Hippo Chick's Grooves: Good News for People Who Love Bad News by Modest Mouse


Hello, fellow music lovers! It's your favorite hippo with a penchant for all things musical, Chickeze 'Chick' Fatimata, here to dive into another fantastic album with an animalistic twist. This week, we’re taking a closer look at Modest Mouse’s 2004 masterpiece, Good News for People Who Love Bad News.

Modest Mouse? Are they modest? Are they mouses? Well, modesty is debatable, and they’re definitely not mice, but their music? Oh, it's a delightful labyrinth of sound.

Track by Track Breakdown:

  1. "The World at Large" - Ever felt like wandering aimlessly, contemplating life’s big questions? This track is your spirit guide. Its dreamy, almost hypnotic melody makes you feel like you’re floating down a lazy river (not recommended for hippos prone to tight spaces).

  2. "Float On" - The anthem for anyone having a rough day. Isaac Brock’s vocals remind us that no matter how bad things get, we’ll all float on alright. Trust me, as a hippo who once got stuck in a kiddie pool, I can confirm that floating on is indeed a valuable skill.

  3. "Ocean Breathes Salty" - A poetic dive into the complexities of life and death. The rhythm here mimics the ebb and flow of the ocean, perfect for those introspective moments. Just don’t get too lost in thought, or you might miss your stop on the subway.

  4. "Bukowski" - Named after the infamous poet, this track is a philosophical musing wrapped in catchy beats. It’s like pondering the meaning of life while sipping on a hipster latte. Profound yet accessible.

  5. "The Good Times Are Killing Me" - A bittersweet reminder that sometimes, the best of times come with a price. It's the perfect tune for those late-night reflections after a day of tightrope-walking practice. (Yes, I’m still working on that!)

Hippo Highlights:

  • Instrumentation: The album is a treasure trove of eclectic sounds. From the bouncy bass lines to the intricate guitar work, it’s a playground for the ears. And let’s not forget the occasional banjo and horns – a nod to the band’s versatility.

  • Lyrics: Isaac Brock’s lyrics are a delightful blend of wit, melancholy, and raw honesty. They’re like a good book – you catch something new with every listen.

  • Overall Vibe: There’s a beautiful juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with deeper, sometimes darker themes. It’s like finding a rainbow in the middle of a thunderstorm.

Hippo Verdict:

Good News for People Who Love Bad News is an album that stands the test of time. It’s quirky, it’s deep, and it’s undeniably Modest Mouse. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, this album is a must-listen.

Until next time, keep the music playing and never stop dreaming.

To listen on Spotify click here
To buy your own copy (and support this blog) on Vinyl click here CD click here

Do you love an animal-themed band or album that you think I should review? Email me your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author



Hailing from Cincinnati with Kenyan roots, Chick is our music maestro. Every Tuesday, Hippo Chick's Grooves delivers reviews of artists and albums with animal names. Chick also has a knack for playing various instruments and harbors a dream of tightrope walking.

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