 and biweekly episodes thereafter. For more information, go to ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com, and to pre-order the alb...
201: Introduction
April 04, 2019 04:00 - 10 minutes - 10.2 MBA collaboration between Night Vale Presents, the Mountain Goats, and Merge Records, I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats is a podcast about what it means to be an artist, what it means to be a fan, and what it means to be, as many people are, both at once. Hosted by Joseph Fink, creator of Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead, and one of his artistic heroes, John Darnielle, lead singer of the Mountain Goats, Season Two of the podcast explores the process of writing, recording, ...
Season 2 Trailer
March 28, 2019 04:00 - 2 minutes - 2.16 MBA collaboration between Night Vale Presents, the Mountain Goats, and Merge Records, I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats is a podcast about what it means to be an artist, what it means to be a fan, and what it means to be, as many people are, both at once. Hosted by Joseph Fink, creator of Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead, and one of his artistic heroes, John Darnielle, lead singer of the Mountain Goats, Season Two of the podcast explores the process of writing, recording, ...
116: Steal Smoked Fish (Live)
October 08, 2018 13:28 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBOur next season won’t be out until sometime next spring, so to hold you over, here’s a recording of our first ever live show at Thalia Hall in Chicago, featuring special guest Danny Schmidt covering “Steal Smoked Fish.” Special thanks to The Onion Comedy Festival for having us. Buy the full cover album from season one digitally or on vinyl today. I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats t-shirts and tote bags now available – perfect for holiday giving. Learn more about John Darnielle’...
115: Listener Questions and Kate Leth
April 19, 2018 03:58 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBIn this post-season bonus episode, John and Joseph answer some of your questions, chat with artist Kate Leth, and talk about what the next season of I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats will look like. Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. We’re doing our first live show in Chicago on May 30th! See John, Joseph, and special guest Danny Schmidt live at Thalia Hall. Tickets available now. I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats t-shirts and tote bags now available. Lear...
114: Absolute Lithops Effect
April 05, 2018 04:00 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBJohn and Joseph talk about the final song on All Hail West Texas, endings, and what happens after the ending has ended. Carrie Elkin joins to discuss bringing kids on tour and her cover of “Absolute Lithops Effect.” Buy Carrie Elkin’s cover of “Absolute Lithops Effect” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. We’re doing our first live show in Chicago on May 30th! See Jo...
113: Source Decay
March 22, 2018 04:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBJohn and Joseph are back in the basement to talk about treasuring the unknown. Emil Amos (Holy Sons) joins to discuss the heyday of indie rock and his cover of “Source Decay.” Buy Holy Sons’ cover of “Source Decay” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. We’re doing our first live show in Chicago on May 30th! See John, Joseph, and a special guest live at Thalia Hall. Ti...
112: Blues in Dallas
March 08, 2018 04:52 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBThis week: Bible translations, conspiracy theories, and the power of silence. Robbie and Matte from Nana Grizol join to talk about their cover of “Blues in Dallas” and karaoke. Buy Nana Grizol’s cover of “Blues in Dallas” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. We’re doing our first live show in Chicago on May 30th! See John, Joseph, and a special guest live at Thalia H...
111: Distant Stations
February 22, 2018 05:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBJohn and Joseph discuss radio signals in Texas, Chaucer, and the origin of the phrase “I only listen to the Mountain Goats.” Andrew Bird joins to talk about what drew him to “Distant Stations.” Buy Andrew Bird’s cover of “Distant Stations” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats t-shirts and tote bags now available. Learn more about ...
110: Jeff Davis County Blues
February 08, 2018 05:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB“Jeff Davis County Blues” is a song with a particular meaning to Joseph's life. Julian Koster of The Music Tapes and The Orbiting Human Circus (of the Air) joins to share his dream-inspired cover. Buy Julian Koster’s cover of “Jeff Davis County Blues” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats t-shirts and tote bags now available. Learn...
109: The Mess Inside
January 26, 2018 21:54 - 51 minutes - 47 MBJohn and Joseph discuss why simple songs have to be perfect and how our experience of a place will always be subjective. Amanda Palmer joins to talk about feeling compelled to finish books and recording her cover of "The Mess Inside" in an empty greenhouse. Buy Amanda Palmer’s cover of “The Mess Inside” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. Amanda Palmer's video for “...
108: Riches and Wonders
January 11, 2018 05:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBJohn and Joseph are back at basement mattress headquarters to talk about their artistic influences and the meaning of home. Eliza Rickman and Jherek Bischoff join to talk about their cover of “Riches and Wonders.” Buy Eliza Rickman and Jherek Bischoff’s cover of “Riches and Wonders” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats t-shirts and...
107: Pink and Blue
December 28, 2017 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThis week, John and Joseph look up some stuff on the Mountain Goats wiki and then ease into a discussion of “Pink and Blue.” Kristine Leschper from Mothers joins to talk about their approach to covering the song. Buy Mothers’ cover of “Pink and Blue” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. Learn more about John Darnielle’s two novels here. Listen to more music by the Mo...
106: Balance
December 14, 2017 05:00 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MBJohn and Joseph discuss artistic restraints, Silver Age Latin, and why theaters should stop producing Shakespeare. Dessa joins to talk about and premiere her cover of “Balance.” Buy Dessa’s cover of “Balance” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. Learn more about John Darnielle’s two novels here. Listen to more music by the Mountain Goats, including their latest album...
105: Fault Lines
November 30, 2017 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBCraig Finn, lead singer of The Hold Steady and solo artist, joins to talk Catholicism, music stands, and KISS. Buy Craig Finn’s cover of “Fault Lines” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. Learn more about John Darnielle’s two novels here. Listen to more music by the Mountain Goats, including their latest album Goths, here. Check out Joseph Fink’s other shows, Welcom...
104: Jenny
November 09, 2017 05:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBErin McKeown, incredible songwriter and former tourmate to both John and Joseph, joins to talk technique, showtunes, and how songwriting is like baseball. Buy Erin McKeown’s cover of “Jenny” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. Learn more about John Darnielle’s two novels here. Listen to more music by the Mountain Goats, including their latest album Goths, here. Che...
103: Color in Your Cheeks
October 26, 2017 04:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MB“Color in Your Cheeks” is a song about immigration, refugees, and welcoming—the simple act of saying “You are not from here, but we’re glad you’re here now.” It seemed like a good year to talk about that. Featuring guests Eno Williams and Max Grunhard (Ibibio Sound Machine) and Mac McCaughan (Superchunk, co-founder of Merge Records). Buy Ibibio Sound Machine’s cover of “Color in Your Cheeks” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the...
102: Fall of the Star High School Running Back
October 12, 2017 04:00 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBSubjects covered: Choosing what music to put in your body, mandatory minimum sentences, and what the desert does to artists. Plus Kym Register of Loamlands joins to talk about the local Durham scene and how to tell diverse stories. Premiering a new cover by Loamlands. Buy Loamlands’ cover of “Fall of the Star High School Running Back” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl tod...
101: The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton
September 28, 2017 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBJohn Darnielle and Joseph Fink discuss the role in their lives of art, faith, and satan with John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars and the upcoming Turtles All The Way Down. And we learn why making the job of creating art more difficult can sometimes make the art itself better. Premiering a new cover by Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! Buy Laura Jane Grace’s cover of “The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports...
Season 1 Trailer
September 05, 2017 17:20 - 3 minutes - 8.33 MBA collaboration between Night Vale Presents, the Mountain Goats, and Merge Records, I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats is a podcast about what it means to be an artist, what it means to be a fan, and what it means to be, as many people are, both at once. The show finds Joseph Fink, creator of Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead, in conversation with one of his artistic heroes, John Darnielle, singer and songwriter of the Mountain Goats. Season One explores the stories behind...