some critics believe that we were dead before the ship even sank is more mainstream than modest mouse's previous attempts.  i however, believe that even though this album was released by a major label, they were able to keep longtime fans happy because they retained their indie individuality.  in my opinion, modest mouse continues to show the world that they are one of the most original bands making music today.

modest mouse formed in washington state in 1993 and have since released six studio albums, each completely unique and unlike almost anything anyone else is doing.  in 2004, the band had their first two big hits in "float on" and "ocean breathes salty".  partly because of the success of those two songs, we were dead before the ship even sank debuted at number 1 on the billboard charts in march 2007.

click here to listen to a full 90 minute set recorded  at philadelphia's electric factory by wxpn.  if that's not enough, click here to watch a few more of modest mouse's videos.  in addition, click on the album cover image to sample a few songs or the band image to be redirected to their website.

if you like modest mouse's passionate, rousing take on indie, go see them live!  along with the national, they are currently supporting rem.  click here to find out when modest mouse is coming to your town. 

as always, please buy this album from your local independent music store and not from retailers like wal-mart (soulless, globally-homogenizing, community-killers) or i-tunes (albums should be listened to as an entire composition with album cover and liner notes in hand).  incidentally, these two companies sell more music than any other retailer in the united states.  that my friend, bites.