Modest Mouse
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
It was a long wait from Modest Mouse’s 2004 breakthrough hit Good News for People Who Love Bad News; but We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank released on March 20, 2007 on Sony marks the return of the band, as well as a new line up.
Modest Mouse’s beauty has always had a peculiar sort of ugliness. At the root of Isaac Brock’s catchy backbone is a vengeful bark with dark lyrics made darker by the fact that they’re usually so incisive and smart. It might have been difficult for the band to bounce back from their huge, upbeat hit single “Float On,” which was even covered by Kidz Bop, but We Were Dead gets brighter without ever feeling formulaic.
The unexpected new member for front-and-center chiming guitars is the legendary Smiths guitarist, Johnny Marr. Marr was originally called in to help Brock write songs but the two apparently got along well enough that Marr joined permanently. For those familiar with The Smiths, Marr’s influence will be obvious but to the rest of the world, it will still be just Isaac Brock and another incredible album.
With Brock and Marr together, the album was set into motion. Originally, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank was envisioned as a concept album about a boat crew that dies in every song, sadly, this is not the result. The first single off the album, “Dashboard” even features some horns and cinematic strings, and “Fire It Up” sounds like old-school Modest Mouse with a twist. Brock never seems shy about bouncing wherever he pleases. Another guest appearance on the album is James Mercer of The Shins for three tracks, the most prominent of which is the stunning “Florida.” We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank is far from a sinking ship for Modest Mouse.
Blender says, “Is there another "Float On"? It scarcely matters: 10 years into their career, Modest Mouse have stumbled into their best album yet.” The Guardian agrees, "The Modest Mouse frontman has the kind of overbearing personality that seems to bring out the best in Marr: their collaboration on the band's fifth album is thrilling.”
http://www.modestmouse.com/ - Official Website http://www.myspace.com/modestmouse/ - For tour dates, band information, etc. http://www.amazon.com – To purchase We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
