MODEST MOUSE

"Good News for People Who Love Bad News" (Epic; 2004)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

I’m reviewing another band introduced to me by a co-worker. It's funny, but when you tell people that you write for a music website (and I always mention the name proudly) the familiar line of “have you ever heard….” seems to resonate. Since I’m always curious about new music, or music that just passed me by, I’m willing to give anybody a listen. 

Modest Mouse would be labeled under “quirky.” It took me a few listens to get used to the creative side that they toss at you. I say "toss" because "Good News for People Who Love Bad News" has an odd style that could be found on a Talking Heads album. I wouldn’t go seeking this band because they don’t meet the criteria of what I like. The music is good but just too experimental for my taste. 

If I could sum this CD up with one word it would be "abstract." This album deals with life, death and the afterlife. Each track has something different and the lyrics are very straight forward. Maybe a few more listens might let me emerge a fan of this band so consider this Part One of the three CDs I’m going to review. 

I can’t recommend this CD for a guitar player or even a drummer who is looking to expand their musical taste. If you are new to Rough Edge and you want to try “something completely different” (not to steal a line from Monty Python), then rent a little space in your head for Modest Mouse. If you don’t like them then put up the No Vacancy sign. 

If you like The Pixies or Built To Spill then you may like Modest Mouse. 

Modest Mouse: Isaac Brock, Eric Judy, Dann Gallucci, and Benjamin Weikel. 

For more information, check out http://www.modestmouse.com or http://www.modestmousemusic.com

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

 

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