Government Commissions BBC Sessions 1996-2003:Mogwai

Title: Government Commissions BBC Sessions 1996-2003

Label: Matador

Genre: spacey post-rock

Rating: 6.4 of 7

I am not sure who forgot to tell Mogwai they are Scottish not Icelandic, and they are supposed to be blowin the bagpipe not belting out spacey post-rock. Well I guess everyone makes mistakes, and now Mogwai is hanging with the iciest (cheesy, yes I know). Then again, thank god they are so close to the BBC and their genius use of public funds for recording this amazing band for 6-plus years with John Peel and Steve Lamacq. The 10 songs heard here are songs you can find on old Mogwai records, but they are definitly not these versions. Re-worked specifioally for the live show, the Scots have skillfully released a greatest hits records full of never before heard compositions, how geniously indie. Most of the songs are the laid back yet sprawling post-rock that you have come to love from the band, complete with sparse vocals, but every once in a while they will break out and make some noise. Too bad it is during the 18-minute epic (6) and her 8-minute little sister (9), but if you got the time, who better to fill it? I gotta say, what better way to celebrate a good many years of success than treating the fans to the music they love, but in a new kind of way.

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