Search - Extra Glenns :: Martial Arts Weekend

Darnielle Can't Fail

Eric Rojas | Santa Clara, CA United States | 05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've ever heard bootlegs by the Mountain Goats, then you'll probably recognize a few of these songs. This album, with John Darnielle's collaboration with Franklin Bruno, just reeks of Mountain Goats goodness, but hi-fidelity and shimmery thanks to Bruno's work. It sort of has a more country feel than any of Darnielle's previous work (I'm not even a fan of country music), but it's just great.To my knowledge, "Ultraviolet" was a song that was meant to be on the Mountain Goats album "All Hail West Texas," but this souped up version just takes the cake, especially with the awesome sounding back vocals around the chorus. Another fantastic song is "The River Song", a slow piece, but complete with Darnielle's fantastic lyrical immagery, and just amazing songwriting. Additionally, check out "Baltimore" and "Going to Marrakesh." After only hearing these songs a few times just a month or two ago, they have quickly catapulted to the high claim of some of my personal favorite songs written by Darnielle.If you love the Mountain Goats, grab this. If you don't grab it to introduce yourself to John Darnielle and his genius. Great production, great recording, great songwriting, great lyrics. That's really all I can say."

An Interesting Turn for Darnielle

Caleb J. Pearson | 03/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll admit to being a huge Mountain Goats fanboy. I'll admit to reading John Darnielle's blog almost religiously. But that doesn't make this review any less authentic.



Martial Arts Weekend is an interesting departure. It's still Darnielle beyond any shadow of doubt, but there's a much more eclectic instrumentation and much higher quality than any Mountain Goats fan would be used to. I wish all of Darnielle's work was so polished.



This album of course features the sort of vivid poetry that makes Darnielle the greatest lyricist alive today, but it also has very catchy melodies and great songs. The piano on "Twelve Hands High" is enough to make me want to marry the man.



Of course, given that the Extra Glenns are Darnielle and Franklin Bruno, credit needs to be given where it is due. This is a massive departure from the Bruno work I'm familiar with, but it combines with Darnielle beautifully and effectively. This album is both artists at the top of their game.



Go buy it now. Seriously."