Modest Mouse

There are really only two types of Modest Mouse fans -- those who have been listening to the trio for at least half a decade and those who just say they have. After all, 2004 was the year the word indie truly became a contradictory term, and leading the charge of art-house-turned-pop-culture-darlings was a 12-year-old college-radio band and a little single called "Float On." Within months of its release, the line between purist and poseur was blurred, and it suddenly became much harder to write off mainstream radio and the Top 40 crowd. But old-school devotees and fair-weather fans need not argue -- regardless of era, the mighty Mouse has never compromised its sound or convictions. From an eponymous minor-league debut to last year's Epic Records chart topper, Good News for People Who Love Bad News, lead singer Isaac Brock and company have released album after album of stylish, weird-ass wonderment. Thanks a lot, guys -- how are we supposed to make fun of the MTV kids if we're all listening to the same stuff?