The Mountain Goats – The Sunset Tree

Album Info

Artist: The Mountain Goats

Title: The Sunset Tree

Year: 2005

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Tracklist

  • 1. You Or Your Memory (2:15)
  • 2. Broom People (2:44)
  • 3. This Year (3:52)
  • 4. Dilaudid (2:10)
  • 5. Dance Music (1:57)
  • 6. Dinu Lipatti's Bones (3:18)
  • 7. Up the Wolves (3:27)
  • 8. Lion's Teeth (3:25)
  • 9. Hast Thou Considered the Tetrapod (3:22)
  • 10. Magpie (2:00)
  • 11. Song for Dennis Brown (3:57)
  • 12. Love Love Love (2:48)
  • 13. Pale Green Things (4:19)

Review

"The Sunset Tree" by The Mountain Goats is a standout album where frontman John Darnielle gets really personal, diving deep into a rough childhood marked by abuse. This album flips the script from their earlier stuff, which was more about made-up stories, and instead, it gets real about Darnielle's own experiences. The way the songs shift from their usual sound to something more mellow with piano and cello is striking, giving the whole album a raw, emotional vibe that hits right in the feels.

Musically, "The Sunset Tree" mixes it up by bringing in some quieter, more intense moments. For example, the track "Dilaudid” features a cello-driven melody, which is unusual for the band but totally works. Meanwhile, other songs like "Lion’s Teeth" ramp up the energy with a blend of fierce guitars and driving beats, matching the intense lyrics. The lyrics throughout the album are top-notch, with Darnielle weaving this rich, personal tapestry that’s super relatable, even though it's specific to his own stories. Tracks like "This Year" offer up anthems of tenacity and survival that are as stirring as they are empowering. - Preston