All Hail West Texas [Bonus Tracks]

by The Mountain Goats

Overview

Complex, awe-inspiring, and fresh with fretwork excitement, John Darnielle steps up to the mike with guitar in hand, revealing sentimental and emotionally charged acoustic gems. Leader of the Mountain Goats, Darnielle doesn't hide any sense of creativity while composing the material for this record. All Hail West Texas has juicy bits and pieces of melodic tapestry, with a forceful percussive background statement keeping the music afloat. Perhaps what most often reveal themselves during this lush and stylistically complex endeavor are the mature and naturally contemplative lyrics that Darnielle has been able to put together into his songs. Highlights such as "Riches and Wonders" and "Distant Stations" jump at the chance to grab the listener. Other tunes that break through indie-level barriers are the eclectic "Fall of the Star High School Running Back" and the original "Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton." The textured feel of the variety of sounds and notes created by the Mountain Goats is appealing and gripping, a foray into sounds chilling and pristine. The delivery of the lyrics is wondrous and breathtaking during certain moments. The band's instrumental ability possesses dexterous flair, and the result is the charm of the record's immediacy and absorbing emotional impact. The tragic weakness of All Hail West Texas is perhaps its need for persistent listening in order to understand the direction of the music. However, maybe that just proves to be the magic key, and the route to further appreciation of this particular period of the Mountain Goats' music. [All Hail West Texas was the first album John Darnielle recorded entirely solo in his home under the Mountain Goats moniker. This reissue adds seven demo tracks of songs that were recorded during the same time period but were not used on the final album.] ~ Shawn M. Haney

Product Details

Release Date:	07/23/2013
Label:	Merge
UPC:	0673855048123
Rank:	23606

Tracks

1. The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton
2. Fall of the Star High School Running Back
3. Color in Your Cheeks
4. Jenny
5. Fault Lines
6. Balance
7. Pink and Blue
8. Riches and Wonders
9. The Mess Inside
10. Jeff Davis County Blues
11. Distant Stations
12. Blues in Dallas
13. Source Decay
14. Absolute Lithops Effect
15. Hardpan Song
16. Answering the Phone
17. Indonesia
18. Midland
19. Jenny
20. Tape Travel Is Lonely
21. Waco

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Mountain Goats   Primary Artist
John Vanderslice   Sequencing
John Darnielle   Lead Vocals,Guitar
Alex Newport   Sequencing

Technical Credits

John Darnielle   Composer,Producer