I always liked a couple of their songs, but been listening to the post 2000 albums, and they're freakin' fantastic!!! I wanted to say this in an existing thread, so if someone can point me to it, I'll repeat my praise there! (the search thing is crashin' on me when I try to find it)
I don't really enjoy the Mountain Goats all that much, but i think John Darnelle has written a handful of great songs, and i think he is a really great example of someone who uses their 'clout' well in the indie world (always taking local bands on tour, really supporting his local scene, etc.).