Dukes Up

Album: Sad Sappy Sucker (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Modest Mouse singer/songwriter Isaac Brock seems to hate this song. When asked to play it at an Ugly Casanova (another band he has a hand in) concert, he responded, "I wouldn't play that, even for the band it was written for."
  • The song is about fistfights. In the old days, you could challenge someone to a fight by telling them to "Put up your dukes." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Andrew - Abyss, PA, for above 2

Comments: 4

  • Mark from Tacoma, WaIsaac Brock has a lousy memory, "Dukes up" was recorded in 93 and more then likely has forgotten how to play it. When asked to play " Talking s--t About A Pretty Sunset" at a concert in Seattle, he replied he couldnt rememeber how to play it to save his life.
    Mr. Brock likes to drink and that does effect ones memory, I think, if I remember correctly.
  • Dani from Nyc, Nyi'm taking the next plane down to virginia, just so that i can slap you.
  • Katie from Washington, Vayou spelled ugly casanova wrong.
  • Jake from San Fran, CaThis songs off the album "Sad Sappy Sucker". Its I really like the songs intro, but the singing style is so differnt from what Brocks style had evoled into. Plus the "fan" who requested the songs was probably a *ick. Why would you request a Modest Mouse song during an Ugly Cassonova Concert?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?