This Year

What makes This Year different from a typical lyrics book or songbook collection?

Rather than simply presenting song lyrics in isolation, This Year functions as an annotated literary work where John Darnielle provides first-person commentary on each of the 365 songs included. These annotations reveal the creative origins behind the music, explaining how specific songs came into being and identifying the real people who inspired them, from family members to literary heroes. This approach transforms the collection into both a definitive textual record and an intimate memoir of Darnielle's artistic journey across decades.

How does John Darnielle's background as a novelist inform this collection?

As an author of three New York Times bestselling novels, including the National Book Award nominee Wolf in White Van, Darnielle brings a distinctly literary sensibility to this song collection. His annotations draw connections between his musical work and his literary influences, including writers like Flannery O'Connor, Jorge Luis Borges, and Stephen King, demonstrating how his dual identity as both songwriter and novelist enriches his creative output. The book itself is structured as a literary work, with reviewers comparing it to an illuminated manuscript where the lyrics stand as self-contained stories.

Does This Year cover the entire span of the Mountain Goats' evolution as a musical project?

Yes, the collection traces John Darnielle's musical journey from its earliest beginnings through to the present day, starting with his lo-fi recordings made on a boom box and following the Mountain Goats' transformation from a solo project into a full band. The 365 songs selected span multiple decades of work, providing a comprehensive overview of how Darnielle's songwriting and recording approach have evolved whilst maintaining his distinctive artistic vision. This chronological breadth makes the book a definitive record of his entire creative output.

Who are some of the key collaborators and influences that Darnielle discusses in his annotations?

Throughout the annotations, Darnielle acknowledges the important people who have shaped his music and inspired specific songs, including his wife Lalitree Darnielle and his longtime musical collaborator Peter Hughes. He also explores how his literary heroes influenced his songwriting approach, creating a rich portrait of the personal and artistic relationships that have sustained his creative work. These revelations provide readers with insight into the Mountain Goats as a collaborative endeavour rather than solely a solo artistic vision.

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