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Modest Mouse

Date: Aug 25 2008

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

When people think of indie rock, one of the first names that comes to mind is Modest Mouse. They’re so popular, in fact, that they’re not really indie anymore. But their thoughtful rock ‘n’ roll is more musical and smart than most of what you hear in the mainstream.

Modest Mouse may be a big deal, but there are still plenty of people who haven’t heard about them. Jason just saw them for the first time.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Jason

Devan

Jason: So I went to see this band that everyone kind of knows but that I don’t really know.

Devan: Oh yeah, who was that?

Jason: Modest Mouse.

Devan: You don’t…You’ve never heard of Modest Mouse?

Jason: I’ve heard of them like crazy, I’m just not familiar with their catalog.

Devan: Oh, OK.

Jason: The dude, Isaac Brock, his hat got stolen during the show and it was like whole ordeal. He was really, really upset about his hat getting stolen.

Devan: They have all these new fans that are total jerks. They’ve been around forever, but now all of a sudden they’ve blown up and they have all these mean fans that steal hats and…

Jason: What happened? What made them big? Was it a movie or TV show or something?

Devan: Ah, they just finally gave in and [def 12300]signed[/def] to a major label and did the MTV route, had a hit single.

Jason: So the music was just really good and the labels were sort of…

Devan: Yeah, they had a big underground following, but then signed to a big label who put them on MTV and you know, the rest is history.

Jason: I mean, is it indie rock? That’s obviously the term, but it was kind a loud, kinda dance-y. I think of indie rock as being a wussy kind of music, but it was kind of rockin’.

Devan: Yeah, he’s got like a rocky, growler voice. He yells a lot. I think they used to be classified under indie rock, but I don’t know, it would be kind of an oxymoron to call them that now.

Jason: It’s true, since they’re not indie. But what are they playing? Just rock?

Devan: I don’t know. I don’t think they’ve created a new category for that yet. Did you like the show?

Jason: Yeah. It was fun. People were dancing and stuff. I thought it was kind of silly how hurt he got about his hat getting stolen. I feel like he lost me a little bit. He could have played it off.

Devan: It was a special hat.

Jason: It’s true, but he did throw a fit.

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Discussion

Jason had a good time at the Modest Mouse concert. He was surprised how much the band rocked and that he could dance to their music. But it makes sense since Johnny Marr from the classic ‘80s band The Smiths recently joined Modest Mouse.

But there was a funny moment at the show when the singer’s hat got stolen. He got really upset. Devan understands, though. She says it must have been a special hat.

As far as Devan knows, there isn’t a name yet for an indie rock band that’s no longer independent of major labels. Can you think of one? What independent artist do you think the mainstream would like?

Comments

mim_dica

India

go in the market and purchase a new hat that will do.it was just a public stunt i mean fake

kerlin-chen

China

everyone has his own idea.it is hard to said who is right and others are not.but for myself ,i don not like it .

aljensen

United States

I heard this band live when there were only 15 people in the audience, back in 1998. And they sucked.

Jane_wei

China

Generally I like gentle music. When I am very happy or angry, I like the hit music.

Vickey0930

China

I have never heard the band,

While I will try to listen to their music ,because I like listening to beautiful songs!

Fatqurain

Saudi Arabia

I love this kind of music ..

Fatqurain

Saudi Arabia

I love this kind of music ..

yoyo-xyz

China

I haven't heard the band before, but I will find some songs of them to listen.

samjj

Malaysia

Indies are special breeds of people who dare to do what they want to do in the music scene – ONE Day , like this Modest Mouse – some will make it into the mainstreme ..keep ROCKING ….....

195854255

United States

I dont knoe for sure if the bands who only realease their songs online can calles indie bands. There are so many saces on YOUTUBE.

jacsonal

China

i agree to above

195854255

United States

I Like indie music. They are indenpendent. Following their own taste

magic1015

China

honestly , i don't appreaciate this sort of music , it is so commonplace like playing in pub !!

finallove

China

maybe the hat is really a very special one.

but in my opinion, he's a star on the stage,so it's strange to be so upset.

sisilena

China

i never heard about this band. i'm not a music person. i seldom listen any songs. i enjoy movies but for that guy, getting upset of a stolen hat really kind of play it off. maybe he just wants attention. only a hat, not a big deal. no need make it big.