That’ll be Godspeed You! Black Emperor then. (Note the stifling name change from Godspeed You Black Emperor! To Godspeed You! Bla… notice the change? Like musical spot the difference isn’t it? Revolution in an exclamation mark).
It almost goes without saying: this record is gorgeous, in every way. Deeply progressive and wonderfully dramatic soundscapes, created with musical romanticism and the original stylistic panache that Godspeed continue to develop with creative seniority.
Chilling at times, as it immerses you deeply into unfathomable epic locations, with violin quivers constantly shimmering against slow, pounding orchestral and synthesised cinematic overtones. If music is a building, then Godspeed You! Is a huge, twisting, overawing edifice that slowly makes your heart ready to burst.
If not for the music, the record is worth buying for the cover art and its message(s) alone. Flying Kittens and the ‘Hammer of Hope’, ‘Three rockets falling on rocket falls’ and a deeply critical analysis into the infrastructure of today’s major record industries and their affiliates.
In all, mesmerising, relevant and utterly essential.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
I reckon they should bring in a free jazz influence, possibly using Spanish trumpets. Or maybe get a singer...
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Just because a band sounds like itself doesn't mean there's stagnation going on. How many times did you listen to it before you realised that you were bored with them now?
Your're familiar with the way they sound now; of course it's not going to be as instantly thrilling as the first time you heard them. They were unique, and now you know the gameplan but it's like you're punishing them for being unique in the first place. Give the fuckers a chance!
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
PS DONT BUY ANY OF THEIR ALBUMS BECAUSE ITS A CUNNING PLOY TO GET YOU TO PURCHASE THE SAME RECORD WITH A DIFFERENT FANCY CASE. ALSO: SILVER MT. ZION WILL KILL YOU WITH THEIR RELENTLESS DEPRESSIVE "OH NO MY CATS DEAD" NESS. BLESS.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
why should i trust his opinion when a publication like pitchforkmedia.com offers me an intellgient dissection of the very same album, penned by a writer whose knowledge i respect?
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
But I can see why many people don't like Yanqui UXO anyway, it doesn't sound much like their earlier work. It's strangely like a rock album in the sense that the ambience of f#a#? is gone (possibly due in part to the recording of Steve Albini, who for the record also did "Wake Up Screaming" by F-Minus). But f#a#?'s stop/start nature the and slightly more tentative sound of Skinny Fists flaws their beauty more than that of Yanqui UXO to me, which is why it is my favourite of the three albums.
Re: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
But I can see why many people don't like Yanqui UXO anyway, it doesn't sound much like their earlier work. It's strangely like a rock album in the sense that the ambience of f#a#? is gone (possibly due in part to the recording of Steve Albini, who for the record also did "Wake Up Screaming" by F-Minus). But f#a#?'s stop/start nature the and slightly more tentative sound of Skinny Fists flaws their beauty more than that of Yanqui UXO to me, which is why it is my favourite of the three albums.
Gthis album is bad
Godspeed You Black Emperor! - Yanqui U.X.O.
Re: Godspeed You Black Emperor! - Yanqui U.X.O.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yanqui U.X.O.
Maybe a little to sophisticated emotionally for the American McDonald going ear or one who needs ritalin.
Bottomline.... This album does an incredible amount for me. Passionate, intense, builds, different, and expressive. I expect nothing from them but this style.... If they do it again, I am not looking for an upgrade like a new computer.... art is not about upgrades.... I am interested in feeling the soul of this project.