John and Joseph discuss artistic restraints, Silver Age Latin, and why theaters should stop producing Shakespeare. Dessa joins to talk about and premiere her cover of “Balance.” Buy Dessa’s cover of “Balance” on iTunes, Bandcamp, or wherever you buy digital music. It supports both the artist and the show! Buy the full cover album digitally or on vinyl today. Learn more about John Darnielle’s two novels here. Listen to more music by the Mountain Goats, including their latest album Goths, here. Check out Joseph Fink’s other shows, Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead. His second novel with Jeffrey Cranor, It Devours!, is out now. Credits: Joseph Fink (host), John Darnielle (host), Christy Gressman (producer), Grant Stewart (editor), Vincent Cacchione (mixer), Rob Wilson (logo). Produced by Night Vale Presents in collaboration with Merge Records and the Mountain Goats. http://ionlylistentothemountaingoats.com http://www.nightvalepresents.com

Craig Finn discusses Catholicism, music stands, and KISS. The episode explores relationships, creative control, and the emotional intensity of music. Themes of forgiveness, redemption, and connection through music are highlighted. Musical composition techniques and performance dynamics are also discussed.

Explore the creative process of songwriting with insights from Erin McKeown, including the evolution of 'Jenny' and the dynamics of fame. Delve into the evolution of music recording, the joy of unraveling character identities, and the emotional thrill of a motorcycle ride.

Guests Eno Williams, Max Grunhard, and Mac McCaughan discuss immigration, sanctuary, and artists' responsibility. They also explore the profound feeling of relief and the importance of praising work. Fear, talent, transgression, leaving home, and the radical act of welcoming are also discussed.

Topics include music choices, mandatory minimum sentences, and the desert's influence on artists. Guest Kym Register discusses Durham's music scene and diverse storytelling. A new cover of a song is premiered.

John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars and the upcoming Turtles All The Way Down, joins John Darnielle and Joseph Fink to discuss the role of art, faith, and satan in their lives. They explore how making the creation of art more difficult can actually improve the art itself. They also delve into the impact of music on writing and the power of music to connect and make listeners feel understood. The chapter revolves around the song 'The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton', exploring themes of friendship, dreams, and revenge.

A collaboration between Night Vale Presents, the Mountain Goats, and Merge Records, I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats is a podcast about what it means to be an artist, what it means to be a fan, and what it means to be, as many people are, both at once. The show finds Joseph Fink, creator of Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead, in conversation with one of his artistic heroes, John Darnielle, singer and songwriter of the Mountain Goats. Season One explores the stories behind the Mountain Goats’ album All Hail West Texas, one song at a time. In each episode, John, Joseph, and special guests discuss songwriting, storytelling, current events, and the art and artists that inspire them. Each episode will also premiere a brand new cover version of the song discussed that week, recorded just for the podcast by artists like Amanda Palmer, Andrew Bird, and Dessa.Season One of I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats premieres September 28, 2017.Produced by Christy Gressman. From Night Vale Presents, the network that brought you Welcome to Night Vale, Alice Isn’t Dead, Within the Wires, The Orbiting Human Circus (of the Air), and Conversations with People Who Hate Me. More info: www.nightvalepresents.com