Put Em Up, Get Your Dukes Up

Friday, December 19, 2008

Modest Mouse

Today I treated myself to an early Hanukkah gift and got myself Modest Mouse's 2001 release Sad Sappy Sucker. I know, I know, it's an older CD, but it was a gap in my collection and it must be filled. Although I'm notorious for downloading music from the magic of the interwebs, I decided to shell out the 15 bucks and get the hard copy.

Now this CD was originaly intended to be Modest Mouse's debut, but was scrapped for whatever reasons (probably due to the fact that it's incredibly short and under developed). Recorded in their 1994-1995 sessions, it offers a glimpse into the very beginning of the band we know today. Off beat drums, poorly played guitars, and rusty vocals, it's been said to be a true fans CD. Needless to say, I had to have it.

Well, after listening to it, I have one thing to say: IT'S AMAZING.

Many may argue that the sheer fact that it's so poorly put together would be a turn off, but to me, it's the selling point. I've always been a fan of raw, unadulterated music. Randomness and the effects of alcohol come full swing in Modest Mouse's "forgotten" beginnings. Only 2 songs on the CD break 3 minutes, but neither of them go over 3:10. But the energy is spectacular. It's defiantly a CD that demands to be listened to and listened to intently.

Perhaps my favorite part of the 24 track masterpiece is the inclusion of 9 30 second songs recorded on Issac's answering machine. Though, extremely poor quality (well, what did you expect for an answering machine), it offers some insight to his thought process and development.

Overall, this is a CD that is a must have for any Modest Mouse fan, as well as fans of music in its purest form.