I’ve heard from Smiths fans (though I’m not one) that Johnny Marr is the reason the Smiths broke up. Normally I’d congratulate the fucker but he didn’t properly stop Morrissey from singing his pretentious, Kermit-voiced, songs so that’s strike one. Then he joined Modest Mouse and well We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank was the worst Modest Mouse record yet so that’s strike two. Then I saw them live and he looks like a total douche bag and so in my shallowness I give him a third strike. You’re Out Marr. You’re Out!
The reason I bring up Mr. Marr is because the new EP by Modest Mouse contains a ton of shitty tracks that he plays his worthless guitar on. The EP is made up of b-sides and unreleased stuff from the last two records only one of which is any good (e.g. Good News). Sadly, it contains two tracks that had been released years ago so even though the EP doesn’t creep out until August with the release of this month’s 7” Perpetual Motion Machine we’ve heard everything there is to be. There’s no Other People’s Lives or Life of Arctic sounds here just a bunch of throwaways from two mediocre albums.
I dig Satellite Skin but like Isaac’s songs these days the irony and juxtaposition of his lyrics are overly apparent and it almost seems like he’s not even trying anymore. The music itself is interesting enough though to be put on my iPod though. Guilty Cocker Spaniels is junk along with Autumn Beds and Perpetual Motion Machine. History Sticks to Your Feet is alright while the Whale Song is the best of the new stuff. I’ve Got It All (Most) is good because it sounds straight off Good News but the gem of the entire EP is King Rat.
King Rat could have been the best song on the last album but instead was relegated to b-side status till now. It is dirty, brilliant, mean, and tells the wonderful tale of a lowdown scoundrel who prefers the county jail cause they’re free. Isaac wails, the banjo tinkles, and the horns blast. It holds my love of Modest Mouse together during these rough, Marr(ed) years.
4.5/8
-Rubles
And as always go buy some of their stuff so they can afford cars, models, and children.
Tags: ep, modest mouse
2009/10/13 at 8:12 am |
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