Jenny from Thebes starts like many Mountain Goats albums. John Darnielle plays the piano until a lyric, “Jenny was a warrior / Jenny was a thief / Jenny hit the corner clinic begging for relief,” emerges. This became “Jenny III,” a song challenging Darnielle to write a sequel to a beloved album. The Mountain Goats' catalog has recurring characters, and Jenny is one. She first appears in 'All Hail West Texas,' also in 'Straight Six' and 'Night Light.' Jenny is defined by her absence and running from something bad. This album tells Jenny's story, about her southwestern ranch - style house, those finding safety there, and the uneasy west Texas town. It's a tale of the individual and society, safety, and those who offer care. Recorded at Tulsa's legendary The Church Studio with Grammy - winning Trina Shoemaker, it's a lush showtunes collection. It challenges Darnielle as a vocalist and broadens the band's sound, influenced by Godspell, Jim Steinman, and The Cars. With Matt Douglas' arrangements, Alicia Bognanno's guitar, and backing vocals from Kathy Valentine and Matt Nathanson, it's a widescreen musical with detailed characters and sweeping emotions. Tracklist: Side A - 1. Clean Slate, 2. Ground Level, 3. Only One Way, 4. Fresh Tattoo, 5. Cleaning Crew, 6. Murder at the 18th St. Garage. Side B - 7. From the Nebraska Plant, 8. Same as Cash, 9. Water Tower, 10. Jenny III, 11. Going to Dallas, 12. Great Pirates.


To enjoy this vinyl LP, first, make sure your record player is in good working condition. Gently place the vinyl on the turntable and use the tonearm to set the needle on the start of the desired track. When you're done, lift the tonearm carefully and turn off the record player. Keep the vinyl away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent warping. Always handle the vinyl by the edges to avoid fingerprints and scratches. If it gets dirty, use a soft, anti - static brush to clean the grooves. With proper care, this album will provide you with many hours of great music.