John Darnielle has been writing and recording songs as The Mountain Goats since 1991. He’s released 17 studio albums, and also written two books of fiction.

In April 2019, the Mountain Goats released the album In League with Dragons, and in this episode, John Darnielle breaks down a song from it, called “Cadaver Sniffing Dog.” We’ll hear his original demo, and then, hear how the song evolved at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, with the help of John’s band, some incredible session musicians, and producer Owen Pallett.

You can buy or stream “Cadaver Sniffing Dog” here.

Also, check out the podcast “I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats,” hosted by John Darnielle and Joseph Fink!

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

footnotes
Minimoog Synth
Farm Pedals
Robert Bailey – Backup Vocals