20 Best Modest Mouse Songs

Any fan of rock music would agree that Modest Mouse is one of the most popular indie rock bands of the last decade. Since it was formed in the early 90s, the band has helped shape the sound of the Pacific Northwest indie rock scene.

Besides, Modest Mouse often use quirky, dissonant, and unstable rock elements in their music. With a career that spans nearly three decades, the band has seven studio albums and a plethora of hit songs to their name.

Whether or not you’re a fan of Modest Mouse, you’ll enjoy this cruise into their discography. In this article, we’ll round up the best Modest Mouse songs of all time for your listening pleasure.

Table of Contents show

Modest Mouse: A Brief History of the Band

Modest Mouse is an American rock band formed in Issaquah, Washington, in 1992. The band started with three members – Isaac Brock (lead singer/ guitarist), Jeremiah Green (Drummer), and Eric Judy (Bassist). Besides, Brock and Judy met at a local video store where the former worked as a teenager.

Later, they met Green at a concert and decided to form the band – Modest Mouse. The trio recorded their first music together in a shed next to Green’s trailer home. In 1994, Modest Mouse recorded its debut EP, Blue Cadet-3, Do You Connect?, at Calvin Johnson’s Dub Narcotic Studios.

Two years later, the band released their first album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About. Since then, the band has never stopped churning our hits to their fans around the world.

Overall, Modest Mouse has a discography of seven studio albums and many hit singles. In addition, the band has many sold-out shows and concerts to its name.

Here is our roundup of the best Modest Mouse songs of all time:

1. Float On

The first song on our list of the best Modest Mouse songs is a no-brainer. ‘Float On’ is perhaps the band’s most popular song to date. Modest Mouse has experienced some modest yet global success, and this song is a great example.

Since it was posted to YouTube in 2009, the music video has received around 100 million views. Even if your friends say they’ve never heard of Modest Mouse, we bet you that they’ve heard this song’s famous opening guitar riff!

2. Dashboard

Although Modest Mouse’s music tends to be chill, it is not necessarily slow.

Many of their songs have a more upbeat, high-energy vibe, and songs like ‘Dashboard’ would make you want to get up and dance a little.

The mix of the traditional indie hi-hats, unusual string orchestration, and lead guitar chords played with a palm mute results in a sound unique to 2007. Also, it maintains Modest Mouse’s originality that many other bands copy.

3. We Are Between

Due to their incredible creative styles, record artwork, and music videos, Modest Mouse often strikes as more than just a band. Over the years, the quality of the music videos has only increased, with ‘We Are Between’ being one of their best works.

The way the video unfolds is highly reminiscent of a movie, and the stunning photography perfectly captures the band’s creative ability. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Modest Mouse songs – proving that the group is still relevant in 2021!

4. The World At Large

‘The World at Large’ is the next song on our list of the best Modest Mouse songs. This song exemplifies one of the features everyone loves about the band – their knack for crafting catchy indie tunes without going overly fast or heavy.

In contrast to other indie bands, Modest Mouse has always kept things cool and sometimes gloomy, which has always helped them stand out. However, the wonderful wind instrument flourishes that appear periodically is the bomb in the song.

5. Dramamine

Although most of the Modest Mouse songs so far are upbeat, some of their music can be more sombre. One excellent example of this is ‘Dramamine’. The song is off the band’s debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About.

The band’s music can make you sad, peaceful, glad, and even nostalgic. Only Modest Mouse can produce such a peculiar concoction of feelings. Given its strength, this song easily qualifies as one of the best by Modest Mouse.

6. Cowboy Dan

Let’s revisit the late 1990s for a while – it was truly a golden era for Modest Mouse and the period during which they created their most unique music. The label “sad” doesn’t do this song justice – at times, it’s more eerie and edgy.

Additionally, songs like “Cowboy Dan” create a mood that is difficult to express. You’ll enjoy the muffled guitar sound, the sparse drumming, and the strangled vocals. From a rare band, a truly unique song!

Good Read;

7. Bukowski

Some people classify Modest Mouse’s music as belonging to the country and folk genres, and they might be right. Songs like ‘Bukowski’ use timbres and instrumentation to give the music the impression that it is from the American deep south

Banjos, brushed drums, double bass, everything! Modest Mouse’s music hasn’t always had this tone, but you’ll surely enjoy it when you listen to the song!

8. Spitting Venom

You already know that Modest Mouse is quite versatile. In addition to indie music, they’ve also dabbled in post-rock, country, and folk. They didn’t stop there! Many songs on their album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank are significantly more gritty, fuzzy, and heavy.

An excellent example is Spitting Venom, which is among the best ten Mouse Mouse songs. You’ll like the band’s melodic journey, mounting tension, and shifting energy. A powerful, grandiose song that stands out!

9. Edit the Sad Parts

The majority of Modest Mouse albums have been discussed thus far, but if you haven’t listened to their early EPs, can you truly call yourself a true fan? Modest Mouse’s 1996 EP Interstate 8 is a great way to learn about the band’s growth.

You can tell that the band is influenced by early screamo/emo and post-hardcore music just by listening to songs like ‘Edit the Sad Parts’. It may surprise you to learn that the voice, drumming, and progressive approach transports us back to those times.

10. Missed the Boat

‘Missed the Boat’ comes next on our list of the best Modest Mouse songs. Though this is one of their biggest hit, the official music video has only received less than a million views. That is outrageous!

The robotic tune, animated video, and ironic chorus combine to create an underrated gem. Seriously, this song should have been included on more TV and radio shows at the time. It’s an anthem for the 2000s!

11. Shit Luck

The hardest Modest Mouse song is ‘Shit Luck’ Here, the group dives headfirst into the realm of punk rock while maintaining their unique off-center lean (even for punk). Modest Mouse often infuses punk themes into their music, but this is one of their rare tracks that does so fully.

While appreciating this song for what it is, we may also be happy that the band avoided taking this route with more of their tracks.

There are many punk bands but only one Modest Mouse exists!

12. Heart Cooks Brain

Issac Brock captures the haze of sorrow and heartache, as well as the anxiety that results from it, in ‘Heart Cooks Brain’. He sings, “My brain’s the burger and my heart’s the coal,” which means that the suffering in his heart is frying his brain.

Though Brooks might be self-medicating, he’s trapped in some sort of self-created dystopia with no obvious way out. You might be able to relate to this song if you’ve ever experienced that. Deep!

13. Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine

‘Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine’ is the opening song of the band’s album The Lonesome Crowded West. This is one of the albums that gave rise to modern indie rock. Although this song is one of the album’s biggest jams, it is weaved by quieter melodic breaks.

In terms of what Modest Mouse tackles on The Lonesome Crowded West, this song is detailed. Over the years, it has established itself as one of their most iconic songs. It is a badass rock ‘n’ roll song with unique elements.

14. King Rat

You’ll undoubtedly notice that Modest Mouse loves cartoons if you’ve seen a few of their videos already. The lo-fi aspect of their production is expertly captured in a ton of their music videos with a highly unusual drawing style.

Besides, ‘King Rat’ is one of Modest Mouse’s best songs and music videos. The pirate-themed clip is stunning. Plus, the song’s accompanying soundtrack of trumpets, double basses, and marching drums creates an edgy atmosphere.

15. Bury Me With It

Take a listen to ‘Bury Me With It’ if you want to hear more of Modest Mouse’s distinct tone and dissonance. The song’s opening chord progression, accompanying lead guitar, and wailing vocals are wild!

Even if it works, it’s not surprising that the band didn’t gain more radio play with songs like this. But after you’ve had your fill of music, you just want to hear something fresh and vibrant, and Modest Mouse never fails to deliver.

16. Trailer Trash

Every element of the song ‘Trailer Trash’ contributes to its understated beauty. There isn’t a better garage rock song ever composed. With the song, Modest Mouse avoids their tendency to get overly complex or experimental.

The vocal delivery and lyrics of Isaac are possibly the best element of the presented emotive beat. Lyrically, it speaks of a terrible childhood with low self-esteem, a dysfunctional family, and a desire for better. Deep!

17. Custom Concern

There is a Modest Mouse song for every mood. ‘Custom Concern’ is perfect for when it’s the crack of dawn and you’re attempting to defrost your windows as you back out of your driveway to get the light on the corner.

Even though you don’t care if you’re late for work, your boss is starting to get annoyed.

Despite your too-hot coffee burning your tongue with each gulp, you continue to drive on the interstate despite feeling a little groggy. Without it, you might fall asleep behind the wheel. ‘Custom Concern’ is all about that!

18. 3rd Planet

The ethereal song ‘3rd Planet’ is another example of how Modest Mouse can enchant you and draw you into the album’s world. The lyrics explore nature, existence, and the self without giving concrete references to the outside world.

It resembles both the conclusion of the beginnings of something new or at the very least the beginning of a daydream that leads you straight back to the beginning. Prime listening can be found on Modest Mouse’s live album Baron Von Bullshit Rides Again from 2004.

**19. Talking Sh*t About a Pretty Sunset**

The buildup of songs is one thing that Modest Mouse excels at doing. They have many songs that begin quietly and distantly and build in intensity as they go. This is what ‘Talking Sh*t About A Pretty Sunset’ accomplishes, but it’s all done subtly.

The final two minutes of violin and jangly guitars are instrumental serenity, and they feel like one long exhalation. When you need to unwind and gain some perspective, this song is perfect.

20. Blame It On the Tetons

Closing out our list of the best Modest Mouse songs is ‘Blame it On the Tetons’. The production value of the Good News For People Who Love Bad News album was one factor that contributed to its success. For the most part, the entire album is clear and clean, something Modest Mouse has never really achieved before.

One of Modest Mouse’s most relaxed tunes, ‘Blame It On The Tetons’ is a perfect example of the album’s stunning sound. Even though the song appears to be quiet, listen to what happens you play it from quality speakers.

Where Is Modest Mouse from?

Modest Mouse is an American Indie rock band from Issaquah, Washington. The band was formed in 1992 and released its first EP in 1994.

How Many People Started Modest Mouse?

The rock band, Modest Mouse, started with three members namely — Isaac Brock, Jeremiah Green, and Eric Judy.

Why Was The Moon & Antarctica Album Delayed?

Isaac Brock had a broken jaw after being assaulted by a group of 14 kids when he was recording The Moon & Antarctica. This slowed down the recording process.

How Did Modest Mouse Get Their Name?

The band’s name was inspired by a Virginia Woolf book in which the poor were referred to as “modest, mouse-like people.”

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed listening to our roundup of the best Modest Mouse songs. Besides, these songs were handpicked from Modest Mouse’s amazing discography. If you want to expand your playlist, there are many great options on this compilation.

Which song is your favorite on the list? Did we miss out on any song that should make the list of the best Modest Mouse songs? Feel free to use the comments to express your ideas and advice!

20 Best Modest Mouse Songs

Modest Mouse: A Brief History of the Band