COME ON DIE YOUNG

Having recently enjoyed the "Government Commissions" CD, I decided to take a listen to CODY for the first time in ages. Bearing in mind I used to love this album back in the day and found it immensly influential on my understanding of what contemporary indie-rock with a progressive slant could be, I was surprised to find it pretty tedious in '05.

I guess in the light of the rich production and textured nature of their more recent studio releases ("Rock Action" + "Happy Songs..."), and the incendiary power of the better tracks from "Government..." this record seems kinda flat, and lacking in ideas; which is a dire situation for a predominately instrumental group. Don't get me wrong "X-Mas Steps" still rocks very hard and "Cody" is still beautiful and chilling, but time may not have been kind to "Come on Die Young." The album feels somewhat dated and far too dry. I think newcomers to Mogwai would be better off checking out "Rock Action" and "Government..." first, and if they really dig what they hear work their way backwards.