(ROCK) John Darnielle's eternal assiduousness only grows more impressive as the fidelity of his records gets higher and higher. His new record, about a kid's attempts to survive an abusive stepfather, matches clarity of sound with nuance of character and melody-people say it's autobiographical, but it shouldn't matter; the Mountain Goats' shows are celebrations, no matter who the songs are about. (Neumo's, 925 E Pike St, 709-9467. 8 pm, $12, 21+.) SEAN NELSON