Strangers To Ourselves (studio album) by Modest Mouse

Certainly their least cohesive album in regards to stylistic flow, but this opens the door for a unique collage of styles. Lyrics are mostly much more straightforward than their previous work, which leads to songs such as Ground Walks, Pups to Dust and Sugar Boats standing out in this regard. Musically speaking, I consider We Were Dead to be their apex in musical mastery and that tightly bottled manic energy they do exceptionally well, aided by the presence of Johnny Marr. It is jarring to move from that record to this in a chronological listen, as compositions and the general soundscape here feature far less of that slick and complex punch. This doesn't prevent the album from still featuring catchy hooks and several memorable melodies, however.

This will stick out as a very unpopular opinion: Pistol is easily my favourite track. Not only does it stick out as completely new sonic territory for the band, especially in comparison with their 90's work, they do it in a manner that manages to be both amusing *and* genuinely groovy. I find it tragic that this track gets such a bad rap, as it takes risks that largely pay off. It's often argued that Pistol puts a wrench in the atmosphere of the record, but I'd argue the rest of the record puts a wrench in Pistol's atmosphere.

Shit In Your Cut stands out as the drabbest song Modest Mouse has ever recorded, with a rudimentary bass line and horrid lyrics/production choices. My mind spins wondering where in the creative process it was decided a good idea to make this the third song on the record when it's such an absolute slogging momentum killer after Lampshades On Fire.

Best tracks:

Pistol
The Best Room
The Ground Walks, With Time In a Box
Pups to Dust
Lampshades On Fire

Worst Tracks:
Shit In Your Cut
Be Brave

From craola 01/16/2019 21:19

This album has grown on me quite a bit since release date. It's a little uneven by Brock's standards, I s'pose, but when the highlights are some of his best work.

From RoundTheBend 07/03/2016 22:56

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The rating for this album seems a bit strange to me - I think its rank amongst the top albums of 2015 is overrated yet the average rating for the album is under rated - It is a fairly decent album overall with some great moments (ground walks) and some forgettable ones (pistol)

From HoldenM 07/23/2015 01:55

Not a disappointment. Not excedent of expectations. Solid, if not a bit overstuffed.

From junodog4 06/20/2015 21:13

Not cohesive at all... Certainly not an album moment like Moon & Antartica was. However, it's still has some absolute gems, and it's still got that Modest Mouse charm. It's an average MM album, which is still miles better than most.

The album reviews are very divided, but that doesn't matter it's just a great album!

Good album with a couple of great songs. I'm just happy to have a new Modest Mouse album.

Not a great Modest Mouse album, but there's some good songs in here. Most songs are just ok, though, they're enjoyable and fun to listen to, but just not very memorable at all. It's disappointing because MM can and has done better, but it's still my favorite album of the year so far

The Ground Walks and Lampshades on Fire are excellent songs nevertheless

Best songs: The Ground Walks, Lampshades on Fire, Pops to Dust, Strangers to Ourselves, The Best Room, Sugar Boats
Worst song: Pistol (gonna have to agree with everyone)

From makerofbuckets 03/29/2015 07:39

Look, Modest Mouse is my favorite band but I'm sadly not feeling this one. Not bad, just unmemorable like WWDBTSES. The production remains relatively flat, Of Course We Know could've been great if the massive bass drum was heavier and louder. The groovier moments (Best Room, Lampashades on Fire) are some of the better moments here but I sadly can't get being most of what's being done here.