Listening party starts in about 20 minutes, thought I'd get things started with a little introduction. I've mentioned before that in 2001, I was pulled away from mainstream music by 3 albums: The White Stripes' White Blood Cells, The Strokes' Is This It, and Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica. While the Strokes have fallen out of my favor a bit (though I still love Is This It), The White Stripes (and every other Jack White related project) and Modest Mouse are still among my favorite bands. About the time Modest Mouse's Good News for People Who Love Bad News came out, I went back and started listening to MM's previous output, especially The Lonesome Crowded West. I'm assuming most of the people in the club are familiar with the album. If not, get ready for an experience.
From the start, "Teeth Like God's Shoeshine" sets the tone. The album is very epic and grandiose in a very "indie" fashion. As with pretty much all other Modest Mouse's albums, the sound is very eclectic. The only genre that Modest Mouse fits into is Modest Mouse. They've very much developed their own sound. A sound that the Lonesome Crowded West epitomizes.
Listening party starts now. Let the fun begin.
The guitars on "Shoeshine" are haunting, aggressive, overall just amazing.
I've had this one in rotation recently myself. I've had this album for awhile and It's taken me a long time to get into. I'm not sold on it being their best but I like it more every time I listen.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:34 PM
The guitars on "Shoeshine" are haunting, aggressive, overall just amazing.
Great song to crank up at a high volume in the car.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:35 PM
I've had this one in rotation recently myself. I've had this album for awhile and It's taken me a long time to get into. I'm not sold on it being their best but I like it more every time I listen.
Moon and Antarctica is still my favorite, though this one is a close second. I love all their albums. I'm anxious for them to finally put out another.
"Heart Cooks Brain" has definitely been one that has slowly grown more and more on me. Still my least favorite song on the album, one that I almost always skipped when I first got the album, but I can get into it now. The density that Modest Mouse has on their albums is very trance-like, I think "Heart Cooks Brain" is a great example of that.
I started to say the guitars on "Convenient Parking" were some kind of awesome adjective, but I realized I'm gonna wind up saying that for every song. So just let it be known that YimBlaylock thinks every single song on this album has great guitars.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:42 PM
"Heart Cooks Brain" has definitely been one that has slowly grown more and more on me. Still my least favorite song on the album, one that I almost always skipped when I first got the album, but I can get into it now. The density that Modest Mouse has on their albums is very trance-like, I think "Heart Cooks Brain" is a great example of that.
yeah i agree this track sounds dated and it's a little slow but i like the lyrics "my brain's the burger and my heart is the coal"
I thought there'd be more people here when i heard the baseball game was canceled.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:46 PM
I thought there'd be more people here when i heard the baseball game was canceled.
Yeah, hopefully they'll filter in. If nothing else, it should make for good discussion throughout the week when people are available. I'm gonna try and keep the discussion alive until next week's album.
Lounge (Closing Time). This song starts off so exhilarating, but it's the breakdown that makes the song. The vocal harmonies seem so unconventional. I love the way Isaac Brock uses voice layering in his music. "Whale Song" off their latest EP is a masterpiece in my opinion.
Long Distance Drunk is great to just drink and chill too.
Trailer Trash is a fantastic song.
Doin' The Coachroach is so damn fun when they play it live.
Was messing around with learning to play Cowboy Dan and Trailer Trash last week.
So what's up with Isaac Brock, he seems like a pretty crazy guy just from hearing his music.
Quote from: mjk73 on Oct 26, 2011, 09:53 PM
Long Distance Drunk is great to just drink and chill too.
Trailer Trash is a fantastic song.
Doin' The Coachroach is so damn fun when they play it live.
Was messing around with learning to play Cowboy Dan and Trailer Trash last week.
Never had the fortune of seeing them live. Definitely on my list though. And the slower part of Cowboy Dan is one of my favorites to play on my guitar.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:52 PM
Lounge (Closing Time). This song starts off so exhilarating, but it's the breakdown that makes the song. The vocal harmonies seem so unconventional. I love the way Isaac Brock uses voice layering in his music. "Whale Song" off their latest EP is a masterpiece in my opinion.
A lot of elements throughout the album repeat and gives it a concept album kinda feel. The repeating of the lyrics "my brain's the burger and my heart's the coal" in Lounge and some of the guitar sounds throughout remind me of the end parts of Teeth.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:53 PM
So what's up with Isaac Brock, he seems like a pretty crazy guy just from hearing his music.
I've read interviews and he definitely comes across as being a little left of normal. And he's had trouble with drugs and alcohol in the past if I'm not mistaken. If you read about his background, his early life was really messed up. Don't think anyone would come from what he did and still be entirely normal. But he seems like he's really mellowed out in recent years, a guy I'd definitely like to have a conversation with.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:56 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:52 PM
Lounge (Closing Time). This song starts off so exhilarating, but it's the breakdown that makes the song. The vocal harmonies seem so unconventional. I love the way Isaac Brock uses voice layering in his music. "Whale Song" off their latest EP is a masterpiece in my opinion.
A lot of elements throughout the album repeat and gives it a concept album kinda feel. The repeating of the lyrics "my brain's the burger and my heart's the coal" in Lounge and some of the guitar sounds throughout remind me of the end parts of Teeth.
Agreed. All their albums have their own feel, sound, and particular elements that frequently pop up. Probably why their albums are among my favorites of all time. For me to truly say I love an album as a whole, there's gotta be some sense of cohesiveness there. It's a lot more than just really liking every song on the album. Modest Mouse definitely knows how to make an album-y album.
Seen them many times. They are great. They used to have some awful shows do to being drunk on stage.
True- He's a bit of an odd duck. In some interviews I've read he comes across as a complete dick but in others he seems cool. I know he does or used to drink waaaaay to much.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:55 PM
Quote from: mjk73 on Oct 26, 2011, 09:53 PM
Long Distance Drunk is great to just drink and chill too.
Trailer Trash is a fantastic song.
Doin' The Coachroach is so damn fun when they play it live.
Was messing around with learning to play Cowboy Dan and Trailer Trash last week.
Never had the fortune of seeing them live. Definitely on my list though. And the slower part of Cowboy Dan is one of my favorites to play on my guitar.
I saw them once, two or three years ago. The sound sucked at the venue, it was at this old shitty ice hockey rink : http://www.therostravericegarden.com/ (http://www.therostravericegarden.com/)
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:59 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:53 PM
So what's up with Isaac Brock, he seems like a pretty crazy guy just from hearing his music.
I've read interviews and he definitely comes across as being a little left of normal. And he's had trouble with drugs and alcohol in the past if I'm not mistaken. If you read about his background, his early life was really messed up. Don't think anyone would come from what he did and still be entirely normal. But he seems like he's really mellowed out in recent years, a guy I'd definitely like to have a conversation with.
It's a shame that a lot of great art comes from immense pain but that's the way it goes. I think I read about his past but I can't remember the details.
Quote from: mjk73 on Oct 26, 2011, 10:01 PM
Seen them many times. They are great. They used to have some awful shows do to being drunk on stage.
True- He's a bit of an odd duck. In some interviews I've read he comes across as a complete dick but in others he seems cool. I know he does or used to drink waaaaay to much.
Yeah, I think he's just a really introverted guy who doesn't care a whole lot for the media or journalists. Doesn't usually make much pretense to care for them either. But in the select interviews where they catch him in a good mood, he seems really interesting. Not sure about the alcohol, but I know I've read that he definitely tries to stay away from the drugs these days.
Doin' The Cockroach, Cowboy Dan, and trailer Trash is a great section and picks up the album after a couple less conventional songs.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:06 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 09:59 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:53 PM
So what's up with Isaac Brock, he seems like a pretty crazy guy just from hearing his music.
I've read interviews and he definitely comes across as being a little left of normal. And he's had trouble with drugs and alcohol in the past if I'm not mistaken. If you read about his background, his early life was really messed up. Don't think anyone would come from what he did and still be entirely normal. But he seems like he's really mellowed out in recent years, a guy I'd definitely like to have a conversation with.
It's a shame that a lot of great art comes from immense pain but that's the way it goes. I think I read about his past but I can't remember the details.
Yeah, exact details are sketchy. Homelessness and drugs are thrown in there though. His story's really fascinating and would make for a really good film 10 or 20 years down the road, in my opinion. I really think Modest Mouse will be a band that is still looked at as significant from this era decades from now so I could see it maybe happening. Fingers crossed anyways.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:09 PM
Doin' The Cockroach, Cowboy Dan, and trailer Trash is a great section and picks up the album after a couple less conventional songs.
Agreed. Cowboy Dan is another song that starts off really chaotic, but then chills into a really beautiful song. And I think Trailer Trash, besides Polar Opposites, would probably be their most accessible song up until Float on came out. It's such a pretty song.
Long Distance Drunk, back to their less conventional side. The back ground vocals are angelic!
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:19 PM
Long Distance Drunk, back to their less conventional side. The back ground vocals are angelic!
I'm not sure why but this song has become one of my favorites to run to.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:16 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:09 PM
Doin' The Cockroach, Cowboy Dan, and trailer Trash is a great section and picks up the album after a couple less conventional songs.
Agreed. Cowboy Dan is another song that starts off really chaotic, but then chills into a really beautiful song. And I think Trailer Trash, besides Polar Opposites, would probably be their most accessible song up until Float on came out. It's such a pretty song.
I love Float On even if it's popular, who cares? You don't here people say they don't like Crazy by Gnarls Barkley because it's well known.
Shit Luck is badass, it sounds inspired by stoner rock.
Trucker's Atlas starts out awesome, i don't know how i feel about the extended jam towards the end.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:24 PM
Trucker's Atlas starts out awesome, i don't know how i feel about the extended jam towards the end.
If I owned a drum set, I think I'd just kill myself trying to learn how to play this song, then, once I had it down, I wouldn't do anything else ever. Just jam. And I agree about the jam at the end. It seems a little indulgent on their part. Something I'd be cool with live, but for the album, doesn't really add a whole lot.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:21 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:16 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:09 PM
Doin' The Cockroach, Cowboy Dan, and trailer Trash is a great section and picks up the album after a couple less conventional songs.
Agreed. Cowboy Dan is another song that starts off really chaotic, but then chills into a really beautiful song. And I think Trailer Trash, besides Polar Opposites, would probably be their most accessible song up until Float on came out. It's such a pretty song.
I love Float On even if it's popular, who cares? You don't here people say they don't like Crazy by Gnarls Barkley because it's well known.
I agree completely. I hope my statement wasn't mistaken for me being anti-mainstream or whatever. I like it when a band who's really kinda out there, like Modest Mouse, makes a few songs that are more accessible, as long as it doesn't sacrifice what the band is about, which I don't think they've ever done. It makes it easier to try and get other people into the band. I love Teeth Like God's Shoeshine, but doesn't really make a good intro for modest mouse for most people.
It seems like Polar Opposites should have been a hit back when this album was released. I think it fits with some of the alternative 90s music that was going on back then. I love this song so much.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:27 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:24 PM
Trucker's Atlas starts out awesome, i don't know how i feel about the extended jam towards the end.
If I owned a drum set, I think I'd just kill myself trying to learn how to play this song, then, once I had it down, I wouldn't do anything else ever. Just jam. And I agree about the jam at the end. It seems a little indulgent on their part. Something I'd be cool with live, but for the album, doesn't really add a whole lot.
Yeah the drums really stand out right off the start of that song. A great drummer can add a lot to a song.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:30 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:21 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:16 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:09 PM
Doin' The Cockroach, Cowboy Dan, and trailer Trash is a great section and picks up the album after a couple less conventional songs.
Agreed. Cowboy Dan is another song that starts off really chaotic, but then chills into a really beautiful song. And I think Trailer Trash, besides Polar Opposites, would probably be their most accessible song up until Float on came out. It's such a pretty song.
I love Float On even if it's popular, who cares? You don't here people say they don't like Crazy by Gnarls Barkley because it's well known.
I agree completely. I hope my statement wasn't mistaken for me being anti-mainstream or whatever. I like it when a band who's really kinda out there, like Modest Mouse, makes a few songs that are more accessible, as long as it doesn't sacrifice what the band is about, which I don't think they've ever done. It makes it easier to try and get other people into the band. I love Teeth Like God's Shoeshine, but doesn't really make a good intro for modest mouse for most people.
I didn't think you were being anti-mainstream just wanted to mention that while on the topic of Float On.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:38 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:30 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:21 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:16 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:09 PM
Doin' The Cockroach, Cowboy Dan, and trailer Trash is a great section and picks up the album after a couple less conventional songs.
Agreed. Cowboy Dan is another song that starts off really chaotic, but then chills into a really beautiful song. And I think Trailer Trash, besides Polar Opposites, would probably be their most accessible song up until Float on came out. It's such a pretty song.
I love Float On even if it's popular, who cares? You don't here people say they don't like Crazy by Gnarls Barkley because it's well known.
I agree completely. I hope my statement wasn't mistaken for me being anti-mainstream or whatever. I like it when a band who's really kinda out there, like Modest Mouse, makes a few songs that are more accessible, as long as it doesn't sacrifice what the band is about, which I don't think they've ever done. It makes it easier to try and get other people into the band. I love Teeth Like God's Shoeshine, but doesn't really make a good intro for modest mouse for most people.
I didn't think you were being anti-mainstream just wanted to mention that while on the topic of Float On.
Yeah, it's funny how divisive that song has become. Modest Mouse fans were fine with it when the album first came out, but as soon as other people who weren't as "cool" started liking it, it became Modest Mouse's descent into mainstream music, whatever that means anyways. Such a stupid reaction.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:34 PM
It seems like Polar Opposites should have been a hit back when this album was released. I think it fits with some of the alternative 90s music that was going on back then. I love this song so much.
You can say that with almost any good indie album. I can hear a couple songs here and there and think it could be a hit if those people calling the shots allowed it to. But why should they care what some indie band is doing, unless they get those bands to sign to their major label, witch eventually happened to Modest Mouse. I definitely wouldn't call them sell outs or anything.
These last few songs have taken the longest time for me to get into. It's a long album and if it's in my car it usually doesn't last for an entire excursion, and by the time I leave again and it's still in my CD player I'm in the mood for something else.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:44 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:34 PM
It seems like Polar Opposites should have been a hit back when this album was released. I think it fits with some of the alternative 90s music that was going on back then. I love this song so much.
You can say that with almost any good indie album. I can hear a couple songs here and there and think it could be a hit if those people calling the shots allowed it to. But why should they care what some indie band is doing, unless they get those bands to sign to their major label, witch eventually happened to Modest Mouse. I definitely wouldn't call them sell outs or anything.
Great point. I think Isaac Brock has done a great job of staying true to the music he wants to make his entire career. Definitely wouldn't label these guys sell outs.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:50 PM
These last few songs have taken the longest time for me to get into. It's a long album and if it's in my car it usually doesn't last for an entire excursion, and by the time I leave again and it's still in my CD player I'm in the mood for something else.
Definitely a long album. Other than "Heart Cooks Brain" I pretty much took to all of this album immediately. I know what you mean about the time it takes to get through this thing in your car. Most of my driving consists of short 10-15 minute commutes, so it takes me 3-5 days to get through this album unless I've got a lengthy trip planned out.
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:50 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:44 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:34 PM
It seems like Polar Opposites should have been a hit back when this album was released. I think it fits with some of the alternative 90s music that was going on back then. I love this song so much.
You can say that with almost any good indie album. I can hear a couple songs here and there and think it could be a hit if those people calling the shots allowed it to. But why should they care what some indie band is doing, unless they get those bands to sign to their major label, witch eventually happened to Modest Mouse. I definitely wouldn't call them sell outs or anything.
Great point. I think Isaac Brock has done a great job of staying true to the music he wants to make his entire career. Definitely wouldn't label these guys sell outs.
It's interesting to compare Built To Spill with Modest Mouse, who I prefer over MM. Both started on Up Records, both eventually signed to a major label. Modest Mouse just happened to have a hit song, that was the main difference. It just happened like an accident or something. Built To Spill is still way less known. Even before Float On I was still aware of MM by name more than BTS though.
Great album, hope and expect more to chime in. Like it more and more each listen Gotta go and catch the replay of American Horror Story!
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 11:00 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:50 PM
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 10:44 PM
Quote from: YimBlaylock on Oct 26, 2011, 10:34 PM
It seems like Polar Opposites should have been a hit back when this album was released. I think it fits with some of the alternative 90s music that was going on back then. I love this song so much.
You can say that with almost any good indie album. I can hear a couple songs here and there and think it could be a hit if those people calling the shots allowed it to. But why should they care what some indie band is doing, unless they get those bands to sign to their major label, witch eventually happened to Modest Mouse. I definitely wouldn't call them sell outs or anything.
Great point. I think Isaac Brock has done a great job of staying true to the music he wants to make his entire career. Definitely wouldn't label these guys sell outs.
It's interesting to compare Built To Spill with Modest Mouse, who I prefer over MM. Both started on Up Records, both eventually signed to a major label. Modest Mouse just happened to have a hit song, that was the main difference. It just happened like an accident or something. Built To Spill is still way less known. Even before Float On I was still aware of MM by name more than BTS though.
That is interesting, because for this week's album club, I just about picked a BTS album, but went with this one at the last second. Probably my 2 favorite bands to come out of the 90s.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 11:01 PM
Great album, hope and expect more to chime in. Like it more and more each listen Gotta go and catch the replay of American Horror Story!
Haha. It's on my DVR so I'll probably tune in tomorrow. Thanks for your participation.
Quote from: ManNamedTruth on Oct 26, 2011, 09:53 PM
So what's up with Isaac Brock, he seems like a pretty crazy guy just from hearing his music.
"This may be all you need to know about Isaac Brock: Somewhere, he has a videotape of himself walking out into a thunderstorm, wearing a suit made of pots and pans, holding a metal guitar stand in the air. He's shouting, "This is the best thing I have ever done" Off-camera, a friend shouts back "God Doesn't Want You"
This story sold me on this guy even more than I already was. Float On is a great song by a great band. I think their last couple records are as good as anything they've put out thus far. So, fuck you! and don't float on, if you don't agree. :-*
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brock's_Monument (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brock's_Monument)
"HERE LIE THE EARTHLY REMAINS OF A BRAVE AND VIRTUOUS HERO, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ISAAC BROCK, COMMANDER OF THE BRITISH FORCES, AND PRESIDENT ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT OF UPPER CANADA, WHO FELL WHEN GLORIOUSLY ENGAGING THE ENEMIES OF HIS COUNTRY, AT THE HEAD OF THE FLANK COMPANIES OF THE 49TH REGIMENT IN THE TOWN OF QUEENSTON, ON THE MORNING OF THE 13TH OCTOBER, 1812 AGED 42 YEARS
A 1929 lightning strike severely damaged Brock's statue, sending large portions crashing to the ground below.
;)
Styrofoam Boots/Its All Nice On Ice, Alright is another great song on this album. Some of my favorite MM lyrics
well some guy comes in looking a bit like everyone i ever seen
he moves just like crisco disco
breath 100% listerine
he says looking at something else
but directing everything to me
ever time anyone gets on their knees to pray
well it makes my telephone ring
and i'll be damned
he said you were right
no one's running this whole thing
he had a theory too
he said that god takes care of himself
and you of you
Quote from: sweatboard on Oct 27, 2011, 01:05 AMI think their last couple records are as good as anything they've put out thus far.
agreed. Spitting Venom and Little Motels will getchu where you need to be.
Quote from: mjk73 on Oct 27, 2011, 02:37 PM
Quote from: sweatboard on Oct 27, 2011, 01:05 AMI think their last couple records are as good as anything they've put out thus far.
agreed. Spitting Venom and Little Motels will getchu where you need to be.
Yep. With just those two and Fly Trapped in a Jar, you'd be pretty much guaranteed a far-above-average album. Add Parting of the Sensory and you're golden. Love that album.
ok so sorry for bein late to the party here Yim, technical difficulties....
....I once read that one of Issac Brock's biggest influences was writer Cormac MacCarthy and to me this album is the embodiment of the most brutal and gruesome of his works (e.g. Child of God, Blood Meridian, the Road). It has post-apocalyptic road trip out west all over it.
To me this album reinforced the sheer innovativeness of the band, i had never heard anything like it when i first heard it, and i not only listened to a lot of built to spill, i had seen them live 2x and despite the basic geographic relation i just considered the 2 bands commonlaw indie bands but MM had Brock (who at first I despised bc of his voice) and BtS had Martsch (guitar god).....
.....for a while I thought that MM was not a real band. I thought how could these crazy homeless guys or psych patient's stay out of the hospital long enough to tour. Now i know that's harsh and stupid but its what their music conveyed to me....
What I realized was that Lonesome Crowded West / Moon and Antartica was beyond my listening skills at the time. I could get behind BtS bc the guitar was soooo good and they had some hooks. Whereas Modest Mouse was like a mangey dog yelping and attacking, never settling into anything comfortable.....Then came Good News and it all clicked.
But Lonesome, here we go:
Teeth like God's Shoeshine - Insane title, insane song, as I said before it is the sound I believe of going crazy.
Heart Cooks Brain - I agree Yim not the strongest effort but I enjoy it, never skip....Possibly MM first attempts at writing a groove oriented song.........more to come
Conveinient Parking - great imagery here from Brock....There are songs like this that MM write that may not be too popular but due the writing and the driving chorus will always work....
Lounge (Closing Time) - Great shapeshifting MM song...Starts off silly and transcends to dark effortlessly....really beautiful MM imho
Jesus Christ was an Only Child - Mustve been a sign of things to come for this band, shows that they have some innovation in their back pocket....That violin is amazing.....I fucking love this song....Think this song laid the groundwork for Good News amalgam of styles.
Doin the Cockroach - The only time I saw MM (after We Were Dead was released) they played this...I had never heard it and my MM reach hadn't extended to LCW yet. Another great track...They use that spacey flanger/harmonic sound which is such apart of MM its unmistakeable. I really like the guitar work in this even the basic rhythym is funky in that post-apocalyptic way.
Cowboy Dan - He drove to the desert fired his rifle in the sky and says "God if I have to die you will have to die" Seriously heavy shit in this one....such a great, scary track...has everything a great MM trakc has, good poetic storytelling, schizophrenic guitars, its just up there in my book.
Trailer Trash - Such a beautiful song and perfectly placed after several crazy tracks...I really love this song and always seem to forget about it....Has that MM guitar sound but it really works at the end....These lyrics are surprisngly undisguised but the song makes up for it....can't relate to them all.
Out of Gas - fun play with words which remind me most of BtS out of anything on this album....the themes of almost specifically truck driving, anyone make anything of this? I guess i need to read more into it....I suppose what I'm getting is a ravaged American landscape as seen through the eyes of a trucker?
Long Distance Drunk - Not a favorite. Possibly the sole weak track on this album. Uncertain what it is supposed to represent here. Maybe the placement is off, after out of Gas I am ready for another track that messes with me....maybe if it came after Shit liuck I like it more...
Shit Luck - Interestingly this is the first MM song I ever heard. I hated it. Now I fucking Love it....simple but effective....great show from Brock.....nuff said.
Trucker's Atlas - Great Epic here....some great drumwork too...."I don't feel and it feels great!" great line...
Polar Opposites - Although Atlas is epic in its length this is epic in its delivery....fucking love this song, it gets me geared up....this album has some seriously dark lyrics....This guy knows what depression is...
Bankrupt on Selling - Nice dark track....love both lyrics and music on this one...almost sounds like the flaming lips here.
Styrofoam boots- Apt closer for such a crazy album....
Thanks Yim for reminding me that this album exists....it's been a while since i've listened. Great album for the forum club....I'd give it a 9.4/10.... :thumbsup:
Great analysis wolof. Only MacCarthy I've read so far is The Road. I'd never heard that about Brock, so I'd never made the connection between this album and that book, but it made so much sense as soon as you saw it. Not sure anyone can make you feel the intensity of a post-apocalyptic, forsaken world like Brock and MacCarthy. I agree with you about "Jesus Christ," fits perfectly into that Good News sound (i.e. "Satin in a Coffin," "Dance Hall," etc.). Also really like your description of "Cowboy Dan" as having schizophrenic guitars. That main riff took a while for me to come to grips with and is still a little unsettling. The best example I can think of, of the mind of a character in a song being so perfectly captured by the music in a song. It's about enough to turn me paranoid.
Modest Mouse is 1 of those bands that I never really got into, but always like. I dont throw this album on often, but when I do, I wonder why I dont do it more often.
Awesome album. Its long, but MM really mix it up and keep you in it for the long run.
favorite tracks: God's Shoeshine, heart Cooks brain, Lounge (closing time), Trailer Trash, bankrupt on Selling
Im surprised for the hate on 'heart Cooks brain' in here...love that song. the rest always stood out out as my favorites as well
I never even knew these songs names until yesterday. Ive always loved the opener, but called it "Orange Julius" to myself ;D
Didnt realize this was a 1997 release either. Figured it was early 2000's