Mogwai
Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003
Matador

Over the past 8 years, avant-garde-post-rockers Mogwai have recorded 5 sessions for the legendary BBC John Peel and Steve Lemacq shows. This CD packages all of them for the serious Mogwai fan. For those entirely unfamiliar, Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003 provides an elegant introduction. In gorgeous sound quality, Government Commissions provides alternate studio recordings of Mogwai's Greatest Hits with seamless transitions.
A fine tribute to their melodic serenity, this collection also highlights their complexity. “Like Herod” breaks up the track progression in the middle of the album standing as a 18 minute plus firm, yet volcanic track. Soundscapes ranging from lush beauty to harsh noise, the gloom and fog come through. Often compared to Sigur Ros, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Tortoise, and Low, Mogwai continues to trod down their different path relying more on atmospherics than traditional song structures. . – Denah Johnston, indie editor