The Mountain Goats Album: “Nine Black Poppies”

The Mountain Goats have created a wonderful song-cycle with "Nine Black Poppies." The brilliant "Cubs in Five" starts this EP rattling off a list of impossible occurrences( such as "The Canterbury Tales" staying on the bestseller list for 27 weeks, finding intelligent life on the moon, and as the title suggests- the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series in five games) and then blasts into the chorus with- "...And I will love you again..." (another impossible occurrence). "Cubs in Five" is the most literate kiss-off breakup song ever recorded. My favorite song on this EP is "Cubs in Five," but the other songs are all excellent. In "cheshire County," over a lazy acoustic guitar rhythm the words begin- "When the sun came up, I got up 'cause you were saying my name backward in your sleep again..." As with most of the songs, the intro draws in the listener who can't help but be intrigued and anxious to find where the song will lead. Musically, this EP is mainly acoustic guitar and voice with the occasional bass or drum machine thrown in. Though this EP never got within six blocks of the radio station in my town(or yours probably), it deserves to be heard and will reward with each listen.

If you are reading this i assume you are already a fan. You know this might not be the music for everyone but that the writing is simply amazing. This CD is no different and is certainly worth purchasing.