Despite being a low-profile artist, John Darnielle was steadily adding to his catalog, figuring if he kept at it long enough he'd break past his small cult audience and have his music heard for the beauty it holds on its own terms. There are no weird commercial considerations in his work, no sudden need to rap or to add a trip-hop producer. 1996's Nothing Is Juice was Darnielle's final album with bassist Rachel Ware. It's a shame, since her harmonies on "Alabama Nova," Chet Baker's "Moon and Sand," and the closer "Going to Scotland" are a key part of this album's appeal. Nothing Is Juice continues his interest in "Going To" songs, with the album's second half sending his characters to Bogota, Kansas, Reykjavik, and Scotland (or at least suggesting it). The title of "I Corinthians 13: 8-10" portends his 2009 album The Life of the World to Come, where he'd base songs on biblical verses. Here, a couple are in love in Poland during World War II. "Full Flower" kicks into full-band mode. "Hellhound on My Trail" is a nervy cover of the Robert Johnson blues classic.