Well, this story starts long ago, when a Philly hipster tried to turn me on to MM in maybe 2000? Didn't work. And of course I'd hear them from time to time, and it just never sunk in. Then on a road trip in 2004, and I don't even remember which album it was, but wow. I got it. I don't follow them closely, but they're talented, and I finally recognized that. Then a few weeks ago in the car I heard an NPR story about their new album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. It talked about the commercial success of their previous album (I had no idea), and the addition of a new guitarist (I had no idea) for the release of their new album (I had no idea). They played some clips, it sounded pretty good. Some talk about the different sound, blah blah blah. Then when I went to cash in the gift certificate, and Pitchfork had high praise for the album, the deal was sealed. Now, this album is good. Lots of good songs, interesting arrangements, strings and horns, not your usual fare. But it sounds like Modest Mouse to me. I don't know their stuff well enough to talk about new directions, but I don't really hear one. So my guess is if you like Modest Mouse you'll like this album, but if you like them and want to hear them break new ground, you'll be, as I was just a tiny bit, disappointed. Again, I like it. But I don't know if I'd recommend anyone run out and buy it.

So this leaves two more gift certificate albums to review. Up next: A Sunny Day in Glasgow's "Scribble Mural Comic Journal."

And of course this Saturday is one of the acts I told ya'll to see long ago, Hot Chip. It's an early show, but that just makes it easier to get to Wolk Jr.'s house. Don't screw it up and miss this one. Gonna be a party, London style. Rock it don't stop it.