Some of the ‘90s best musical success stories originated around Seattle. Nirvana’s legend status was set in stone many years ago and Sleater-Kinney is unanimously recognized as the definitive feminist rock group. While those two groups’ success came with little surprise, few could have predicted Modest Mouse’s meteoric rise to success in the independent music world. 

If you listened to Modest Mouse’s earliest demos, you’d never expect platinum certifications and Billboard number 1s from the band; let alone a Kidz Bop version of its most famous song. The Issaquah, Washington-based rockers’ discography is just as unpredictable and strange as their road to success. 

Each of their albums brings a distinct sound and the band often mixes influences from many unrelated sub-styles of rock. There’s been a huge amount of recorded Modest Mouse material since its formation in 1993.  

I have carefully selected eight songs I think everyone should consider when they want to give the band a chance.

Tier I: Starting off

1. “The World at Large”

If you have already heard “Float On,”, then “The World at Large” should be your starting point among the 163 officially released

Modest Mouse songs. While it doesn’t have the grungy texture of the band’s ‘90s records or the big band sound the group adopted 

post 2004, it’s a great first glimpse of frontman Isaac Brock’s songwriting and lyricism.

2. “3rd Planet”

3. “Lampshades on Fire”

Brock and company ended a five-year drought with the release of the “Strangers to Ourselves” album in 2016. The first single 

from the album was “Lampshades on Fire,”, a radio-friendly jam that emphasizes the band’s fun side.

Tier II: Warming up

1. “Night on the Sun”

2. “Polar Opposites”

Built on a simple riff and complementary bassline, “Polar Opposites” is an example of the band’s unique ability to make indie garage fun and catchy. The track’s lyrics describe despair, but there’s an oddly witty and optimistic tone that overrides the 

existential themes. It’s a great mix weirdness and listen-ability from the band’s days as a three-piece.

3. “The Good Times Are Killing Me”

Despite displaying a goofy persona in interviews, Brock sporadically gives glimpses of the darker side of his personal life in his music. On “The Good Times Are Killing Me,”, Brock sings about his long-lasting struggle with substance abuse. The track’s movingly-personal lyrics are backed by luscious acoustic instrumentation from the band.

Tier III: Essential cuts

1. “Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine” “Teeth” is the quintessential Modest Mouse track. It’s a roller coaster, both stylistically and emotionally — frequently alternating between furious, peppy, and introspective sections. 

2.  “Truckers Atlas”

This 12-minute epic paints a gritty picture of truck routes and cross-country travel with pure, genuine and raw sonic energy. At 

times the track is thunderous but, most of it consist of slick and driving grooves.