Events
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
When you’re really into music and active about trying to find new bands, it’s easy to put some of them on the backburner. I also have a bad habit of ignoring mass suggestions. Usually if everyone says so-and-so is great, you have to check them out… they suck. That’s not always true, but I’m just playing the odds. Mogwai was one of those bands that seemed like everyone but me knew. What I didn’t realize was that the only people suggesting it were people equally as obnoxious as me. I think I finally decided to purchase an album after hearing Auto Rock playing at work (thanks Sunny).
I find myself having a relatively hard time trying to describe Mogwai. Gun to my head, I’d probably compare them to bands like Radiohead, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and maybe God is an Astronaut. They just happen to partially fall into the genres of those bands. Their influences encompass a rather large range of musicians from Hendrix to The Cure to Guns ‘n’ Roses, and of the music in my collection, Mogwai is among the most unique. Then again, I have a small collection by today’s standards. Even still, I stand by my statement.
Probably the easiest album to introduce oneself to Mogwai is Mr. Beast (2006). This album has more focus on the guitar compositions than previous releases. But if you haven’t already, you’re going to have to get over that hump of thinking music needs lyrics. You’ve got to just sit back and enjoy the ride. Mr. Beast is a good album to zone out to, and it has a good blend of both structured and abstract rock.
Auto Rock and Glasgow Mega-Snake start the album very nicely. The first of the two has a nice piano piece and the second quenches my thirst for heavy, distorted guitars. Honestly, I wasn’t particuarlly fond of third track at first. For a long time I would only listen to the first two tracks and move on to something else. But in time, it grew on me and realized how great the rest of the album was. Make sure you can devote some time to listen to this album as whole. But then again, I say that about everyone. How good can a band really be if they can’t make a solid album? Well, this album is great.
I’m not going to spend time picking this album apart piece-by-piece telling you why it’s great. I just wanted to get the word out that this album matches its hype. For most of you music enthusiasts, this is old news. Still, I know there are more people out there that are missing out. By the way, their name comes from those little guys in the movie Gremlins. Apparently, the band didn’t intend on keeping the name and just never got around to getting a better one. I happen to like it. Don’t change it guys.
Add New Comment
Viewing 3 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment