The band were originally signed to renowned Glasgow indie label Chemikal Underground, but call a number of labels home, being distributed by different labels such as Matador in the United States and Play it again Sam Records in the United Kingdom. They have also developed their own label called Rock Action Records, named after guitarist Ron Asheton of The Stooges, who had his name changed to Rock Action.
Mogwai are named after the creatures from the film Gremlins (the word itself is Cantonese for 'ghost' or 'hunter' dependant on the semi or literal translation), although Braithwaite comments that "it has no significant meaning and we always intended on getting a better one [name], but like a lot of other things we never got round to it.".
Their style has been influenced by such bands as The Cure, Joy Division, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, and post-rock granddaddies Slint. During 2004 the band were handed support slots on the tours of two of their heroes, the Pixies and The Cure. It has easily identifiable connections to genres like shoegaze, math rock, art rock, and occasionally instrumental metal. While Mogwai's sound bears little resemblance to punk rock, the band seems to identify closely with the punk ethic.
Mogwai's influence on the indie rock scene can be heard in the work of Explosions in the Sky, Italians Giardini di Mirò, Qatsi, and most other contemporary post-rock.
The fifth Mogwai album, Mr. Beast, was released in March 2006 and returned to the heavier sounds of 1997's Mogwai Young Team. Mr. Beast saw Mogwai dropping most of their "post-rock" crescendoing with songs developing more like rock, with direct hooks and lyrics.
Mogwai produced the remix track of 'Plans' on the British group Bloc Party's 2005 album Silent Alarm Remixed.
In October 2006 Mogwai returned with a soundtrack to the documentary of global football star Zinedine Zidane called Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait, released through their own label Rock Action. They have also released a soundtrack to Darren Aronofsky's 'The Fountain' in collaboration with Clint Mansell and the Kronos Quartet.
The Hawk is Howling was released in September 2008.
In February 2011 the band released their 7th Studio Album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. And, in July 2013, Mogwai performed their soundtrack to Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait for the first time at a number of dates across the UK. Shortly afterwards, on 5 August, the band revealed via Twitter that they were recording a new studio album at Castle of Doom Studios, released in early 2014 called Rave Tapes.
Guitarist John Cummings left the band in 2015.
2016 saw the band take part in two soundtracks. Atomic was released in April for the documentary 'Atomic, Living in Dread and Promise', and was composed entirely by the band. They also contributed to Before the Flood (Music from the Motion Picture), which featured Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Gustavo Santaolalla.
In 2017, Mogwai released Every Country's Sun, their ninth studio album, which heralded a return to their earlier sound.
Mogwai appeared on another film soundtrack in 2018. Helicon 1, from their 1997 album Ten Rapid, was featured on the original motion picture soundtrack of ‘Beautiful Boy’.
Lineup:
Stuart Braithwaite (guitar, vocals)
Barry Burns (guitar, keyboards, vocals)
Dominic Aitchison (bass)
Martin Bulloch (drums)
Official website:
http://www.mogwai.co.uk/
Xmas Steps
Mogwai Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
As the lyrics to Mogwai's song "A Place for Parks" are purely instrumental without any vocals, there is no lyrical interpretation to be provided. However, the song's composition and musical structure suggest a contemplative atmosphere through its mellow guitar melodies and steady rhythms. The song's gradual build-up of different layers and the addition of distorted guitar riffs towards the end add a sense of tension and edge to the otherwise calm and serene soundscape.
Therefore, the interpretation of the song can vary depending on the listener's own interpretation and personal experiences. Perhaps the song's title, "A Place for Parks," can evoke a sense of nature and tranquility, or perhaps it can refer to a abstract location or idea that the listener can interpret in their own way. Ultimately, the beauty of instrumental music lies in its ability to inspire unique and individualized experiences and interpretations.
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lotusluke86
This was my wifes favorite song before she passed away. I think this is one of the greatest albums in the history of music. I still love it and her.
@mattcox6506
Oh, man - thank you for sharing. Your wife was clearly a beautiful person; I'm sorry for your loss. Much love heading your way
@CongenialOpacity
I was 19 and still really into emo when I picked up Come on Die Young at indie music store. I'm 42 now and will always love Mogwai.
@porkchopwarlock
"This video is extremely hard to find online, so I thought I'd share it." Well, thanks man.
@andrewdriver606
Yep thanks to that guy
@slurjkblohm
Oh my God Come On Die Young... Best album ever by Mogwai.
@ioannistanis7324
And probably one of the best albums of all time
@Sabbat7001
I remember watching this twenty years ago and I wasn't paying much attention but it reached 3:26 and my life changed. Been a fan ever since.
@prithvishnath5551
"The hard working man receives a present one day. He has hope now to leave behind his old life & sets off to go to the modern world.
But, Alas! What he sees, leaves him broken. He dare not go to the city ever again."
@pentalway
Did you just make that up or did you get it from somewhere? Googling yielded no results, if you did make that up on your own, GOOD JOB!