Sophomore album The Lonesome Crowded West followed in November 1997, and helped to earn the band a cult following; it has been cited by several publications as one of the best albums of the 1990s. After the album's release, Modest Mouse signed to major label Epic Records; The Moon & Antarctica, the band's major-label debut, was released in June 2000 to widespread acclaim from critics.
The Lonesome Crowded West, Modest Mouse's sophomore album released in November 1997, helped to establish a devoted fan base for the band. The album was widely praised as one of the best albums of the 1990s. After its success, the band signed with Epic Records and released their major-label debut, The Moon & Antarctica, in June 2000, which also received widespread critical acclaim.