Modest Mouse "We Were Dead..." Album Review
The Indie Rock Band's Latest Nautically Themed Concept Album.
Feb 5, 2009
Modest Mouse is an American Indie-Rock band, hailing from the small Seattle suburb of Issaquah, Washington. The band was first formed in 1993 by members, Isaac Brock, Jeremiah Green, and Eric Judy.
The off-beat rockers have quickly become a predominant force within the Indie-Rock genre, with the band's platinum-selling album, “Good News for People Who Love Bad News”, in 2004. “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank”, is the band's first album since the widely successful 2004 release.
Album Info: "We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank"
“We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank”, is Modest Mouse's first album to debut at #1 on the U.S. Billboard's Hot 200 chart. The Nautically themed album, was written by the Indie band's lead singer and guitarist, Isaac Brock, and was produced by Dennis Herring; who also produced the band's 2004 album “Good News for People Who Love Bad News”.
Modest Mouse's Newest Band Member, Johnny Marr
What started out as just a simple collaboration, with ex-Smith's guitarist Johnny Marr, which was not supposed to extend beyond the album's conception, grew into a long term gig as Modest Mouse's newest band member. It was reported that Marr and Lead Singer Issac Brock bonded while working together on the album in Portland, Oregon and got along so well, that the singer asked the ex-Smith's guitarist to join the band.
Isaac Brock called into Rolling Stone Magazine's website, RollingStone.com, on August 3rd, 2006 announcing the news of his new band mate, in saying, “He made a cautious commitment to write and record with us, and then the tighter we got, he was like, ‘okay, let’s tour too,’”. Brock then confirmed the news by adding, “Then he was pretty much a member of the band - not pretty much. He’s a full blown member of the band....”
Fellow Indie artist, James Mercer, from The Shins, also makes an appearance on the Modest Mouse album. Mercer contributed back up vocals to the album's songs: “Florida”, “We've Got Everything”, and “Missed the Boat”.
"Dashboard" and "Florida"
The songs, “Dashboard” and “Florida”, are the album's most radio-friendly, mainstream tracks, having a similar up-tempo feel to it as the band's 2004 chart topper “Float On”. These songs have a much stronger pop sound to them, encompassing repetitive choruses, dance floor style rhythms, and an all over more jovial appeal than the average Modest Mouse song.
Other Noteworthy Tracks on the Album
Not all of the band's songs are fast-temped tracks, filled with the sounds of dramatic wailing vocals,“Parting of the Sensory”, “People as Places as People”, and “Little Motel”, are perfect examples of Modest Mouse's softer sound. Each Song, encompasses an overall mellow tone and the captivating sound of a slow and dramatic rhythm building up.
From the uncharacteristically calm vocal delivery and soft tone to Brock's singing, to the light sound of chord transitions resonating into dramatic guitar riffs, these smooth flowing songs act as a great compliment to the band's louder and edgier tracks.
The 14 track album is rated as 9 out of 10, because it stays true to Modest Mouse's signature dark and off-beat style; by delivering 62 minutes of whimsical guitar riffs, bashing drum beats, and Brock's charismatic and wailing vocals.
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