I’ve recently found myself listening to tons of instrumental post-rock (in hindsight, those two words are kinda redundant). Bands like Mogwai, Mono, Explosions In the Sky, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Tortoise write songs that work great as background music for reading or studying.
If I can find the time, I’ll post an Artist Spotlight on Mono later this week. But for now, I’ll post an excellent track by Mogwai. It’s called “New Paths to Helicon Pt I” from their “live” album Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996-2003.
The track starts and ends quietly with a beautiful, shimmering guitar piece floating around in the background. Then about 1:50 into the song, guitars drenched in reverb (correct me if I’m wrong) enter and play a gorgeous series of descending notes. At the 4 minute mark, all hell breaks loose as the amps get turned up to 11. After 2 minutes of fury, the song settles back down and leaves as it entered.
I’d have to say “New Paths to Helicon Pt I” is one of Mogwai’s best tracks. If you enjoy it, check out their site for more mp3′s, or give their debut album Young Team a try! I highly recommend the track “Mogwai Fear Satan.” Their complete discography is available on eMusic. Check out the comments on this post for other recommended Mogwai tracks.
Eugene Gordin wrote:December 13, 2006
I couldn’t agree more about the post rock stuff. When I’m writing or doing homework and can’t have lyrics jumping out at me but need something playing in the background – Mogwai, Explosions, and Mono defintely do the trick. Mono more and more these days purely because of the length of the tracks.
Thanks man this track is great!
MWM wrote:December 18, 2006
Some other good Mogwai tracks include:
Mogwai Fear Satan
May Nothing But Happiness Come Through Your Door
Burn Girl Prom Queen
Take Me Somewhere Nice
You Don’t Know Jesus
2 Rights Make 1 Wrong
Like Herod
R U Still In 2 It
Cody
Enjoy!