- Released: 1999
- Origin: Glasgow, Scotland
- Label: Chemikal Underground
- Best Track: May Nothing But Happiness Come Through Your Door
The late Haçienda founder Tony Wilson said and did some odd things at times, but he did also come out with some wonderful quotes where I get exactly what he’s talking about. I remember hearing him discuss The Fall once, saying that he wasn’t sure he liked their music, but he was sure he liked the band.
I feel the same way about Mogwai. I like their work, their passion, their lyrics (when they’re using them), their song and album titles. All in all, I like the band. I would like to like them more, but their music is mostly nothing more than mildly interesting to me. The only song I’ve ever really loved by them is Travel is Dangerous. For these reasons, I probably wouldn’t rush to buy a record by them or see them at a gig, even though I’m sure they’d be a real experience live.
I thought I’d listen to their much acclaimed second album Come On Die Young, which I love the name of. As usual with them, I appreciate the artistry, and the focus that goes into their work, but it doesn’t quite grab me. I don’t know, maybe I just don’t quite have the patience for it? I’m sure it’s my fault rather than theirs!
It certainly has moments that pique my attention, like the intricate and spell-bounding ‘Waltz for Aidan’, and ‘May Nothing But Happiness Come Through Your Door’ has this intriguingly sinister repeated riff that grows and growls with volume. Nonetheless, Mogwai remain a band I want to like more than I actually do.
