I was never that familiar with the Mountain Goats, but I liked what I heard and decided on a whim to go to their show last night at the National.

That show was quite possibly, the best show I have ever seen at the National. Ever.

Megafaun started off the evening and I loved how animated and fun they were. They got the crowd moving and dancing along to their folk-Americana-rock music.

Megafaun – The Fade

Megafaun – Volunteers

Once, the Mountain Goats took the stage, the fans lost it and cheers erupted from the crowd. The band offered a fun time with songs of love and shouting at strangers and gave fans a taste of lots of new material. This was the first time they played these songs live – and the first stop on their new tour. When does Richmond ever get to claim something like that?

I learned one thing during the show and that one thing is – Mountain Goats fans are FREAKS. I’m talking on par with Celine Dion fans. People were screaming for their favorite songs to be played and generally losing their minds. However, once the music started, they shut up and paid attention to the music. Mountains Goats fans are the greatest.

After a great set including songs like “Jenny,” “Beautiful Gas Mask,” “Estate Sale Sign” and a Silkworm cover, they closed with “Palmcorder Yajna.” Best encore ever.

And one of my favorites.

Mountain Goats – Lions Teeth