though they've changed a fucking lot over the years. they have a different style nowadays, definitely more radio-friendly and definitely more tom-waits-cabaret, theatrical, and much more upbeat. i don't like it as much, but it's awesome that they managed to change their style completely yet still manage to be a good band.
even their "throwaway songs" that never made it onto an album are better than the music most bands shit out at their best!
Yeah, people associate them with that and it sucks. That's why bands suck once they become popular--people associate them with a certain sound and they get uninspired and have to bend to fit that mold.
Listen to some of their old stuff:
This one might be my favorite, ever. It's slow in the beginning, so you kind of have to bare with it. Basically at about 1:30 it starts letting go and then BOOM in one second the song fucking loses it and becomes completely awesome. A bunch of layers, high-pitched guitar, what sounds like Isaac Brock in the background shouting over and over again and it all blends very well.
This one is much more mellow and there's build-up that lasts for more than five seconds. The vocal parts do get a bit boring but once you get past the second (or third, I forget) verse it's all outstanding, so it's kind of like "Freebird" in that respect.
There is a definite "shit's about to get real" part in this song, though, it's about 3:15 when the high-pitched guitar comes in for a sneak preview, and then gets fuckin' comfortable.
I'm listening to M&A right now. I definitely don't like it as much as Long Drive or Lonesome Crowded West or Everywhere and his..., but it's got some outstanding lyrics throughout.
ya M&A isn't my favorite either. I'd say Long drive is my fav, or maybe lonesome crowded west. If you like really obscure modest mouse get sad sappy sucker, it's like before they released any albums, full of little 30 second gems.
That album is so burnt out to me. I listened to it a lot when it was new, so even if it's a song I like a lot (like that one, possibly my favorite off that album), I don't feel like listening to it.
i just got no one's first, and you're next and the only song that stands out to me is "the whale song." that song is fucking outstanding. the rest... not so much.
"king rat" would be much cooler if they included the video.
I would listen to them, but I know this massive asshole that loves them. It's a stigma that I can't get over. And it sucks because I usually enjoy some of the more indie stuff, kinda like MM. I'd recommend Grizzly Bear.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jixby Phillips
Oh god fathom zero, you are revealing yourself to be completely awful