Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003

Mogwai | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 22, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Matador Records
• ASIN: B0007IO7FO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,524 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #14 in Music > World Music > Europe > British Isles > Scotland
  • #64 in Music > Miscellaneous > Experimental Music

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Mogwai has always been one of those near-great bands that you never give up on because they're a thrilling live act with a terrifically bold, louder than God sound and their use of loud-soft-loud dynamics is rivaled only by Godpseed, the Dirty Three and Slint. But on their albums, Mogwai so often seems lost in search of an actual song that, well, it's easy to get bored. This album collects tunes the band recorded for the BBC, and it walks the balance between experimentation and melody far finer than any of their proper albums. Perhaps the need to record songs quickly in the studio for airplay compelled them towards accessibility rather than ear-bleeding wankiness? Regardless, this is not only a must for Mogwai fans, it's the beginners' best place to start. The collection is dedicated to the late, brilliant DJ John Peel, for whom many of the songs were recorded. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of great sessions., February 24, 2005

By 

Pete "Pete" (Long Island, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003 (Audio CD)

The volume and energy of these recordings cannot compete with witnessing a live Mogwai show, but these recordings are still filled with the same passionate playing that one can expect from them. There are subtle differences within each song that set them apart from their album versions.

The tracklisting was very well chosen; the recording quality and production values are outstanding. Standout tracks include "Hunted by A Freak", "Like Herod", and "New Paths to Helicon Pt. 1".

All in all, a very good listen.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, May 5, 2005

By 

patrick (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003 (Audio CD)

Mogwai simply never sounded this good on a regular LP.

"Hunted by a Freak" and "Stop Coming to my House" sound about 10 times better on this. "Superheroes of BMX" also sounds a lot better. Everything sounds better. All of it slow, brooding, perfect.

This release puts Mogwai on par with GSPYE! in my opinion.

4.0 out of 5 stars Unhappy Songs For Happy People, February 7, 2006

By 

The Wasp (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003 (Audio CD)

Another amusingly titled album from the wry Scots responsible for definitive records Come On Die Young and 2003's Happy Songs For Happy People, Mogwai's latest release is a 10-track collection of live radio recordings dedicated to the memory of late BBC stalwart John Peel. Far more accessible than fellow post rock acts such as Tortoise and Slint but still by no means a commercial enterprise, Mogwai's sonic drifts of wonder on Government Sessions offer a sampler of the Glasgow band's output to date. Neatly mixing old tracks from debut Mogwai Young Team with the newer sounds of Happy Songs For Happy People and rarities such as New Paths To Helicon Pt II, Government Commissions is a great collection of Mogwai songs captured in live environs, although sadly the liner notes fail to reveal details of the exact circumstances of these BBC sessions. The highlight of Mogwai's 2002 show at Adelaide's Music House, CODY, remains the shining standout here, featuring an uncharacteristically emotional vocal from a band that normally resides in protracted instrumental territory. While some of the tunes appear to be a little less atmospheric and somewhat bare in their live context, other tracks - such as the nigh-on-20-minute epic Like Herod - move from frail solemnity to walls of monstrous sound that even Nirvana would have baulked at. While Secret Pint's percussive and low key vocals and album finale Stop Coming To My House deliver the musical goods, Government Commissions sometimes dips due to the absence of their parent album's context. Nonetheless, for fans of Mogwai soundscapes and sonic completists this latest collection is more than just a fitting epic tribute to John Peel.