Thanks for doing such a great and helpful write-up on this book, Cory. I had it sitting here in front of me for awhile as I tried to put together a TIG Blog both urgent and eloquent enough to inspire people to get it, and you have done it for me -- and I think much better than I could. As it forces such gooey adoration from me people might just dismiss what I would write as fanboy lunatic ravings or I'm Darnielle's pal or something.
Here are the facts, Jack:
(1.) Some people have "Catcher in the Rye," I now have John Darnielle's "Master of Reality" 33 1/3.
(2.) Arguably one of the top three books I've read this year, and I read three books a week.
(3.) Arguably the most essential 33 1/3, artistically (as in best written and most meaningful -- though I adore others, especially Carl Wilson's on Celine Dion and the hidden fascism of hipsterism).
(4.) I am not a fan of the album, though I am certainly checking it out now; and I'm a bit fussier about the Mountain Goats than I would like to admit here (I'm one of those who worship "The Sunset Tree" and desperately need to hear the other albums, which I've bought all of for my wife, a huge fan -- but I am not, yet).
(5.) It's a thin book but a an amazingly heavy read that is as deep about the love for music as any other you can find. I REALLY hope it doesn't get lost in the shuffle -- and you DO NOT need to love metal to love it (I'm fussy about metal, only like a small percentage in my listening diet, and don't worship the "hip" metal bands.)
It might be hard to find this book locally, so have it ordered to a bookstore or order it over the Internet. My guess is Sonic Boom and Easy Street will do their best to keep it in stock -- and I could see people in the scene having panel discussions of it if they have a chance to read it (always hard to do these days, it took me a couple weeks to find the time myself).
Reviews
Chris Estey said on May 9, 2008:
Thanks for doing such a great and helpful write-up on this book, Cory. I had it sitting here in front of me for awhile as I tried to put together a TIG Blog both urgent and eloquent enough to inspire people to get it, and you have done it for me -- and I think much better than I could. As it forces such gooey adoration from me people might just dismiss what I would write as fanboy lunatic ravings or I'm Darnielle's pal or something.
Here are the facts, Jack:
(1.) Some people have "Catcher in the Rye," I now have John Darnielle's "Master of Reality" 33 1/3.
(2.) Arguably one of the top three books I've read this year, and I read three books a week.
(3.) Arguably the most essential 33 1/3, artistically (as in best written and most meaningful -- though I adore others, especially Carl Wilson's on Celine Dion and the hidden fascism of hipsterism).
(4.) I am not a fan of the album, though I am certainly checking it out now; and I'm a bit fussier about the Mountain Goats than I would like to admit here (I'm one of those who worship "The Sunset Tree" and desperately need to hear the other albums, which I've bought all of for my wife, a huge fan -- but I am not, yet).
(5.) It's a thin book but a an amazingly heavy read that is as deep about the love for music as any other you can find. I REALLY hope it doesn't get lost in the shuffle -- and you DO NOT need to love metal to love it (I'm fussy about metal, only like a small percentage in my listening diet, and don't worship the "hip" metal bands.)
It might be hard to find this book locally, so have it ordered to a bookstore or order it over the Internet. My guess is Sonic Boom and Easy Street will do their best to keep it in stock -- and I could see people in the scene having panel discussions of it if they have a chance to read it (always hard to do these days, it took me a couple weeks to find the time myself).
Again, thanks, Cory!