My Latest Sound Obsession!

Modest Mouse. I "discovered" them via Johnny Marr's memoir, "Set the Boy Free." Marr's description of working with Modest Mouse was so inspiring. I had to buy the record: "We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank"(2007). Yeah. Maybe a little late to the party. But now this record is the life of my party!

Portland band meets with a Manchester, England-based guitar specialist and creative sparks fly. The essence of the record is a wildly cool and unexpected collaboration. This record surprises in so many ways. Songs take wild turns, there are odd detours. There is a great mix of beautiful, harmony-laced passages with wild flights and "shout-ey" & noise-filled sections. I must say I love it. I have been playing it obsessively. I had no idea.

Issac Brock lays on a mad, stream of consciousness, defrocked, holy man schtick, and it totally works. The music, the lyrics, the vibe. It's a total knockout.