Modest Mouse

After a decade of being the buzz of the indie rock scene, Modest Mouse had a monumental breakout year in 2004. The Washington state-based trio put out their first major label album on Epic, The Moon & Antarctica, in 2001, after signing with Sony. But frontman/songwriter Isaac Brock struck a chord with a more straight-ahead rock sound on the band's newest album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News. A surprise hit single of 2004 was the band's "Float On," with its boisterous sing-a-long chorus, which was used in a major car commercial and became a hit on radio. The band has sold a million copies of their new album, which is nominated for a Grammy this year for Best Alternative Music, and "Float On" is also up for a Grammy for Best Rock Song. —JB