Good News For People Who Love Bad News
by Modest Mouse
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Apr 6, 2004
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 213 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 196 out of 213
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 213
  3. Negative: 11 out of 213

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  1. Ricko
    Oct 28, 2017
    9
    This is a real favourite of mine. A truly class album, Modest Mouses best work in my opinion and one of the albums of the 00's. Not a bad track to be found and several classics here including the cult favourites "Float On", "Bury Me With It" and "One Chance" along with the magnificently gentle "Blame It On The Tetons". Modest Mouse and Isaac Brock are undoubtedly unique and I don't likeThis is a real favourite of mine. A truly class album, Modest Mouses best work in my opinion and one of the albums of the 00's. Not a bad track to be found and several classics here including the cult favourites "Float On", "Bury Me With It" and "One Chance" along with the magnificently gentle "Blame It On The Tetons". Modest Mouse and Isaac Brock are undoubtedly unique and I don't like comparing them to anyone but this record does remind me a lot of the Pixies Doolittle. It may be Brocks unnerving vocals mirroring Black Francis in parts, not quite sure. If you like your indie/alternative rock then buy this record - you won't be disappointed. A treat.… Expand
  2. Vampire25
    Dec 23, 2010
    8
    Modest Mouse have crafted an odd kind of album here with Good News For People Who Love Bad News. Every track sounds great. It's a good set of tracks. But they all sound random and different. Every song is more different than the previous song, It's not necessarily a bad thing, just seems kind of random. But I never listened to much Modest Mouse before this album and I hear that's thereModest Mouse have crafted an odd kind of album here with Good News For People Who Love Bad News. Every track sounds great. It's a good set of tracks. But they all sound random and different. Every song is more different than the previous song, It's not necessarily a bad thing, just seems kind of random. But I never listened to much Modest Mouse before this album and I hear that's there kind of thing. But anyways, Very good album. Every song is diverse and intricate and sometimes pretty funny. "Float On" is one of my favorite songs. "Black Cadillacs" is a great song. All In All, Good News For People Who Love Bad News is a great album. B+… Expand
  3. bdurmaz
    May 1, 2017
    9
    This is Modest Mouse being creative, deep and mature as ever. While it could be argued that some tracks lower the overall quality bar set up by "The World at Large", "Float On" and many others, the album is still a stud in the Modest Mouse discography.
  4. MoralSupport
    May 19, 2018
    7
    It's not The Moon & Antarctica, and it's not The Lonesome Crowded West. However obvious this statement is, it truly makes sense when you listen to the album the full way through and think "Welp, it's time to go back to the old records and remember the days when I bought full albums". It's not bad, not bad by a long shot. I just expect something better. Also, I read a review about thisIt's not The Moon & Antarctica, and it's not The Lonesome Crowded West. However obvious this statement is, it truly makes sense when you listen to the album the full way through and think "Welp, it's time to go back to the old records and remember the days when I bought full albums". It's not bad, not bad by a long shot. I just expect something better. Also, I read a review about this album where someone gave it a 1 because the album states "god is an ****" That is the second dumbest thing I have ever seen, behind the (insert insult here) who gave In the Aeroplane Over the Sea a 60% on Rolling Stone.… Expand
  5. DotComGaming
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    Loved this album. Anything these guys make will always be better than half of everything else I've heard. Dance Hall is a good song, too.
  6. aSsh0le
    Dec 19, 2010
    10
    Their best album. there's not much I can say about it except that it has many songs I liked, only downside is that I'm christian and I've heard they're disrespectful to god but I guess that's OK with me since I like to play marilyn manson's the reflecting god before I go to sleep sometimes( and I usually pray after), maybe I just like the music or maybe my subconcius is a hypocrite but ITheir best album. there's not much I can say about it except that it has many songs I liked, only downside is that I'm christian and I've heard they're disrespectful to god but I guess that's OK with me since I like to play marilyn manson's the reflecting god before I go to sleep sometimes( and I usually pray after), maybe I just like the music or maybe my subconcius is a hypocrite but I try not to listen to the lyrics on a song when they say something i hate instead of hating the song when the song is awesome, so I'm just gonna say it's a good album.… Expand
  7. josephmclean29
    Nov 11, 2015
    9
    One of Modest Mouse's best albums along with "The Lonesome Crowded West" and "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank".

    Filled with bitter-sweet lyrics, raw and yet beautiful instrumentation, and just simply enjoyable from start to finish. Also, "Float On" may be one of the greatest indie rock songs ever recorded.
  8. MarcusJ
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    At moments awe-inspiring. Some great standouts like Float On, Ocean Breaths Salty, and Bury Me With It. Great guitar and lyrics throughout. Weikel?s drumming is on par with Green?s work.
  9. Becky
    Feb 1, 2005
    9
    modest mouse kicks ass!Thats it!
  10. ThomasL
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    This is a fantastic album. I bought it at 8 this morning and I have already listened to it straight through 3 times. It isn't as immediately important and relevant as The Moon and Antartica seemed to be...but with each repeated listen it becomes more obvious that this album is a perfect companion piece to the already brilliant Modest Mouse catalog
  11. SandorC
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    Not their best album, but better than anything else in existence.
  12. erike
    Apr 8, 2004
    9
    not their best, but damn close to it.
  13. MrStalin
    May 16, 2004
    9
    I'm kind of new to Modest Mouse - but, on the strength of this album they are indeed a great little band. Yeah okay, bits of it do sound like Tom Waits and Talking Heads ... but hey, that's no bad thing is it? Very impressed - and i will go in search of their previous albums quick smart! Are they gigging in England?
  14. yaright
    Jan 10, 2005
    9
    a great follow up to antartica.... less abstract and better structured songs.
  15. ParkerB
    Feb 5, 2005
    7
    It's hard to give it just a seven, but it pales in comparison to their other albums, most notably The Lonesome Crowded West. It sounds tamer and less cohesive, and Isaac Brock is not making the relavations that make previous albums so much more rewarding. Please get the exhilarating Lonesome Crowded West before this one as it is one of the top ten albums of the 1990s and Good News It's hard to give it just a seven, but it pales in comparison to their other albums, most notably The Lonesome Crowded West. It sounds tamer and less cohesive, and Isaac Brock is not making the relavations that make previous albums so much more rewarding. Please get the exhilarating Lonesome Crowded West before this one as it is one of the top ten albums of the 1990s and Good News might maybe crack the top ten of 2004. That being said, Good News is damn good if uneven.… Expand
  16. TMo
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    the best of the best, but not as good or emotional as earlier stuff.... please dont sell out (crossing fingers)
  17. karlh
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    a fantasticly beutiful alternitive indie album, one of my most listened to album of all time. this is one of my all time favourite albums, i rrecomend it to everyone
  18. MikeM
    Apr 10, 2004
    10
    Its not the moon and antarctica... but it's still good, really good.
  19. DevinB
    Apr 14, 2004
    9
    While still a strong CD by any standard, Good News is certainly NOT the best Modest Mouse CD yet, as some less informed have claimed. While the first half shimmers and sparkles under studio affectations, the songs are indelible and strong, both "Float On" and "Bury Me With It" are worthy of instant canonization with the best of Modest Mouse's work. However, the album fails to hold While still a strong CD by any standard, Good News is certainly NOT the best Modest Mouse CD yet, as some less informed have claimed. While the first half shimmers and sparkles under studio affectations, the songs are indelible and strong, both "Float On" and "Bury Me With It" are worthy of instant canonization with the best of Modest Mouse's work. However, the album fails to hold together cohesively, especially in the uneven second half, ushered in by the truly awful "Dance Hall." Although there are some gems here, like "Bukowski" and "Black Caddilacs," the ideas just don't come together to add up to anything more than the sum of their parts. And some of the parts leave a little to be desired. On the whole, this album is quite good, more than worthy of a good listen, as evidenced by its heavy rotation in my CD player. However, those who claim that this album eclipses the sprawling majesty of The Moon and Antarctica or the spastic genius of The Lonesome Crowded West are undoubtedly not familiar enough with those disks.… Expand
  20. ArtieS
    Apr 15, 2004
    10
    Amazing album with alot of upside. Definatley worth a purchase.
  21. markf
    Apr 27, 2004
    8
    I am new to Modest Mouse's world. True, I've heard about them for years, but I've been spending my time and money on the many other worthwhile bands out there. So whether you know everthing they've done by heart or not, I still believe my opinion on THIS album is very valid. I'm sure they've covered the mortality ground before but I wonder if it's ever I am new to Modest Mouse's world. True, I've heard about them for years, but I've been spending my time and money on the many other worthwhile bands out there. So whether you know everthing they've done by heart or not, I still believe my opinion on THIS album is very valid. I'm sure they've covered the mortality ground before but I wonder if it's ever been more valid with Dubya prancing around like Queen Bitch of the Universe (oops! maybe I should have just said Mister Macho.) I think MM and I are on the same wavelength as far as that. Now some critics/fans lament what seems to be a new Tom Waits fixation. I found this comparison rather negligible, but I would say that Frank Zappa's spirit is hanging around somewhere. Since I'm ignorant, I can't say that they exhibited Talking Heads inluences as much before, but it wouldn't surprise me. Finally, I will shut up about who Modest Mouse sometime sound like because for me they are a unique, powerful, entertaining and visionary group. I wouldn't be surprised if they make my top 10 come year end.… Expand
  22. JO
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    Great album, definately one of the best of the year
  23. DomS.
    Apr 5, 2004
    9
    Some magnificent shit. Isaac Brock is insane, but the blade of his attack has been dulled beautifully. God bless that glorious redneck.
  24. WiL
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    i JUST got this album, ive listened to it 1.5 times all the way through so far. so this is merely first impression, but D*MN what an impression! pitchforkmedia is sometimes right about their reviews (MM's the moon an antartica, for example), but here, i must disagree. i commend any band for being creative, experimenting, yet still holding true to a signature sound, and modest mouse i JUST got this album, ive listened to it 1.5 times all the way through so far. so this is merely first impression, but D*MN what an impression! pitchforkmedia is sometimes right about their reviews (MM's the moon an antartica, for example), but here, i must disagree. i commend any band for being creative, experimenting, yet still holding true to a signature sound, and modest mouse have proven themselves the best at it time and time again. they have been my favorite band for years, and this album only strengthens my affections. of course, if i get tired of it by, like, tomorrow, i will repost. but dont expect to hear from me again!… Expand
  25. NickM
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    Wicked Album, nearly..nearly as good as lonsome crowded west!
  26. jacp
    Apr 6, 2004
    7
    Not as good as other MM albums. But different. I perfer the abrasive nature of the band rather then the pop hooks
  27. EelA
    Apr 7, 2004
    9
    "Good news..." lacks the depth of "Moon and Antarctica," but so what? Modest Mouse is still a group on top of their game, and isn't that the most we can ask of a group that has consistantly kicked so much ass? This album may not go down in history as the best Modest Mouse album ever, but it is still pretty damn good.
  28. chrisb
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    Buy afr, the best album of the decade!!
  29. AdrianL
    Apr 9, 2004
    10
    its great, i love the change in there sound, ive heard this band grow up for years, and now it seems they r right were they should be
  30. EvanK
    May 3, 2004
    10
    It was honestly one of the best and most amazings albums yet!
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Album of 2004
13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2004
45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Nude As The News
    60
    A lot of major label-imposed ideas, like rhythm guitar and a heartbreakingly conventional new bass sound, combine to utterly ruin the record's first half. If you can make it through to News' innards, however, an EP's worth of something like better-recorded, more thought-out Lonesome Crowded West material awaits.
    Read full review
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Weathered now, their herky-jerk stands up smartly to interjections from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    60
    [Brock is] adept at wringing out emotion while straddling sentimentality, but too often here, gauche studio affectations make his sap sound plain cheap. [Apr 2004, p.134]
See all critic reviews »