I love Coolfer’s chart recaps. The new Modest Mouse album debuted at #1 on the Billboard album charts. That’s…crazy. I remember one of my college friends had a cassette tape with one side simply labeled “Modest Mouse” in pencil, something like ten years ago. Bizarre.

There’s also a mention of the latest Silversun Pickups record selling big on the West coast. That’s no surprise — they tour their asses off. I think they were here in Seattle three or four times last year, and live on KEXP many times (and they’ve got a great band name, IMO). It reinforces an opinion I’ve held for awhile now, that while technology has been great for “leveling the playing field*” for unsigned and independent acts, it’s still really, really hard to move records and win support if you’re not playing.

* a phrase I’ve come to despise, but that’s another post.

Previously: Discrevolt

Next: we are always crashing into it…