Two locally relevant news items about the Mountain Goats

, though, and you begin to notice the genius of songwriter John Darnielle’s lyrics. And that there’s an emotional heft to the songs, a pureness of intention, a maturity, that you didn’t even realize you were so starved for. Before long, you’re alone in your room, fists clenched, tears streaming down your cheeks, shouting along with Darnielle on the glorious last line of “Broom People.” Or I’ve heard of stuff like that happening, I mean. 

Oh, also: the band is playing a show (UPDATE: two shows) near here, relatively soon.