Heath is alive like Tupac

August 4, 2009 12:23 PM

The music video for Modest Mouse's new track King Rat was released today. Interestingly, it was directed by Heath Ledger two years ago, and released posthumously. Apparently, there's another one coming up. It has described as looking "like exactly the kind of thing that someone might come up with after spending a couple of months rocking Joker makeup and pretending to mutilate people." The video contains a little cartoon goriness, so be warned.
posted by azarbayejani (20 comments total)

Sorry, the video you're trying to access is not available in your country. (Canada)
posted by tybeet at 12:35 PM on August 4

I like the video. I really want to like MM's new music.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 12:44 PM on August 4

Neither Heath nor Tupac will have anything on Jacko once he starts releasing new dead albums. Just you wait.
posted by mannequito at 12:45 PM on August 4

Yeah, not available here (Norway). And anyway: Don't make a MySpace link the only thing worthwhile in your post and then bury it in a bunch of Wikipedia links and YouTubes.
posted by Dumsnill at 12:46 PM on August 4

That was a cool video. I was a little annoyed by it at first, but then it became suitably creepy.
posted by scrutiny at 12:56 PM on August 4

I'm always impressed by bands who place their music in the hands of a director with a unique, and sometimes visionary, video idea - something that may be very far from that of the motivations the musician had when creating the song in the first place. Bjork is probably the best example of such an artist.
posted by adamms222 at 12:57 PM on August 4

Wow does that song suck.
posted by jeremy b at 1:19 PM on August 4

Works here, for me.
posted by Dumsnill at 1:20 PM on August 4

I liked the song and was creeped the fuck out by the video. Well done. I will never trust a pet seal again.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 1:36 PM on August 4

Wow. Video was amazing.

As someone who liked, but never loved MM, I have to say I'm digging this new track. Feels like he's letting his inner Tom Waits out at last.

Is Johnny Marr still with MM, or was that just a passing thing?
posted by lumpenprole at 1:46 PM on August 4

That was both adorable and horrifying. Thanks!
posted by LordSludge at 1:47 PM on August 4

Feels like he's letting his inner Tom Waits out at last.

A lot of the stuff off of Brock's side project reminded me of Tom Waits.
posted by burnmp3s at 1:56 PM on August 4

My daily bout of "Oh God I really should be a vegetarian, I'm so sorry!" has been satisfied, thank you. Sudden craving for fish sticks.
posted by Danila at 1:57 PM on August 4

I love modest mouse. [Defending this. Defending that. Minimalism. Such and such.]

However, I do enjoy eating fish.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 2:05 PM on August 4

i love modest mouse. i didn't find the video that creepy at first and i wasn't sure what you were all talking about. until that one whale pulled out the harpoon. and even then, for a second or so i was like, wait, what is he going to
posted by janepanic at 4:32 PM on August 4

What is with Modest Mouse and the fishermen theme in their videos?
posted by Caduceus at 5:51 PM on August 4

Human surimi. mmmmm.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 6:47 PM on August 4

Loved the video, but am totally, totally lukewarm on the song. I guess that would be a +1 for Heath Ledger and a 0 for Modest Mouse.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:48 PM on August 4

Dude, what if whales, like, hunted people?
posted by buriednexttoyou at 6:20 AM on August 5

Even though the new EP, No One's First and You're Next is a collection of B-side singles and "nearly-not-cut" tracks from the last couple of albums, it doesn't disappoint. Also, this song is possibly the strongest on the EP, take that for what you will. And though the hardcore indie rockers hate Satellite Skin claiming it's too radio friendly, it's probably my second favorite. Or maybe Whale Song. Hard to say, they are all so darn good.

ps, love the video. deliciously disturbing and pretty well captures the much of the mood of modest mouse.

***disclaimer: I think Modest Mouse is the best band in the world. ***
posted by lyam at 9:50 AM on August 5 [1 favorite]