Isaac Brock is one of those vocalists like David Byrne or Tom Waits that will go more for expression and drama than melody. I personally love that style much more than a particularly lovely sounding voice.
Can assure you that the lyrics and video are totally un-related. You'll find that a lot with MM music videos. The album/EP is themed around descent into a life of crime and recidivism and seems to follow a character story. This song is is the chapter of significant re-offending (burglary), as well as betrayal / ratting from other criminals and the protagonist seeming to be the butt of plea or immunity deals (he "went down like a rag doll, rage of a child"). The song is somewhat easier to understand if you have the lyrics as written in the CD Jacket, I have never found fully correct lyrics online.
Iirc this was on of Heath Ledgers last projects before he passed away. He ran a studio, i belueve in Australia, and they were making this music video when he passed.
This is a song that took me some time to enjoy. However, I constantly confused this song with "The Whale Song" (which is another one of my favorites by them) simply because this video had whales. You'd think you know. But this is a song that grows on you, you'll find yourself singing, humming, doing the random horns, and then you go back to listen. You'll be back to this song. Good pick, now I don't have to pick it! I have the brain cell
Musically this song took a while to grow on me also. I find the intro really draws me in now, something to do with how the rhythm splutters into existence through the strings and the bass-drum.
Ok, whoa. 1) I did not know Heath Ledger directed this. I’ve seen it before but I guess I didn’t pay attention to the credits. That’s awesome. And 2) I never made the wordplay connection that Chuck did at the beginning about “King Rat” and “Modest Mouse”. I wonder if that was intentional or if they were just going for that “king of the underworld” vibe. I think the lyrics are about living a life where you get by on petty crimes, maybe gang related? Because he says “we” a lot. Or maybe it’s a dramatic spin on life as a touring, signed band. They touch on that subject a lot. I enjoyed how difficult this was to rate lol. I do think it’ll grow on you over time in casual listening.
The song was a little off-kilter but it had a cello and horns. Plus what a fucking video they were making people sticks instead of fish sticks, and then you're right it just ended up being like seal kibble or something
I love how crazy this song is, its absolutely filled with emotion. isaac brock isn't particularly good singer but personally i love when he yell-sings.
Modest Mouse will always be my favorite band.
Isaac Brock is one of those vocalists like David Byrne or Tom Waits that will go more for expression and drama than melody. I personally love that style much more than a particularly lovely sounding voice.
Chuckles hears horns but doesn’t know how to feel about it 🤣
Can assure you that the lyrics and video are totally un-related. You'll find that a lot with MM music videos. The album/EP is themed around descent into a life of crime and recidivism and seems to follow a character story. This song is is the chapter of significant re-offending (burglary), as well as betrayal / ratting from other criminals and the protagonist seeming to be the butt of plea or immunity deals (he "went down like a rag doll, rage of a child"). The song is somewhat easier to understand if you have the lyrics as written in the CD Jacket, I have never found fully correct lyrics online.
Iirc this was on of Heath Ledgers last projects before he passed away. He ran a studio, i belueve in Australia, and they were making this music video when he passed.
Holy shit. I never noticed the connection between the title "King Rat" and "Modest Mouse" before. lol
Modest Mouse is my favorite band 🤣
This is a song that took me some time to enjoy. However, I constantly confused this song with "The Whale Song" (which is another one of my favorites by them) simply because this video had whales.
You'd think you know.
But this is a song that grows on you, you'll find yourself singing, humming, doing the random horns, and then you go back to listen.
You'll be back to this song.
Good pick, now I don't have to pick it!
I have the brain cell
Musically this song took a while to grow on me also. I find the intro really draws me in now, something to do with how the rhythm splutters into existence through the strings and the bass-drum.
Heath ledger directed this and I believe did the art. One of my favorite songs on this album!
Ok, whoa. 1) I did not know Heath Ledger directed this. I’ve seen it before but I guess I didn’t pay attention to the credits. That’s awesome. And 2) I never made the wordplay connection that Chuck did at the beginning about “King Rat” and “Modest Mouse”. I wonder if that was intentional or if they were just going for that “king of the underworld” vibe.
I think the lyrics are about living a life where you get by on petty crimes, maybe gang related? Because he says “we” a lot. Or maybe it’s a dramatic spin on life as a touring, signed band. They touch on that subject a lot.
I enjoyed how difficult this was to rate lol. I do think it’ll grow on you over time in casual listening.
The song was a little off-kilter but it had a cello and horns. Plus what a fucking video they were making people sticks instead of fish sticks, and then you're right it just ended up being like seal kibble or something
I love how crazy this song is, its absolutely filled with emotion. isaac brock isn't particularly good singer but personally i love when he yell-sings.
Please more frands