Customer Reviews

Pickin' on Modest Mouse

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Unlike some of the other reviewers, I am a fan of Modest Mouse. A big fan. And unlike some of the other M&M fans, I'm also a huge fan of this album. It's true, it doesn't sound much like a Modest Mouse album, but what would be the point of making it if it did? If you listen to this cd expecting exact knock-offs of the original songs, you'll be sadly disappointed. (Did you notice the word "BLUEGRASS" before the word "tribute"?) However, if you expect to hear a new and creative twist on some damn good songs from Modest Mouse, you're in for a treat. Iron Horse does a wonderful job of translating that existential guitar angst into a wonderful bluegrass beat. Be open to new things; buy this cd.

If you like bluegrass, you may like this album, whether or not you are a MM fan. If you like MM but not bluegrass, I don't care how long you've been a fan; you are NOT going to like this album.

Here's a tip: don't buy a bluegrass album if you don't like bluegrass.

Dishing out some elitist bull about how "you'll probably like it if you're a new listener because you suck anyway, and if you're a true MM fan then you'll hate it" is about as annoying as having a pap smear.

I enjoyed the album, but I give it 3 stars because there wasn't much variation from song to song as far as the tempo and tone was concerned. Bluegrass doesn't have to be that way, and Iron Horse fell short in this regard. But, it was refreshing and it cracked me up the first time I heard it. Add it to your collection, if you're a collector nerd. I did, and I don't regret it.

But if you want to listen to Modest Mouse, then buy a Modest Mouse album. Any real fan that knows anything about MM knows that nothing will compare. If you bought this album thinking that it could compare, then you set yourself up for disappointment.

We regularly rock out hick style in the kitchen with the kids and this album, and you know, it's SO MUCH FUN.

It's really upbeat, fun to sing along to, and while you might read some bad reviews from others... it's bluegrass folks! Meaning plunky backwoods music from the Blue Mountains-type music. So, if you don't like it, don't buy it.

We LOVE this album and I HIGHLY reccomend it.

I really have to laugh at the MM "fans" panning this album. I've been a huge fan of the band for over a decade, and I have even been called a music "elitist." But I still loved this Pickin'On title. Really made me appreciate MM's lyrics even more, and the SLIGHT censoring didn't bother me at all. Almost gave it a 4 due to liner mistakes and such, but decided to rate the music alone. I suggest this album to any REAL MM fan.

Modest Mouse's lyrics just lend themselves to this style of music. I have been a huge fan of Modest Mouse for a long time, and let me tell you, there are a few of these versions that I actually love more than the original, especially "Gravity Rides Everything" and "Polar Opposites".

If you are a Modest Mouse fan, then at least check this album out. If you don't dig the style, okay, I understand, but it is just so catchy and fun. I love it.

I don't fit the qualifications below. I like all kinds of music, but what I like does not include Modest Mouse. Sorry folks, I'm just not into it. Every time one of their songs starts to rock, then the guy has to start singing. I can't stand the sound of his voice. That said, I am plenty familiar with their songs, having been submitted to their entire catalog throughout my years attending art school, plus years after I've unfortunately chosen friends who think they are a really great band.

A friend of mine turned me onto this and I was completely blown away. This is an incredible album. At first, hearing 'Float On' and 'Trailer Trash' I was laughing, but this is no joke. My favorite ones are 'Interstate 8' and '3rd Planet'. They and other songs have this wistful, sad effect, enough to literally make you cry, -- so be assured the original "emo" tag is not lost here. I mean they don't just make these songs sound like bluegrass, -- they really tear them up and play hard. I'm really in love with this album and intend to check out others in the 'Pickin'' series. And for fans of Modest Mouse, let me say I have gained a new appreciation for their songwriting, if not their sound.

This album is amazing!!! I am a banjo player and a HUGE Modest Mouse fan. If you don't like this, you don't know anything about music!!! Bluegrass music is not "hick" music, in fact it is the only true "American" music genre. Like the amazingly diverse people of the US of A, the banjo is form Africa, the guitar is from Spain as well as the Mandolin (modified of course)...and well the Bass... Seriously, someone said they cracked up when they heard this???!!?!??! Obviously not musicians... Quite a few of these songs are actually better Bluegrass style! I have practically worn a hole in several of these CD's :D If you are a bluegrass musician you will like this!

Long time Modest Mouse fan, first time reviewer. I have over 14 years of Modest Mouse experience and only a few years of bluegrass experience via the Avett Brothers. This album is amazing as it is an excellent mix of the two. Having the familiarity of the Modest Mouse lyrics pumping thru the bluegrass heart is a great experience. That the two styles fit seamlessly together is a testament to the abilities of Iron Horse. I'm glad I found this album.

If you aren't sure that you want to buy it, then check it out on Spotify or Pandora first.

I'm a big MM fan, and casually appreciate bluegrass & the like (e.g. O' Brother Where Art Thou).
This album is Great. I'm impressed but not surprised at how well the lyrics and music translate to bluegrass. Brock does play a banjo after all.

The bluegrass sound does add an uplifting twist. Kind of opposite the effect A Perfect Circle had on Lennon's "Imagine".

The only negative would be, as previously mentioned, a lot of the songs have a similar too-fast tempo, with a few exceptions (Satin in a Coffin, Trailer Trash, intro to Dramamine).

This CD is different from the others in the "Pickin' On" series because it includes vocals. The lyrics are easy to understand; the bluegrass picking is a fun alternative.

I love the music of Modest Mouse and enjoy this CD when I'm looking for a lift. Don't buy it if you don't appreciate bluegrass music.