Mountain Goat Covers, Part 1

The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle is almost as good at interpreting other people's songs, as he is at writing his own. His raw visceral voice is capable of turning most the cliche lyrics into the profound. Here are just a handful of examples of JD's transformative vocal abilities.

The Boys Are Back in Town/ Ignition - The Mountain Goats (Thin Lizzy/ R. Kelly cover)
The most brilliant thing about this medley is the entire lack of irony. The former song becomes a melancholic elegy of sorts, while the latter remains a buoyant exclamation of a the best weekend party ever. More rum and coke please.

I Will Survive - The Mountain Goats (Gloria Gaynor Cover)
Oh yes, he will! A clap-along anthem for the ages.

Mr. Inbetween - The Mountain Goats (Bing Crosby cover)
You've got to accentuate the positive
Now there's irony.

The Sign - The Mountain Goats (Ace of Base cover)
There are multiple live versions of this cover floating around internet-land, but this one is by far my favorite. The spoken word monologue not only compare the Swedish quartet to Shakespeare, but mocks hipsters as well. Simply priceless.

Check back soon for another tMG cover post including songs by Radiohead, The Smiths, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pavement and more!