Modestly Good

To be fair, I’m no aficianado of indie music. I’m not too sophisticated for Top 40 radio, and I have to say, I love that Helen Keller song.

So Modest Mouse’s latest offering, “No One’s First, and You’re Next,” mostly sounds like noise to me after “Float On,” the lush and melodic 2004 hit that catapulted the band into the limelight.

The EP consists of eight unreleased tracks from Modest Mouse’s previous two studio album recording sessions, and while the majority of them should’ve stayed that way, a select few tracks are worthy of a download.

The album commences with “Satellite Skin,” a twangy rock number with jangly guitars that could almost feel at home on country radio. While the track is catchy and likeable enough, it feels like a disingenuous attempt to break out of the band’s genre.

The next track, “Guilty Cocker Spaniels,” fares much better, harkening to the Modest Mouse I knew at the height of its fame with witty lyrics and a whimsical melody.

The third track, “Autumn Beds,” is a sweet number perfect for falling asleep to, while the haunting guitar riffs in  “The Whale Song”’ will have you mesmerized.

And after that, there’s not much on this album worth listening to.

Songs like “History Sticks To Your Feet”  and “I’ve Got it All” lack enough structure for my pop sensibilities, and “King Rat,” well, I just think it’s weird. Sorry.
 
For die-hard fans of Mouse, this EP probably feels like a treat, but if you’re looking for the catchy indie-pop that made it famous – don’t bother.