For the next 30 days, I’ll be taking the #AprilAcrossAmerica challenge, picking one song a day as I make my way across the country and across genres at the same time.
Day 29: Portland, OR
They started in Issaquah, WA, but have currently set up shop in Portland. By the time Good News for People Who Love Bad News was released, Modest Mouse was one of several dozen successful indie rock bands out there. While they weren’t my favorite band, I liked the unique sound they carved out. No one could ever say Modest Mouse was a knock-off. They do things their own way, most notably through their raw approach and the genius frequent mic’ing up of every band member as they sing vocals together. “Float On” is a song I cherish on many levels.
Within the first 20 seconds, the two iconic guitar parts converged like Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde – and modern musical history was made. One riff soars on high with a bright treble layer while the other skittishly dots the landscape. Isaac Brock is at the helm on vocals, but Eric Judy and Dann Gallucci join in like some kind of group therapy session, spewing positivity in unison. I love all of these core instrumental facets, but what makes “Float On” one of the greatest songs from a decade characterized by war, recession and natural disasters is the message. Somehow, some way, we’ll all get past this. We’ll all float on.
“BAD NEWS COMES, DON'T YOU WORRY EVEN WHEN IT LANDS. GOOD NEWS WILL WORK ITS WAY TO ALL THEM PLANS.”