Choosing which song to write about first was never going to be an easy feat, indeed choosing just one song from this incomparable band to write about (for now, I’m sure I’ll only be able to hold off writing about the rest of their back catalogue for so long), could have been something I stressed over decades. That was until someone posed a question in one of the fan/meme groups I’m in on Facebook. They asked:

“If you had to make a primer for someone who’d never heard of the Mountain Goats, using only 3 songs, which ones would you choose?”

What a bloody brilliant question! Now*, my choice would: ‘This Year’, ‘Autoclave’, and of course, ‘The Legend of Chavo Guererro’’

There’s just something about this song. It’s one where you can pick out every element so clearly, yet they also all meld together in an almost musical alchemy. In what could be described as a step toward the indie-pop, during the first few listens, it’s easy to let the instrumental take a back seat to Darnielle and his lyrics. This is why ‘The Legend of Chavo Guerurro’ deserves multiple re-listens. At least four. (Although the more the better.) The first listen you’ll need to be able to hear everything together for the first time, it is during this listen, lyrics such as “now you’re ashes are scattered on the wind” will catch, and keep, your attention. The second time you’ll pay more attention to the words as they drawer you closer, and we’ll take a closer look at them too in a few lines time, but hang on, did he just “Woo!”?

The third time you’ll go back and pay closer attention to the backing track. It’s here you’ll notice that there is no musical count in. In fact, for the first three words of the song, Darnielle is on his own. But when the music joins in, oh does it join! The soundtrack can only be described as having the energy of a new beginning. A day full of dew droplets, blindingly cold sun, and the sight of peoples breath as they talk. A day of no pasts, only futures. The battle is not won, but it is no longer about winning.  

Listen to the drums. Where do you hear them? Where do you feel them? Are they not calling you to turn over a new leaf? 

The guitars keep to more simpler melodies. But please note, simple does not equal ineffective. They play off in an almost juxtaposing manner to the drums. And this is why it is in my top three tMG songs (okay, it’s my favourite), we haven’t gotten to the deep dive of the lyrics yet and already just musically the song has shown the story telling capability of JD and Co. How that, often in their songs you’ll feel a Heel Turn 2 emotions that you weren’t expecting, sometimes subtle, sometimes not (like that pun!). 

The first verse is a brief biography about Chavo’s early and familial life, but it’s as we approach the chorus we hit the line: 

“Chavo meant the most to me.” 

It is the first dip of deviation from the biographical to personal, and then you hit the chorus: 

“Look high, it’s my last hope 

Chavo Guerrero, coming off the top rope” 

Desperate lyrics which do not sound so when sung by Darnielle. Musical alchemy.  

“Before a black-and-white TV in the middle of the night 
I’m lying on the floor, I’m bathed in blue light 
The telecast’s in Spanish, I can understand some 
And I need justice in my life, here it comes”  

So here is a case where the guitars are not matching the lyrics. We go from the image of a young boy enjoying wrestling, to asking why he need justice in his life. What has happened to this child? But then the energy shifts, as you find yourself cheering on this who is kid cheering on Chavo! 

“He was my hero back when I was a kid
You let me down but Chavo never once did 

“You called him names to try to get beneath my skin 
Now your ashes are scattered on the wind” 

Okay, how did we get here from the bit where we were talking about how many brothers Chavo has? I thought this was about a wrestler I only know because of this song, why am I sad about young JD being teased about liking Chavo Guerurro? And can we talk about that line: “Now your ashes are scattered on the wind”? So blasé. So nonchalant. So perfect. 

A final dig at what was supposed to be a father figure in his life comes in the final verse: 

“Coast to coast, with his dad by his side…I’ve been told 
It’s real sweet to grow old” 

This song is bittersweet. Make sure to savour both flavours. 

Now listen a fourth time. Really listen to it, all of it together. Let the song wash over you. Yes, try to woo in the right place (I still do it too early!). Then go on about your day with a new hope. 

Or at least with a new favourite song. 

                                                *********************** 

Inspired by that Facebook post, at the end of these music musings, I’ll be posting three songs from the band/artists for you sample. They’ll either be my top three, or three that I think show a range of the artist’s work! As I have already given my three choices that give you a scope of tMG earlier, you lucky lot get three more! So, however you listen to your music, check out ‘Heretic Pride, ‘Andrew Eldritch Is Moving Bock to Leeds’, and ‘Woke up new’. I must say that these guys have a huge back catalogue, and genuinely all of it is worth a listen, especially the Jordan Lake Sessions. I’m absolutely not finished writing about them so don’t worry, I’ll be back suggesting three more songs of theirs in no time!  

Well, that’s it then for the first one! I’m still not sure what it is though, I guess it’s a blog? Although are they even a thing nowadays? I don’t really mind if they aren’t if I’m honest. I’m just glad to have a place to put all of these thoughts without boring those around me! It must be said that I am 100% not a musician. I am just a consumer of songs. I have no technical knowledge, nor will I try to pretend to. I am just writing about what I hear and how I feel when I listen to these songs. Finally, this is just my opinion and should absolutely not be taken seriously. I am just someone who likes music and microbes ( I do have some experience here, mind), and so decided to write about them both. Feel free to write about the things that bring you joy! Or write about the things that bring you rage! Or don’t! Do as you please, but thank you for reading this, the first of my musings on music! 

Move Gently  

C 

x 

*Now you may or may not agree with my choice, but that it the wonderful nature of music, it’s subjective and you absolutely can have your own opinion on this!