The Mountain Goats have been frequent visitors to Australia over the years. I have been fortunate to have seen them live a few times, the first time being back in 2007. But this was their first tour in a little while, so it was great to see them again Monday night at a sold out Metro Theatre. They have a vast catalogue now and each show varies quite a bit. So you are never sure what you might receive at a show. What we received was a generous cross section from over the journey. Surprisingly they only played one song from their recent album released late last year. In fact the night was a showcase for some older classics indeed. Such as 'See America Right' and 'Up the Wolves', both of which were received with great fervour. I think my favourite part of the night though was the now customary section where John Darnielle just goes solo. He played 3 songs and two of them are very old songs that are unreleased. 'Going to Palestine' was a definite highlight of ther night. The band now comprise of just three. And they are so tight and fluid. Of course John is the centrepiece. He is as witty and loquacious as ever. Jon Wurster is purely a great drummer, whilst Matt Douglas is the glue, superbly playing bass, saxophone and keyboards. A highly enthused audience was super happy to get two encores from the band. The first one was especially great with crowd pleasers such as 'This Year' and 'No Children' getting excited receptions.  All in one it was a fun night from one of the most reliable bands going.     

Set List 
Rocks In My Pockets
Incandescent Ruins
You Or Your Memory
Shallow Grave
Moon Over Goldsboro
New Zion
Going to Palestine (solo)
You Were Cool (solo)
Younger (solo)
Sax Rohmer #1
Lakeside View Apartments Suite
Palmcorder Yajna
Animal Mask
The Diaz Brothers
See America Right
Up the Wolves

Let Me Bathe in Demonic Light
Love Love Love
No Children
This Year

Amy AKA Spent Gladiator 1
Getting Into Knives
Dance Music