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Review Summary: "How can someone so inconsistent mess up so consistently?” I'd rather know how someone so consistent can mess up so inconsistently. In the world of music today, many bands take seriousness to an extreme. Bands like Opeth are nothing to laugh at. Their lyrics are not obscure or unendurable, their talent is of high regard, and they experiment in a more down-to-earth way. Others are akin to the now disbanded These Arms Are Snakes. Armed with a quirky approach to musical exploration and quaint lyrics, the latter band is not wrapped up in self-importance and is certainly not stern in any way, shape, or form. However, there are bands who break free of the extremities and lie in the middle ground. Modest Mouse can easily be described as one of these bands; their latest collection of B-Sides, No One's First, And You're Next is proof.
Beginning with the anthemic “Satellite Skin,” this compilation shows off its ability to craft a catchy, enjoyable tune. The languid nature of this track piques the listener's interest throughout, and the musicianship, whilst not extremely technical, is nothing to scoff at. The next two tracks, “Guilty Cocker Spaniels” and “Autumn Beds” are far more quirky than the album's opener. On the former track, electric melodies swallow the entire song, and are as important as the quaint vocals. These vocals are of a somewhat high register and compliment the entire song, from the climax reminiscent of shoegaze to the serene sect found midway through the track. The latter track combines the quirkiness found on “Guilty Cocker Spaniels” and takes a nod or two from “Satellite Skin.”
Some tracks, like “King Rat” are spasmodic indie adventures. From the jazzy horns to the explosive chorus, everything seems to be original in one way or another. However, this is not to say that there are no catchy hooks here. The chorus is memorable, and the song progresses in intensity throughout. Each moment is used effectively. Others like “The Whale Song” are just sublime. Beginning with a lengthy, captivating instrumental, the track progresses in terms of intensity as well. This is not to say that the instrumental is the only part of the song to make use of entertaining melodies; the entire track explores the elements found on the fantastic intro. The rare vocals are used to explore passion in the music, and they never seem to be unwanted inclusions to the music. The vocals also allow a less diaphanous symphony to emerge. In plain terms, from start to finish, this track is one of the best that Modest Mouse has crafted. In plain terms, from start to finish, this is one of the best releases Modest Mouse has put out to date.
From the extremely quaint “Perpetual Motion Machine” to the insanely catchy closer, “I've Got All (Most)”, this album shows that Modest Mouse can still balance their offbeat eccentricities with pop sensibilities. This album rarely strikes a sour note, and the band utilizes every instrument to their benefit. Each pluck of a string, belt, and bang of a drum has purpose. Tracks never meander and no filler is present. This album is a consistent effort from Modest Mouse, and it is sure to be one that audiences will adore for a long while.
FINAL RATING: 4.6/5-"How can someone so inconsistent mess up so consistently?” I'd rather know how someone so consistent can mess up so inconsistently?
| other reviews of this album |
Athom EMERITUS (4)
B-sides that sound better on the A side....
SeaAnemone (4)
Don’t be turned off by the description for this album of “B-Sides." The material on No One's F...
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I will fix the summary now, I was unaware that coding was impossible to accomplish in the summary.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Yeah, this was a nice little release but not amazing or anything. King Rat video is pretty wild though...
edit: The vocals also allow a less diaphanous symphony to explore intensity throughout. In plain terms, from start to finish, this track is one of the best that Modest Mouse has crafted. In plain terms, from start to finish, this is one of the best releases Modest Mouse has put out to date.
^^^Okay, Okay! I believe you...
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I like that vidio.
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are explosive, demented, and spasmodic indie adventures.
you're stephanie meyer pretending to be a 13 year old boy, aren't you?
well, i suppose minus the gender difference that's not too much of a stretch
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How is that sentence as horrendous as Stephenie Meyer? The song is energetic, crazy, and spastic, so it's not as though I am spewing out random gibberish. If you're trying to argue that I use big words, the only one I can understand one not understanding is spasmodic. I don't know anyone who doesn't know what demented and explosive mean.
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@watchitexplode: lol.
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The song is energetic, crazy, and spastic,
there it is again, you're definitely her
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In what way?
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well your sentences are long, drawn out, extended and go on forever. You could say they are bloated, tired, and dry. Sometimes, I lay awake tired, sleepless and exhausted, wondering about why you use so many useless, superfluous and unnecessary adjectives.
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I try to balance some of them out with some rather short simple sentences. For example, "Each moment is used effectively," makes that paragraph an easy read.
Also, if that third sentence was an attempt at showing my "fault" then it helped.
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good comment essence
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Satellite Skin, Autumn Beds, Whale Song and I've Got it All Most are excellent songs and much better than most of We Were Dead.. but the rest is pretty average for Modest Mouse. Overall a good EP though.
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even average modest mouse is better than most.
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Really, I find Autumn Beds to be the worst song on this album, with History Sticks to your feet taking a close second. Satellite Skin, Whale Song, and I've Got It All (Most) are phenomenal though.
Yes, Adam, you speak the truth. I found this out after listening to We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. But this is their third bbest work in my opinion. The Moon and Antarctica and Good News For People Who Like Bad News are better by a little bit.
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Moon and Antarctica>Lonesome Crowded West>This Is A Long Drive>Building Something Out of Nothing>Good
News>This>We Were Dead
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Moon and Antarctica>>Good News>This=TIALD=LCW=BSON>>>>>>>We Were Dead.
I like the accessbility of Good News for whatever reason.
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the second half of Good News contains a lot of my favorite MM soungs (Bukowski, Blame it on the Tetons, The View, Black Cadillacs, The Good Times Are Killing Me) but the first half is kinda weak
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I like all of those songs, but I really like The Ocean Breathes Salty for whatever reason.
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yeah, that's the best song on the first half.
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True that.
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