Introduction
John Darnielle is a prolific artist who has made a name for himself in the music and literary worlds. He is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the Mountain Goats, a band that has been active since the 1990s. In addition to his music career, Darnielle is also an accomplished novelist, with several critically acclaimed books to his name. He is also known for his love of horror movies and his fascination with the occult. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of Darnielleโs top songs, novels, and his infamous Devil House.
Top Songs by John Darnielle
โThis Yearโ
One of Darnielleโs most popular songs, โThis Year,โ is a powerful anthem about overcoming adversity. The song tells the story of a young girl who is determined to survive despite the challenges she faces. With its driving beat and catchy chorus, โThis Yearโ has become a fan favorite and a staple of Darnielleโs live shows.
โNo Childrenโ
โNo Childrenโ is a darkly humorous song that explores the complexities of a failing relationship. The songโs narrator is bitter and resentful towards his partner, and the lyrics are filled with biting sarcasm and black humor. Despite its bleak subject matter, โNo Childrenโ is a fan favorite and has become one of Darnielleโs most beloved songs.
John Darnielle Novels
โWolf in White Vanโ
โWolf in White Vanโ is Darnielleโs debut novel, and it was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2014. The book tells the story of a man who has suffered a disfiguring injury and retreats into a world of imagination and fantasy. The novel is a haunting exploration of loneliness, trauma, and the power of the human imagination.
โUniversal Harvesterโ
โUniversal Harvesterโ is Darnielleโs second novel, and it was published in 2017. The book is set in the Midwest in the late 1990s and tells the story of a video store clerk who discovers strange footage on some of the storeโs rental tapes. The novel is a haunting meditation on loss, grief, and the ways in which we try to make sense of the world around us.
Devil House
What is Devil House?
Devil House is a mysterious and infamous house located in Claremont, California. The house is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died there in the early 20th century. John Darnielle has been fascinated by Devil House for years, and has even written a song about it (โThe Legend of Chavo Guerreroโ).
John Darnielle and Devil House
Darnielle has been vocal about his fascination with Devil House, and has even visited the site several times. He has posted about the house on social media, and has even joked about buying it. Darnielleโs interest in the occult and horror movies makes Devil House a natural subject for him, and his song โThe Legend of Chavo Guerreroโ is a testament to his fascination with the house and its dark history.
Conclusion
John Darnielle is a multi-talented artist who has made a significant impact on both the music and literary worlds. His songs are powerful and emotionally resonant, while his novels are haunting explorations of the human psyche. And his fascination with Devil House is just one example of his love of the macabre and the mysterious. Whether youโre a fan of his music or his writing, thereโs no denying that John Darnielle is a unique and compelling artist.
