11. Modest Mouse-We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.
Of all the albums on this list, this one was the hardest for me to rate. Clearly, the band enjoyed the money they made off of “Float On,†because “Dashboard†is pretty much the same concept: An unforgettable chorus, a catchy hook, and Isaac Brock’s characteristic, unique and gravelly falstetto. And being that I’m a fan of pop and accessibility, I loved it. I also enjoyed the rest of the album (obviously), but I recognized all the criticism they got for neither breaking new ground nor going back to their indie roots after their huge and unexpected success. At the same time, though, I found this record to synthesize the best of MM’s commercial sensibilities with their older, rawer material, leading to what may be the most accessible indie-rock-sounding album in history. Indie purists will be able to find merit in at least half the tracks, it will have pop fans’ toes tapping as well. By trying to be everything to all people, Modest Mouse may have alienated themselves from both classes of bloggers. But they found a fan on this one.
Unfortunately, Modest Mouse ain’t indie no more, so I can’t help them sell their new one by offering you a tune or two.
Satisfy yourself with this rarity instead:
