Live-album/concert-film combos tend to mark certain memorable occasions: significant anniversaries, a special performance in a historic venue or a massive world tour with an obscenely expensive stage show. Mogwai's first live package-- a concert recording, Special Moves, and a DVD companion, Burning, with a different tracklist-- does not adhere to any of the above criteria. On the surface, it's simply a document of a band in their 14th year, touring behind their least remarkable album to date-- and as far as mythic locations go, the Music Hall of Williamsburg ain't exactly Pompeii. Judging by the wide array of physical/digital purchasing options available on the band's website, the real purpose of this release is to test out new e-commerce possibilities for the band.
With much of Mogwai’s recent output having fallen uncharacteristically flat, one could be forgiven for thinking that this release, a live album and DVD set, signals the once-great band finally running out of ideas. Yet while Special Moves/Burning offers nothing in the way of new material, it serves as a timely reminder of Mogwai’s immense talent and eternal ability to inspire.
Good beginning, good ending. A few tracks in the middle of the tracklist were a bit too similar to each other or didn't go into any new directions.
Standout: I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead
Favorites: Friend of the Night, Mogwai Fear Satan, Like Herod, Glasgow Megasnake
Least favorite: I Love You, I'm Going to Blow Up Your School
Mogwai's Live Album Special Moves Is Just The Best Live Album I've Ever Heard Ever To The Songs I'm Just In Love With This Album So Much.
Disc 1
Disc 2