The Mountain Goats

Dear John Darnielle,

You are the best lyricist in the history of lyrics. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but it's true. My inner lit nerd wants to say the Pogues are better, and my inner theater nerd wants to say the Who are better, and my inner activist wants to say that U2 are better, but as much as they want to they can't because deep down they know that the Mountain Goats are the best...that you are the best.

I was at your show in Seattle a few months ago and you seemed so excited to have so many musician's backing you (particularly the one on the violin), but I have to say that you really don't need any backing. You and a guitar are perfect without anything or anyone else. In fact you may be even better by yourself, but I don't want to denigrate your cohorts, they were great too...it's just that I really can't say enough about how amazing you are.

Love,
The Fan