Episode 13

Goths (The Mountain Goats)

February 17th, 2026

2 hrs 27 mins 47 secs

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About this Episode

Moody, beautiful, deep, dark, all words that describe goth music. And yet, while The Mountain Goats' "Goths" explores all the themes of goth music, the bands that played it, and the subculture that embraced it in the 1980s, the album occupies a woodwind-heavy guitarless soundscape wholly unlike its black-draped synth-heavy subject matter. We're joined by guest Rick Firestone of the Pixel Project Radio podcast to explore this album's sundrenched wistful look back at a gloomy subject.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "I've Tried Everything But Therapy, Pt. 1.5" by Teddy Swims.

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by The Mountain Goats