well WWD is mad consistent outside of like, two songs, has a kind-of concept and Johnny Marr to hold it together. despite clocking in over an hour I find that album super easy to listen to STO, for as many good points as it has, is about as inconsistent as you could possibly manage. just haphazardly jumps around in tone, style and pace with no rhyme or reason. I think as a 10-track little album it could have been really really strong, but in present form it's a (sometimes lovable) mess
STO has some fantastic cuts though(Ansel, Shit In Your Cut, The Ground Walks, Be Brave, God Is an..etc.). I even like Pistol
"Ansel" is one of my least favourite Modest Mouse cuts, nothing remotely memorable there I love "Ground Walks", "Coyotes", "The Best Room" and the title track too. "Strangers to Ourselves" is one of their most underrated, beautiful moments
STO definitely isn’t as cohesive but there are still songs in a similar vein as WWD. I get preferring WWD but that being your favorite and not liking STO is what’s weird to me.
I don’t love STO though I’ve certainly tried time and time again. I admit its a tough listen- longwinded, tonally all-over-the-place, and Isaac’s vocals and lyrics are the worst they’ve been in a long time. I do like a few songs, mostly the guitar-heavy ones, but it feels like an album made by a band going through an identity crisis (the album title fits in that sense)
Saw it for myself back in October. Can confirm that this is an accurate description of their performance. I was pretty bummed out by it as I was more excited to see them than the Black Keys.
yea, I forgot that song existed until just now. The version of STO that i listen to is trimmed down to remove tracks I disliked.
WWD isn't my favourite (tho it's top 3) and I definitely don't dislike STO, it just frustrates me a lot. the lowest this band has ever got me from a full-length is a 6/10, though if they're about to come out with an album of "Ice Cream Party"-level stuff.... I think they're gonna break that streak :/
I also like WWD and don’t care for STO *shrug* Def wouldn’t say WWD is my favorite though. Lonesome and Moon forever.
Thought it was such an odd pairing. I feel like MM has such a niched audience of dedicated fans and everyone else who sees them just wants to hear Float On
lonesome is the opus and its not even close. also, 100% here for 6 + minute mm songs. i love it. hope they expand on this
STO songs that REALLY hold up well for me: Lampshades, Shit, Ansel, Ground Walks, Coyotes, Sugar Boats (an all-timer for me), God is an Indian, The Best Room. That's still - what I'd consider - eight very good songs. I'll take that from any band 20 years into their career. The rest of the songs are low to mid-tier MM.