The Mountain Goats have announced their 24th studio album, 'Days', which is set to be released on August 7th via Cadmean Dawn Records. This announcement comes just nine months after their previous album, 'Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan'. The album's title, 'Days', is a clever play on words, as it is a sequel to their 2017 album 'Goths'. Frontman John Darnielle has revealed that the record began as 'Grunges', inspired by a social media joke about writing a song called 'Contemplating Pearl Jam in the Carolina Dawn'.
The album's recording took place during a two-week session led by producer John Congleton at Sear Sound in Manhattan. The Mountain Goats recruited several friends and collaborators, including Rob Jost on bass and French horn, group backing vocals from Janis Siegal of The Manhattan Transfer, melodies and vocals from Matt Nathanson, and harpist Mikaela Davis. The result is a 12-track LP that explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the blurring of memories.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the lead single, 'Charlie Sheen Reaches Out to the Feds'. The song's title is a playful reference to the actor's name and its melody is both funky and anthemic, encouraging listeners to never give up and 'rise to the occasion'. Darnielle has described the album as being loosely about the '70s, '80s, and '90s, with songs that are in major keys but still evoke a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time.
The Mountain Goats have also announced a corresponding tour for the album, with US shows scheduled for May through August. The band will be on the road for the rest of the year, with international dates in Europe and a final performance at Carnegie Hall in New York in December. The tour is a testament to the band's enduring popularity and their ability to create music that resonates with fans across generations.
In my opinion, the Mountain Goats' new album 'Days' is a testament to the band's creativity and their ability to explore new themes and sounds. The album's title is a clever play on words, and the collaboration with various musicians has resulted in a diverse and engaging record. The lead single, 'Charlie Sheen Reaches Out to the Feds', is a fun and anthemic track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The tour announcement further cements the band's status as one of the most exciting and innovative acts in indie rock today.
