In many people's opinion, The Delgados; magnum opus, The Great Eastern remains
one of Chemikal Underground's most significant releases.
The album itself, named after the homeless shelter a mile or so from Chemikal
Undergrounds offices, was a triumphant realization of The Delgados' potential as
songwriters and as a live act. Live shows often feature ten musicians on stage
(and in one instance at the Royal Festival Hall as many as eighteen), this was clearly
not a lo-fi album.
The recording process was a protracted one with sessions lasting well over a year.
Once again recorded at CAVA with Tony Doogan, it was decided that given some
abortive attempts at mixing the thing, Paul, Stewart, and Tony would decamp to
Upstate New York and mix the album with Flaming Lips helmer Dave Fridmann.
The end result was a resounding success: shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, The
Delgados' also received a Spirit Of Scotland Award Music Award, A Nordoff-Robbins
Best Newcomer (!) Award and a Jockrock Tartan Cleft Award for The Great Eastern. 

The Delgados – The Great Eastern