Who's behind the notes? Discover Jonathan Coulton: The Geek Folk Icon
"Skullcrusher Mountain" is one of the most famous songs by Jonathan Coulton, an American singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of folk, rock, and geek culture. Here are some interesting facts about Jonathan Coulton and the song "Skullcrusher Mountain":
Geek Culture Icon: Jonathan Coulton has gained a cult following in the geek and nerd culture. Many of his songs, including "Skullcrusher Mountain," feature themes related to technology, science, and popular culture, making him a favorite among fans of science fiction and fantasy.
Debut Album: "Skullcrusher Mountain" is from Coulton's debut album, "Thing a Week One," released in 2006. The album was part of his "Thing a Week" project, where he composed and released a new song every week for a year, which helped him gain widespread recognition.
Villain's Love Song: "Skullcrusher Mountain" is often described as a villain's love song. In the song, Coulton sings from the perspective of a mad scientist who has a romantic interest in his captive, although his intentions are far from romantic.
Covered by Others: The song has been covered by various artists and has been featured in multiple online and offline media, further increasing its popularity. It has appeared in video games, fan-made music videos, and live performances by other musicians.
Online Presence: Coulton initially gained prominence through his online presence. He offered most of his music under a Creative Commons license, allowing fans to freely share and remix his songs. This approach helped him build a dedicated online fanbase.
Collaboration with Joss Whedon: Jonathan Coulton is known for collaborating with other artists and creators. He worked with Joss Whedon, the director of "The Avengers" and creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," on the song "Still Alive" for the video game "Portal." The song became a huge hit among gamers.
Nerd Cruise: Coulton is one of the co-founders of the JoCo Cruise, a week-long event that combines music, comedy, and geek culture while taking place on a cruise ship. The event has featured performances by various artists and comedians and has become a beloved gathering for fans.
Tribute to "King Kong": The song references King Kong and his love interest in the line "Cause I made this half-pony, half-monkey monster to please you." This is a nod to the 1933 film "King Kong," where the titular character, Kong, falls in love with a human woman, Ann Darrow.
"Skullcrusher Mountain" remains one of Jonathan Coulton's most recognized and loved songs, known for its catchy tune and darkly humorous lyrics, which capture the essence of Coulton's unique style.