Mock Orange may not add anything new to the indie rock mix, but they certainly know how to make a very good album. Every song on "Mind Is Not Brain" is good, and although there aren't any new ideas here you'll still like it a lot. The singer is pretty pleasant and enjoyable which helps its appeal - most people will like him. "Payroll" is also a very good song that most people will like. The lyrics tend to be hard to hear, but when you can hear them they aren't all that interesting (they're essentially about nothing). The musicianship is pretty good, although it's a little poorly recorded and I suppose "lo-fi" sounding at times. Overall I think that indie rock fans will most likely enjoy this CD a lot. Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album!

When you think of older Mock Orange, you think of an emo-esque band that played offbeat punk melodies. Some of the most complex, and most impressive music to be put out at the time it was produced. I wrote a review a while back about how much I disliked The First EP by this band.

I'm willing to retract what I've said. While I find some disturbing similarities to Built To Spill(I Keep Saying So Long), the truth is that Mock Orange is still as musically impressive as they were back when 9's and 6's was released. The only difference is that the singer has retooled his singing voice, and that the music has taken on more of a feel for the experimental indie scene, and older style guitar work(Alman Brothers, Tom Petty).

My problem with The First EP, was that Mock Orange changed their sound completely. I wasn't really ready for that shift musically when it was released, and even to this day, I hold what I said about the CD to heart. However, with Mind Is Not Brain, I feel a CD that focuses on maturity, rather than on direction. While I think the change was very sudden, and would've liked a slower progression to the new form, I can't complain at this time about it.

Here's the unfortunate side effect of Mind Is Not Brain: the lyrics aren't that deep. Part of what I enjoyed about Mock Orange was that their previous albums, on top of being musically impressive, were also lyrically sound. I find myself being a little bit less swayed with the words that are sung on Mind Is Not Brain. For instance, "I was at a red light, he was at a green light" sounds very under thought(same with "in 1975, I wasn't alive, I wasn't a guy, I wasn't a girl"). While the musical ability is intact, it feels like they've taken a step back in the concepts of their lyrics.

But that's a small price to pay for a good CD. What you have to do with this CD is to disregard Mock Orange's previous efforts, because they are simply different types of music. When you are willing to open yourself up to this CD, you will be much more surprised and pleased with it. If you are a fan of Mock Orange, and understandably, find yourself put off by their new sound, do not feel that you are alone. I am personally unsure of this direction, however, I almost consider this CD to be from a totally different band from the original. Give it a chance, listen to it a few times, and you'll understand what I mean.

Let it be known, Mock Orange is one of the most musically proficient bands out there today. If you are a fan of music in general, you should not pass up a chance to hear this disc. It impresses me, and even I was originally mad at their idea to change their sound.

I would give this CD a 4.5, just because there's a few spots on the CD that sound almost identical, but I feel 5 stars is fine. If it wasn't for bands like Mock Orange, who were willing to step outside their genre, music would never have matured the way it has. Think about that, when you listen to this CD.

This is definitely a 5 star disc. Mock Orange has been my favorite band since I first heard 9s and 6s for their creativity/originality and musical talent. This album is in every way better than both 9s and 6s and The Record Play, and it is not hard to say that. I would have to give the first two discs 4 stars. Mind is not Brain is by far the most mature and well rounded of the three, their best to date and the best rock out there today. It's just plain cutting edge. The sound is new and original, the songs are more complete and the singing is right on. The Great Mock Orange will finally get the respect they deserve for this masterpiece of music. If there is another band with this sound, I would love to know. It's time for emo to get funky.
I am in love with this cd, get it and tell all your friends to get it.

I bought this cd the other day and i wish i had my $15 back, i don't know what happend to this great band whose previous two albums were supercool. they sound like they want to have a southern twang sound now, and have really slowed down, but not in a good way. don't waste your money.

this album is amazing form start to finish. I was lucky enough to acidentally catch them at a show and was blown away. bought the album right then and thier and ahve since ordered all the others from this website.

old man -10
do you want out - 10
MINB - 10
Payroll - 10
Oh My God - 10
Birds - 10
Hawks can God - 10
Making Friends - 10
This Nation - 10

all the others are 9

Get this album.