Long time coming Part II

Just caught Modest Mouse's March 19 appearance on the Late Show (thank you, YouTube). Held my breath for a mo. The band has circled the drain the past few years, lurching from one side of the music industry toilet bowl to the other. Good News, We Were Dead. One wrong step followed by another. But this new vinyl release, "Satellite Skin," is something old. Faith restored. Isaac Brock and cronies have returned to the Lonesome Crowded West formula, even as long-time purists have clambered for a taste of the golden Moon & Antarctica. Subdued lyrics, twang-tastic guitar harmonies, a riff that's catchy for reasons beyond reason. Good move. Fall back on the not-so-familiar and leave the untoppable crowning achievement where it sits: on a pedestal.