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Modest Mouse — Float On
Album: Good News For People Who Love Bad News
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1173









Released: 2004
Length: 3:27
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I backed my car into a cop car the other day
Well, he just drove off, sometimes life's okay
I ran my mouth off a bit too much, oh, what did I say?
Well, you just laughed it off, it was all okay

And we'll all float on okay
And we'll all float on okay
And we'll all float on okay
And we'll all float on anyway

Well, a fake Jamaican took every last dime with that scam
It was worth it just to learn some sleight of hand
Bad news comes don't you worry, even when it lands
Good news will work its way to all them plans

We both got fired on exactly the same day
Well, we'll float on, good news is on the way

(Good news, good news, good news, good news, good news, good news
Good news, good news, good news, good news, I can't tell)

And we'll all float on okay
And we'll all float on okay
And we'll all float on okay
And we'll all float on alright

Already, we'll all float on
No, don't you worry, we'll all float on alright
Already, we'll all float on alright
Don't worry, we'll all float on alright

Alirght, already, and we'll all float on alright
Already, we'll all float on alright
Don't worry, even if things end up a bit
Too heavy we'll all float on alright
Already, we'll all float on alright
Already, we'll all float on okay
Don't worry, we'll all float on
Even if things get heavy, we'll all float on alright
Already, we'll all float on alright
Don't you worry, we'll all float on alright
We'll all float on
Comments (210)add comment
Where else have I heard that riff?
Studenty shouty earache material 
 yellowfly wrote:
stop annoying us, please
 

Please don't speak on behalf of others. I enjoy this very much 
This one always hooked me -an interesting melody and energy that juxtaposes perfectly with the lyrics.
Another RamFish favorite to play on Rockband. And oddly enough, my stepdaughter and I once quit jobs on the exact same day (unknowingly) so that always makes me laugh when I hear this.
7+2 for those memories = 9. Long Live RP, and the PNW!!
A bit like Ansel or The Ground Walks but that would be the Modest Mouse. Oh and hey, why hasn't either of these great songs been played on RP?
still loving this one, sometimes you need to just need to crank it loud and float on anyways
Wow. This one's Ten years old already. Still a favorite!
 leathepea wrote:

Couldn't have said it better myself. Long live Mouse!

 
Ditto!  Crank it!  {#Motor}
Well, I do like this thread. {#Ask}
Cover art:  Yes—I'm all for shooting arrows at hummingbirds! I used to have a house in a rural area. We put up a hummingbird feeder to theoretically enjoy their peaceful and serene presence. Fail! They started showing up like flies, and they're horrible, rude, bloodthirsty beasts! They had a complete inability to share the FOUR feeding stations on the feeder. They would come launching at each other, full speed, screaming, with pointed beaks brandished, ready to impale whoever was using the feeder in order to take over. It would stress me out watching this continual jousting and carnage. We finally took the feeder down. Awful little creatures...
LOVE these guys!  I can see why some people hate them though - a different sound than the norm.  I'm not a big fan of the norm.
 Chinju wrote:
Interesting transition from Yo La Tengo - Periodically Double or Triple. A bit more flashy than smooth, per se, but still great.
 

I came here just to say that was a great transition {#Dancingbanana_2}
RAD... I love to hear good MM on RP!
Interesting transition from Yo La Tengo - Periodically Double or Triple. A bit more flashy than smooth, per se, but still great.
When I first heard this song I thought it was total crap.  Now, quite likeable... 

 
Byronape wrote:
When I first heard this song, I thought "hey, this isn't too bad."

Now, a year and billions of plays on the radio later...  "Loathe.  This.  Song."
 


When I first heard this song, I thought "hey, this isn't too bad."

Now, a year and billions of plays on the radio later...  "Loathe.  This.  Song."
{#Puke}{#Puke}{#Puke}{#Puke}{#Puke}

'nuff said
 monkeywonders wrote:

I picture a bunch of drunk guys in a piano bar slobbering all over the microphone.

 

I admire your restraint.
 akmegan wrote:

This is the album that got me started on Modest Mouse. It served its purpose well, the smooth shiny studio polish was accessible to someone new to their sound. It made me curious & I delved into older stuff. I didn't understand it at first. It was so...strange. I came to really enjoy it because of that. I liked the way it made me stretch my musical palette. Ever since Modest Mouse has always represented change & growth for me.

 
Couldn't have said it better myself. Long live Mouse!

 SpaceCase wrote:
Play Bukowski!!!
 
What SpaceCase said.

 
 DebateG wrote:
Modest Mouse's older stuff was even weirder and more discordant. It just sounds like a bunch of drunk guys playing randomly in a bar. My friend from Seattle (who has been following them for a long time) says that's because they were, in fact, just a bunch of drunk guys playing randomly in a bar.
 
I picture a bunch of drunk guys in a piano bar slobbering all over the microphone.

Hmmmm... it may be another morning where I have to crank up the MP3 player in lieu of listening to RP....

 akmegan wrote:

This is the album that got me started on Modest Mouse. It served its purpose well, the smooth shiny studio polish was accessible to someone new to their sound. It made me curious & I delved into older stuff. I didn't understand it at first. It was so...strange. I came to really enjoy it because of that. I liked the way it made me stretch my musical palette. Ever since Modest Mouse has always represented change & growth for me.

 
{#High-five}  completely agree

 Excelsior wrote:
These guys are seriously overrated.
 
you have 1357 songs rated 1


This is the album that got me started on Modest Mouse. It served its purpose well, the smooth shiny studio polish was accessible to someone new to their sound. It made me curious & I delved into older stuff. I didn't understand it at first. It was so...strange. I came to really enjoy it because of that. I liked the way it made me stretch my musical palette. Ever since Modest Mouse has always represented change & growth for me.

2  ~> 1

 More_Cowbell wrote:
Another One Hit Wonder.
 
not.

Mouse Rules!!!!!!!!!!
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}
I like this song a lot more now that I always think of Weird Al's polka version.
Great song! I thought their lastest album "We were Dead before the Ship even sank" was great too.
Jelani wrote:
crap. Modest Mouse Turd.
Handy RP Tip #23 for new listeners: If Jelani doesn't like it--it's probably good!
These guys are seriously overrated.
coupla good tracks and a helluva lotta noise from these little rodents
audiolizard wrote:
I have one of Modest Mouse's earlier albums, and it's pretty terrible like any high school garage band. However, I think they've really hit their stride now. I really like this song and Dashboard.
I had the same initial reaction to their early stuff, thought it sounded noisey, but I listened to The Lonesome Crowded West album on a long road trip and now I prefer it to their new stuff.
audiolizard wrote:
I have one of Modest Mouse's earlier albums, and it's pretty terrible like any high school garage band. However, I think they've really hit their stride now. I really like this song and Dashboard.
I agree that they've evolved....in terms of his vocal transitions. They still have amazing guitar talent and off-kilter syncopation which drew me to them in the first place. I love all of their albums, and the live shows are not to be missed!
crap. Modest Mouse Turd.
I have one of Modest Mouse's earlier albums, and it's pretty terrible like any high school garage band. However, I think they've really hit their stride now. I really like this song and Dashboard.
Talking Heads?
meydele wrote:
That's why I gave it a 2.
Same here! Blech.
When I saw these guys on Austin City Limits, the lead singer seemed a bit creepy, with a "I really don't want to see what he has in his basement" vibe to him... Sorry. Like the song tho...
kapetto wrote:
So, yeah, they get a 6 for being surprisingly good considering they suck.
That's why I gave it a 2.
Hella cool!
Muted.
good stuff.
There's nothing special about this song, which is why I like it. Even those with limited musical training quickly resort to technical pretension to justify their dislike of a given band or song (as if they NEED to justify it somehow). As far as I can figure, this is just an effort to impose their will on everyone else (a God-complex we're all guilty of). That is to say, they hope to scientifically prove that YOU don't really like the song either. I tolerate them because a whole gaggle of drunks can sing along (what most of us want to be doing/do when we're sober) and sound as good or better than the band. They inspire me to say, "I could DO this, let's go start a band!" So, yeah, they get a 6 for being surprisingly good considering they suck.
I can't seem to get on board with this band but I have to admit the more I hear this song I kinda like it.
SpaceCase wrote:
Play Bukowski!!!
Absolutley! I saw them live and they broke out the banjo and cello in concert.
stop annoying us, please
Quality! I love Modest Mouse.
More_Cowbell wrote:
Another One Hit Wonder.
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, this is there first big hit, but this band has been around since the early 90s and still producing great music.
Modest Mouse's older stuff was even weirder and more discordant. It just sounds like a bunch of drunk guys playing randomly in a bar. My friend from Seattle (who has been following them for a long time) says that's because they were, in fact, just a bunch of drunk guys playing randomly in a bar.
Shesdifferent wrote:
I hate this music
Im really surpised by that.
Play Bukowski!!!
Another One Hit Wonder.
Marr wrote:
Child of Franz Ferdinand and Dexy's Midnight Runners?
Yes! LOL! EDIT: That guitar riff is lifted straight from Come on Eileen! Hm...hoisted by your own guitar?
fuh2 wrote:

Youre just afraid of it. Fear breeds hate. What happened in your childhood?


I heard some really, really bad music when I was young, and I became afraid of hearing bad music again.  Totally irrational, I know. But my seemingly irrational fears were eventually justified with the arrival of Modest Mouse.

WHAT?! johnny marr is with modest mouse now? sounds too good to be true... sutcliff wrote:
With the addition of Johnny Marr, they should have some more good stuff soon.
With the addition of Johnny Marr, they should have some more good stuff soon.
bug music
Don't Worry, Be Happy for the 2K's.
If I keep on listening to RP, eventually I'll know the titles to every song played at Dance Cave in Toronto.
Ick.
Does anyone else hear the similarities to Lindsay Buckingham?
Shesdifferent wrote:
Its just really awful music.
I'm just making a guess here, but perhaps you were attacked by a mouse or mice when you were young?
fuh2 wrote:
Youre just afraid of it. Fear breeds hate. What happened in your childhood?
Its just really awful music.
Shesdifferent wrote:
I hate this music
Youre just afraid of it. Fear breeds hate. What happened in your childhood?
Sorry! I dont hear nothing...
I hate this music
when I first heard this song franz ferdinand moved their first steps with take me out.... surely franzs got most popular fortune than mouse but I don't think thy're better
Rover, evidently vocal range is not a requirement for you. You gave Johnny Cash a "10" - and he wasn't a stellar guitar player either. Roverfish wrote:
I don't need operatic arias to judge vocal depth and talent, but a little range is required. This guy (MM) can't even cover 8 notes. Were he growling/yelling/ranting, it might even be acceptable. But he seems to be singing, or at least doing his impersonation of it. Therein lies my problem. Combine inferior singing with inferior instrumentation, and what's left? Certainly none of the artists you mentioned. Solid 3, if that.
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
I've never bothered to seek out the original version of this song; is it any good?
ah, i don't think this is a cover tune...
Child of Franz Ferdinand and Dexy's Midnight Runners?
This whole album is amazing!!! However, the first three albums were just a little better! It is one of those things that a concert is better when only a few people are singing along with the band!
this does not move me I hope it ends soon
kind like the cover art, that's all that keeps it out of the gutter for me. they "performed" this on SNL and it was HORRIBLE painful when done live.
i think it's boring.
I love it. Gotta hear more.
Roverfish wrote:
I don't need operatic arias to judge vocal depth and talent, but a little range is required. This guy (MM) can't even cover 8 notes. Were he growling/yelling/ranting, it might even be acceptable. But he seems to be singing, or at least doing his impersonation of it. Therein lies my problem. Combine inferior singing with inferior instrumentation, and what's left? Certainly none of the artists you mentioned. Solid 3, if that.
Geez, Wonder what your thoughts are on Mr. Lou Reed, truly one of Rock and Rolls pioneers who also cannot sing too well!
this song sucks my friend!!!!
ThePoose wrote:
The Mouse has been listening to David Byrne and his Heads.
Or the Arcade Fire...
I know -- you couldn't go five minutes without hearing this last year..still love it though. "We both got fired on exactly the same day..."
The Mouse has been listening to David Byrne and his Heads.
Saw them on SNL: they absolutely sucked.
This cd kept me cruisin on the lakefront all last summer!
The_Waker wrote:
Isn't it amazing how a song in the right moment in time can lift you up?
That's it. Circumstances can make all the difference.
kazuma wrote:
I know this song has its haters, and I can understand that, but it has a special place in my memory. I first saw the video (and heard the song) the morning after emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix and believe me, this was a much-needed uplift for me when I heard it.
Isn't it amazing how a song in the right moment in time can lift you up?
kaosmonkey wrote:
Interpol and Franz Ferdinand wouldn't be doing their shit if Modest Mouse hadn't pointed the way.
Another reason to hate MM, at least in the case of FF.
you know i really liked this song, the first 48 billion times i heard it.
introducting... mr and mrs...!!!! (this song was playing as we walked in)..perfect!
I know this song has its haters, and I can understand that, but it has a special place in my memory. I first saw the video (and heard the song) the morning after emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix and believe me, this was a much-needed uplift for me when I heard it.
I've never bothered to seek out the original version of this song; is it any good?
Exactly , a terrific band to see in a small club over a couple Warsteiner's(insert drink of choice). I would prefer they stayed on the small stage. Pretty short resume for international stardom. People do tend to get real excited over the nothwest, indie label, hailing from a small town thing. Then they get a major label record deal and that small town thing goes away real fast. All those once endearing little quirks and flaws get slaughtered in the big spotlight. Remember Built to Spill ? I picked up one of their big label discs and the sticker on it had comparisons to Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young - Huh ? Who could ever live up to that ? Jerry_Scott wrote:
Overplayed originally, but it still gets me tapping. Sounds like a great pub song. In fact, it sounds like it was recorded in a pub, that's odd.
I love Modest Mouse ...especially their earlier stuff. I wonder though when the music industry will decide that we shouldn't think this kinda stuff is cool anymore. What is played on your radio, reviewed in Paste Magazine, and even played here on RP is definitely still subject to the whimsy of a handful of assholes deep inside the music industry. I'm jaded, sorry.
Trustocity wrote:
Please tell me we're discussing: Leonard Cohen Bob Dylan Patti Smith CCR Jerry Garcia Dave Matthews Janis Joplin REM Smashing Pumpkins Every punk band ever No? Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were being dismissive of artists based solely on their inability to belt it like Bocelli. I mean, I can totally get how there's absolutely no redeeming value to the music if the singer growls/yells/rants.
I don't need operatic arias to judge vocal depth and talent, but a little range is required. This guy (MM) can't even cover 8 notes. Were he growling/yelling/ranting, it might even be acceptable. But he seems to be singing, or at least doing his impersonation of it. Therein lies my problem. Combine inferior singing with inferior instrumentation, and what's left? Certainly none of the artists you mentioned. Solid 3, if that.
Trustocity wrote:
Every punk band ever
Too, too funny. And I'm a punk fan for the most part.
Roverfish wrote:
Apparently, they can't vocalize too well in the studio either. No thanks.
Please tell me we're discussing: Leonard Cohen Bob Dylan Patti Smith CCR Jerry Garcia Dave Matthews Janis Joplin REM Smashing Pumpkins Every punk band ever No? Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were being dismissive of artists based solely on their inability to belt it like Bocelli. I mean, I can totally get how there's absolutely no redeeming value to the music if the singer growls/yells/rants.
Seems like Modest Mouse went from being way underrated to being just right rated and then...trashed for being recognized at all. I think it's that phantom sell-out factor. Anway...I like this one.
Overplayed originally, but it still gets me tapping. Sounds like a great pub song. In fact, it sounds like it was recorded in a pub, that's odd.
Baby_M wrote:
Not all that hidden. The repetitive guitar and the narrow vocal range are two reasons why I don't like this one.
I like the unique vocals the more I listen to it the more they grow on me.
This song have helped me a lot when I have been depressed. I get so happy when I hear it...
jasonv wrote:
. . . The production hides the repetition of the high guitar in this song and the limited range of the singer's voice. . . .
Not all that hidden. The repetitive guitar and the narrow vocal range are two reasons why I don't like this one.
I don't know - I just like this song!
ah yes, our entrance song at the reception arrival :D:D
Mangoman wrote:
Look back at your excerpts. Would this writer have been published anywhere else but in the popular music world?
Seems like you ask a lot from your rock & roll. I've heard many attempts to set great poetry to music, and much of it blows. They're seperate art forms because people have different expectations for each. Listen to the lyrics in the context of the song. If you like it, it's good. It doesn't have to follow any rules. If you want to read it to an English graduate seminar, bonus! But a good song is good enough for me.
Lazy8 wrote:
...means it's not trite, at least. Again, it's art. If you don't like it my feelings are intact.
But it can be trite-- The unexpected aspect can be forced, or faked, with the knowledge that this will be enough to convince some people it's art. Throughout history, many have hidden their lack of talent behind this ruse. Merely printing quote excerpts doesn't make them good. I've never understood why some try to elevate popular music lyrics to the same level as creative writing-- Yet, at the same time, we don't seem to truly evaluate or critique them as we would either poetry or prose. Granted, there are a select few in popular music whose talent with the pen is undeniable. But often fans assume that, simply because the words relate to something in their own lives, it's worthy of praise. This notion has now approached the ridiculous -- Throw a few words together about how much you like women's body parts, the stuff you can buy, all the money you have, and that people have fired bullets into you, and we call it "street poetry." Look back at your excerpts. Would this writer have been published anywhere else but in the popular music world?
Mangoman wrote:
Okay, but beyond labeling his lyrics "twisted" and "intricate," give me an example of such-- Just because someone sings/writes something unexpected, isn't enough in itself to make it interesting-- This might make a lot more sense to you if you ever get the chance to meet Issac Brock.
I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brock; I only know him through what comes through my speakers. I will as soon as I get a chance, though. As for some samples of his songs (links go to complete lyrics), here's a selection from this album, "Bury Me With It":
well sure as planets come, i know that they end and if i'm here when that happens, will you promise me this my friend? please bury me with it i just don't need none of that mad max bullshit well the suit got tight and it split at the seems but i kept it out of habit and i kept it real clean but if it's getting faded, if it's runnin' out of thread, could you do this for me my friend and please just please bury me with it
The chorus is delivered in a hoarse shout. To my ears it sounds raw and immediate, like it was recorded in one take at a fever pitch. Oh, and I dig it. 8) This is from The Moon and Antarctica, my favorite MM album, called "Lives":
Everyone's afraid of their own life If you could be anything you want I bet you'd be disappointed, am I right? No one really knows the ones they love If you knew everything they thought I bet that you'd wish that they'd just shut up Well, you were the dull sound of sharp math When you were alive No ones gonna play the harp when you die
It's art. It speaks to me. Your mileage may vary.
But I'm willing to read what you offer. As for "clever melodies," again, just because something is unexpected...
...means it's not trite, at least. Again, it's art. If you don't like it my feelings are intact.
Mangoman wrote:
Okay, but beyond labeling his lyrics "twisted" and "intricate," give me an example of such--
I think Lazy's done with college, professor.
Lazy8 wrote:
Isaac Brock, the driving force behind the band, writes twisted intricate lyrics and clever melodies
Okay, but beyond labeling his lyrics "twisted" and "intricate," give me an example of such-- Just because someone sings/writes something unexpected, isn't enough in itself to make it interesting-- This might make a lot more sense to you if you ever get the chance to meet Issac Brock. But I'm willing to read what you offer. As for "clever melodies," again, just because something is unexpected...
Lazy8 wrote:
If you don't like 'em, you probably just don't like 'em. If you want to give them another chance I'd recommend what I consider their high water mark, The Moon And Antarctica. If you have a choice go for the remastered version that was released last year. My kids and I love it. My wife hates it. Go figure. Isaac Brock, the driving force behind the band, writes twisted intricate lyrics and clever melodies, but they're not for everyone (as my several rejected uploads demonstrate). The album this song is from (Good News For People Who Love Bad News) has a number of other good examples on it--Bukowski being one, which you will never ever hear on commercial radio. And if that doesn't work for you, relax, don't worry, wait for another song to float by. It's all good.
Now This guy totally "Gets-It" ..what Modest Mouse is. Not always digestable at first listen. But the cleverly crafted stuff never is.
Float On seems sort of similar to Wolf Parade, but I wouldn't say other Modest Mouse is similar to Wolf Parade. Even though Float On plays differently from most of Modest Mouse, I love it anyway. The video they did for was awesome.
jasonv wrote:
I like this album quite a bit, don't know their back catalog too well, but if I remember correctly, they played SNL and had trouble doing a good live version. The production hides the repetition of the high guitar in this song and the limited range of the singer's voice. They can barely harmonize live. Anyway, taken as a studio creation, this album works really well. I really do enjoy it, but I'd pretty happily pass on seeing them in concert.
I've seen them live a handful of times. The SNL performance, as well as their Austin City Limits show, were good representations of their weaknesses-- Not just in the vocals, but in their limited abilities and imagination with their instruments. Maybe we really have returned to an 80's mentality-- A time when the kid who was forever picking on his guitar had less credibility than the wiz behind the control board.
jasonv wrote:
... if I remember correctly, they played SNL and had trouble doing a good live version. The production hides the repetition of the high guitar in this song and the limited range of the singer's voice. They can barely harmonize live.
Apparently, they can't vocalize too well in the studio either. No thanks.
I don't think this is much like Franz Ferdinand at all. However, I do find it very similar to Wolf Parade, anyone else listen to those guys? Have the same impression?
rsfc_carp wrote:
Somebody in marketing flipped a coin, and Franz Ferdinand lost. I agree with the "coulda been good, but isn't" sort of sentiment. But at least they have a rythm and a melody and no saxophones, on this tune anyway.
And I was on my way over to ask if it was just me that heard a similar sound in both bands.
number6 wrote:
Can somebody please explain to me why Modest Mouse is The Coolest Band Ever all of a sudden?
Somebody in marketing flipped a coin, and Franz Ferdinand lost. I agree with the "coulda been good, but isn't" sort of sentiment. But at least they have a rythm and a melody and no saxophones, on this tune anyway.
MisterVErb wrote:
these guys are cool - i'd love to see them live
I like this album quite a bit, don't know their back catalog too well, but if I remember correctly, they played SNL and had trouble doing a good live version. The production hides the repetition of the high guitar in this song and the limited range of the singer's voice. They can barely harmonize live. Anyway, taken as a studio creation, this album works really well. I really do enjoy it, but I'd pretty happily pass on seeing them in concert.
Meowmix wrote:
This is the most "popular" song that I like...who really could hate this song?!
Please retire this song. Or is this as deep as the band goes?