The latest from Modest Mouse is a great piece of new-ish material that gives a good representation of the band and where they've come from. Starting off, they were merely an indie rock group who exemplified the term in every way: off-key tunings, obscure vocals/lyrics, mid-level production qualities, and general disregard for the norm. However, in 2004, they struck it big with their album Good News For People Who Love Bad News (and the hit "Float On"). After great record sales and a new fanbase, the boys of MM struck gold in recruiting indie-rock trendsetter Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Here on No One's First and You're Next the band embraces it's history from the opening track "Satellite Skin" (which sounds like early MM) through the concluding, pop-savvy (and highly polished (production-wise)) "I've Got It All (Most)." In between, there are Good News-era horns ("Perpetual Motion Machine"), Marr-inspired guitar pop ("History Sticks To Your Feet"), screeching guitar riffs, and trademark MM weirdness ("King Rat"). And at no times does it come off stale nor lacking in originality. As a band, Modest Mouse seems ever-evolving and with You're Next it only shows that creativity is seemingly endless for this group of seasoned indie vets.
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