Review Summary: The Smiths, Pixies, Built To Spill, and the Meat Puppets get into a car and drive off a cliff
Classic Albums Month Pt. 2: I Think I Know My Geography Pretty Damn Well
This is a
Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About is a tough album to declare a classic. It's an intimidating listen because of its rough exterior, and a challenge to sit through because of its length, but that's sort of the charm. There's a strangely relaxing vibe that comes out of the general nihilistic tendencies Modest Mouse convey as the music is often abrasive, songs tend to drag on with extended jam sessions, and the lyrics are cryptic and confusing, but the raw talent in terms of songwriting and musicianship keeps it all together. It also doesn't hurt that
Long Drive is impeccably consistent to the point that every single track stands out in some fashion. Every song oozes catchy bass lines, driving, complex, and unusual drum beats, and above all else, Isaac Brock's inventive and powerful guitar and vocal performances. All of these characteristics get tuned-up and refined on later releases, but Modest Mouse's lack of experience and focus while recording
Long Drive serves as an exceptionally pleasant foray into the unknown. Modest Mouse didn't quite know where they wanted to go when they recorded
Long Drive, and that's what makes it great. Equal parts beauty and equal parts chaos,
This is a Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About showcases Modest Mouse at their rawest, their most adventurous, and it laid the groundwork for the best three album stretch in indie rock.
