There is something really addicting about early Modest Mouse music. I think it may be the gritty and honest quality that all of it has. Isaac Brock is a lyrical genius without a doubt. This compilation album has some of his greatest lines on it. He says things like "I'm the same as I was when I was six years old" and "I'm working on leaving, I'm working on living, I'm working on leaving the living." These are phrases that haunt me as I type these words. Any fan of early Modest Mouse knows what I'm talking about. Yes, this is technically a compilation album of their early b-sides and unreleased material, but they put it together as a stand alone album. It is paced very well and all of the songs feel like some of their best work. In no way would I label any of these as b-sides. There is no wonder why the album received an 8.9 out of 10 on Pitchfork Media. You have to listen to this album and let it sink in to really understand why it is outstanding. Justice is served. 1100 miles is too far inside a car.
"I'm on a road trip like a figure eight. I'm going nowhere but I'm guaranteed to be late." -Couldn't have said it better myself, Bryan. Have you heard any of "No One's First And You're Next"? Their newer stuff, actually, is pretty decent, not the same, but better in an indie progression sort of way.
ReplyDeleteHey! No One's First and You're Next is fantastic. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to hear where they go next based on this ep. They are definitely a band whose outtakes are so top notch that it feels like a real album. I actually got into their newer stuff first and worked backwards. Thanks for reading my blog! I really appreciate it. It's always awesome to talk Modest Mouse!
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