Music Forum's Favourite Albums Vol. 2 - Godspeed You! Black Emperor's "Slow Riot EP"

[IWasaCamera]

http://static.boomkat.com/images/72684/333.jpg

#39: Godspeed You! Black Emperor- Slow Riot For New Zero Kanada


Here are a few points to consider when posting:

- Did it make your list? If so, what rank?
- Do you feel it should have cracked the top 40? Higher/lower?
- Assess its replay value/lasting power.
- Where does it rank in terms of 1999 releases?
- Is this Godspeed's best album?
- Strongest/weakest songs? (Yes, I realize there are only 2 tracks)
- How is the production?
- Flaws?
- Does it stand a chance at classic status within post-rock?
- Is it a fair representation of the genre? What are your general impressions of this style of music?
- Given the duration of the songs, does it feel more like a full-length than an EP?
- Where does this release/band fit into the post-rock picture?
- How do A Silver Mt. Zion and other related projects stack up to GY!BE?
- Which bands are still doing post-rock justice? Which are not?
- If you are not fond of this album, do not simply post "I don't like it". Please make an effort and actually contribute to the thread in a positive manner.
- Rate it on a scale of 0 to 10.
- Recommend similar works to those interested.

Seeing as there are no official videos for users to watch, this fan-made clip (which is in essence no more than the song and album cover) will have to suffice in giving listeners an idea of what Slow Riot is all about:
Rsf2LoLk3SA

[IWasaCamera]

It makes the top 40 yet no one is willing to discuss...

[micahistheballs]

Although I've never heard a lot of their music, I've just never gotten into them.
Would this be a good introduction to their music?

EDIT: Yeah, for the song you posted, I feel like nothing happens for six minutes. Like I said, I probably just need to listen to more.

[Until The Bombs]

This is where I admit that I never took the initiative to listen to GY!BE until this past Monday. I was actually listening to this album for the first time this morning on the way to work.

I didn't make my list. Which can obviously be credited to never having listened to it before. I don't know if it would have made my list though regardless. On first impression, it's just amazing, but yet not something I could come back to all the time, which is important to me as far as favorite records go.

So, of my criteria, not it shouldn't have cracked the top 40. If it was a top 40 best of....that's a whole different discussion.

At this point, I'm gonna have to say it's their best album. BBF3 may be one of the best songs I have ever heard.

I think it has reached classic status?

Score: 9/10

[Until The Bombs]

Although I've never heard a lot of their music, I've just never gotten into them.
Would this be a good introduction to their music?

If you haven't listened to them. Do it.

[myantiyou]

I have never heard this record, yet I love the band. :bluesad:

[Until The Bombs]

I really wish illegal downloading was legal so that links could be posted along with these.

[micahistheballs]

I really wish illegal downloading was legal so that links could be posted along with these.
I'm sure they're all on MegaUpload or something if we look hard enough or would posting that be against AP policy?

[IWasaCamera]

I have never heard this record, yet I love the band. :bluesad:
I really wish illegal downloading was legal so that links could be posted along with these.
A little googleing goes a long way.

[Until The Bombs]

I'm sure they're all on MegaUpload or something if we look hard enough or would posting that be against AP policy?

Against policy.

A little googleing goes a long way.

In case you didn't read what I wrote, I have it. I'm saying for those who stumble into the thread, would click a link if one was there, but are too lazy to actually search for it. Then maybe they'd discuss.

[IWasaCamera]

In case you didn't read what I wrote, I have it. I'm saying for those less who stumble into the thread. Would click a link if one was there, but are too lazy to actually search for it. Then maybe they'd discuss.
Oh, I know you have it. I just never understood being incapable of getting your hands on a certain album. It's remarkably easy in most cases.

[micahistheballs]

Against policy.



In case you didn't read what I wrote, I have it. I'm saying for those who stumble into the thread, would click a link if one was there, but are too lazy to actually search for it. Then maybe they'd discuss.
I thought it might be. That kind of sucks, but I understand.

[myantiyou]

if only you all were prestigious...

:whistle:

[myantiyou]

I think sigur ros is a pretty fair contender. :-D

speaking of godspeed, what release/record is speed garage from?

[funkel]

- Did it make your list? If so, what rank? Number 5.
- Do you feel it should have cracked the top 40? Higher/lower?I'm surprised it made the list, but it definintely belongs there.
- Assess its replay value/lasting power. I don't think it'll ever get old.
- Where does it rank in terms of 1999 releases? Maybe #1
- Is this Godspeed's best album? No. Maybe it wasn't an EP, but it's terribly hard to beat F#A#oo
- Strongest/weakest songs? (Yes, I realize there are only 2 tracks) Imo, BBF3 is the best song ever recorded... Moya's fantastic, but not on the same level.
- How is the production? Not a production expert, but it sounds incredible.
- Flaws? Moya isn't as good as BBF3...but that's not much of a flaw.
- Does it stand a chance at classic status within post-rock? Ben's answer is correct. Anything Godspeed did is a classic of the genre.
- Is it a fair representation of the genre? What are your general impressions of this style of music? There's Godspeed post-rock and then there's post-rock. All other is inferior. All other is in the shadow of Godspeed.
- Given the duration of the songs, does it feel more like a full-length than an EP? No. This is Godspeed and post-rock... Got have atleast 50 minutes to be an album.
- Where does this release/band fit into the post-rock picture? As Ben said, best band band in post-rock, although they're above it. This is Godspeed's second best release. So, it's pretty incredible.
- How do A Silver Mt. Zion and other related projects stack up to GY!BE? Not on the same level. A Silver Mt. Zion is fantastic...but it's Godspeed.
- Which bands are still doing post-rock justice? Which are not? A Silver Mt. Zion, Do Make Say Think, Jakob, Caspian.
- Rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. 9.5/10
- Recommend similar works to those interested. Sparrows Swarm And Sing (basically a Godspeed copy), A Silver Mt. Zion or any of the other numerous Godspeed side projects, Do Make Say Think, Red Sparowes.

[myantiyou]

It's not. It's a live section of the last track on LYSF. I've not actually heard it though.

oh, no wonder there is applause at the end. make sure you do so, I love it.

[Until The Bombs]

Bump because this is 10x better than anything else going on in this forum.

[IWasaCamera]

I figured this thread wouldn't get much attention. This album is no Your Favorite Weapon, that's for sure.

[myantiyou]

post the next album tomorrow.

[airik625]

I have never heard this record, yet I love the band. :bluesad:

Same here. If this shows up before f#a# and LYSKLATF, then I definitely need to check this out.

[airik625]

It's not. It's a live section of the last track on LYSF. I've not actually heard it though.

Nevermind to my previous post.

[hailthewarrior]

- Did it make your list? If so, what rank?
It did not.
- Do you feel it should have cracked the top 40? Higher/lower?
It fits with this group of people, and it's my favorite GY!BE release, so I'm fine with it.
- Assess its replay value/lasting power.
BBF3 is a song I can listen to a lot.
- Where does it rank in terms of 1999 releases?
I don't know enough to compare it.
- Is this Godspeed's best album?
It's the one I like the most... so I'd say yes.
- Strongest/weakest songs? (Yes, I realize there are only 2 tracks)
BBF3 is sex.
- How is the production?
Glorious.
- Flaws?
I'm not a huge fan of the long songs, but I get the purpose..
- Does it stand a chance at classic status within post-rock?
It technically is already?
- Is it a fair representation of the genre? What are your general impressions of this style of music?
It's a representation of what happens when it becomes grand and sweeping. I love post-rock.
- Given the duration of the songs, does it feel more like a full-length than an EP?
I've heard full lengths shorter than one GY!BE song... haha.
- Where does this release/band fit into the post-rock picture?
Accounted as one of if now the greatest post-rock band of all time.
- How do A Silver Mt. Zion and other related projects stack up to GY!BE?
ASMZ has amazing instrumentation, but the vocals make them worse for me.
- Which bands are still doing post-rock justice? Which are not?
Justice: Caspian, 65daysofstatic, Pelican, Mono
- If you are not fond of this album, do not simply post "I don't like it". Please make an effort and actually contribute to the thread in a positive manner.
N/A.
- Rate it on a scale of 0 to 10.
8/10
- Recommend similar works to those interested
The rest of their discog, A Silver Mt. Zion, Sigur Ros

[Pat k]

Oh! So that's where that record cover comes from. I've honestly never heard a fraction of a Godspeed song. Maybe I'll change that.

[IWasaCamera]

post the next album tomorrow.
A little soon. We should try to balance these out with classic album threads, mixtapes, and other topics. Try to keep several good threads on the first page.

We can get another regular to organize the mixtape thread since that was a really good one.
Oh! So that's where that record cover comes from. I've honestly never heard a fraction of a Godspeed song. Maybe I'll change that.
Definitely worth a try. At least give the video I posted a listen if you haven't already.

[Nevuk]

What is the opinion of all of you on slint?

[DanceJamesDance]

I've seen so much talk of this band but haven't listened to them at all. I will when I wake up this afternoon.

[Until The Bombs]

Oh! So that's where that record cover comes from. I've honestly never heard a fraction of a Godspeed song. Maybe I'll change that.

Do it.

A little soon. We should try to balance these out with classic album threads, mixtapes, and other topics. Try to keep several good threads on the first page.

We can get another regular to organize the mixtape thread since that was a really good one.

Definitely worth a try. At least give the video I posted a listen if you haven't already.

Agreed. You gotta keep at least a day or two between each of these threads. Some will do better than others, but so what?

I listened to this through on vinyl last night. It owned.

Brag much? Haha. Kidding.

I've seen so much talk of this band but haven't listened to them at all. I will immediately.

Fixed.

[3mpire]

Pretty good. I've got Spiderland on vinyl so I listen to it a lot more than I really like the band cause I don't have that many records.

Where abouts do you get your record from? Ebay?

As for this, I've never heard it. Acquiring as I type this..

[Nevuk]

Pretty good. I've got Spiderland on vinyl so I listen to it a lot more than I really like the band cause I don't have that many records.
I've started liking Slint a lot more recently, but I don't know how they compare with newer post-rock. Their Final S/T EP btw, is amazing as well. I listen to captain beefheart who is the root of post-rock as well, the thought behind the genre has just always seemed like something I won't enjoy.

[Danny Schme]

There should be a link hidden somewhere in this thread for me to get this since all I have is f#a#

[3mpire]

Mostly from shops. I'm sure there some near whereever you live. I've bought a few on the internet but across Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester there are four good shops each selling different types of music.

Fair enough. I'll be on the lookout. I'm quite tempted to pick up a record player.

[IWasaCamera]

What is the opinion of all of you on slint?
I've only heard Spiderland. It's quite good but not something I can see myself getting into all that often.
Agreed. You gotta keep at least a day or two between each of these threads. Some will do better than others, but so what?
Agreed, although we need someone to start other threads that stimulate discussion. Not all favorite albums will lead to all that much posting so we need other topics to tide regulars over.

[hailthewarrior]

I'll offer to do the Mixtape thread.

[IWasaCamera]

Ok, we'll have to see if enough users are willing to make/review the mixes though.

[hailthewarrior]

Yeah, I'll make a thread about it tomorrow afternoon, just a "discussion" on how to do everything or something. Get loose commitments and whatnot.

[IWasaCamera]

Sounds good.

[indexfor...]

one of the best albums i own absolutely amazing


Slint's Spiderland is also pretty good

[SickOfStars]

Just thought I'd weigh in on this...

It didn't make my top 20, but this is my second favorite thing by Godspeed. And while it is the length of a normal LP, it's still definitely an EP. It feels like a very small taste of what Godspeed does, as opposed to a tour de force like Lift Your Skinny Fists.

Moya is brilliantly moving when it reaches its climax and I really appreciate the use of a lot of "chimey" instruments in it, giving it an almost carousel (albeit a very eerie one) feel. Blaise Bailey Finnegan III, I feel, is less memorable musically, but the sample is brilliant, especially for anyone familiar with Iron Maiden.

Overall, I say fuck yes to this EP and am glad that people on this site voted it onto the list instead of an All Time Low EP :-)

[absolutecrunk]

This and The Decline were released the same year. What a good year for EPs.

[Chris M.]

- Did it make your list? If so, what rank? Nope.
- Do you feel it should have cracked the top 40? Higher/lower? Yes. I would probably put it around the spot it's at if I were to make my own list.
- Assess its replay value/lasting power. I listen to it A LOT.
- Where does it rank in terms of 1999 releases? It's one of the best.
- Is this Godspeed's best album? No. I prefer F#A# Infinity.
- Strongest/weakest songs? (Yes, I realize there are only 2 tracks) Both BBF3 and Moya are great.
- How is the production? Not an expert, but it sounds good to me.
- Flaws? There's only two songs.
- Does it stand a chance at classic status within post-rock? I believe it already is.
- Is it a fair representation of the genre? What are your general impressions of this style of music? I think it represents how good the genre is.
- Given the duration of the songs, does it feel more like a full-length than an EP? If it were any other band, it'd probably be a yes, but this is GY!BE, there full-lengths are roughly an hour long.
- Where does this release/band fit into the post-rock picture? They are the best of the genre that I have heard.
- How do A Silver Mt. Zion and other related projects stack up to GY!BE? I'm a big fan. There latest album is currently my favourite I've heard this year.
- Which bands are still doing post-rock justice? Which are not? Do Make Say Think are, EITS were up until they started releasing the same type of thing over and over.
- Rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. 9/10

[mattybobviously]

I believe this is the best EP ever released. BBF3 is Godspeed at their best, and this EP is always where I start people when I try to get them interested. Unbelievable from start to finish, a true work of art.

[IWasaCamera]

Bump for additional questions.

- for those who prefer this EP to Lift Your Skinny Fists, Yanqui, or F#A#, any particular reasons?
- does the lack of vocals play a large part in users favoring Godspeed over A Silver Mt. Zion? If not, what is it that distinguishes the two? Don't simply post "Godspeed are just better."
- impressions on 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons?
- seeing as many refer to Godspeed as art, does it bother you when post-rock bands are used as merely background music for studying/reading?
- why do you think the support for post-rock has risen so dramatically on these boards? Are users' preferences moving in a certain direction?
- how do you assess claims of pretentiousness regarding Godspeed and the entire genre?

Feel free to bring up other points that may be of interest to this topic.

[IWasaCamera]

Well, at least someone replied...

[Admiral Amara]

I just got here, so I wasn't involved in of the process regarding the album's selection, but let me just state that this EP fucking DESTROYS. "Moya" may just be one of the most perfect pieces of music committed to tape, and "BBF3" is just so incredible. I actually read a large portion of "BBF3" in my Oral Interpretation class and got high marks for my performance =D

This is GY!BE at their most concise and consistent, sacrificing none of their intensity in the relatively short space of half an hour.

[funkel]

Bump for additional questions.

- for those who prefer this EP to Lift Your Skinny Fists, Yanqui, or F#A#, any particular reasons?
It's better than LYSFLATH and Yanqui. Yanqui is Godspeed's worst release, even though it's pretty good, it's not really comparable to their other full lengths or this EP, although it has arugably their best album cover, ha. Lift Your Skinny Fists occasionally has lulls in it that can make the listener lose interest, whereas I don't find this in Slow Riot. Lift Your Skinny Fists is still a fantastic album and I believe it made my top 10 in the all-time lists, but Slow Riot is better, perhaps on the fact that it has BBF3 alone. Slow Riot's not better than F#A#, but it's pretty close.

- does the lack of vocals play a large part in users favoring Godspeed over A Silver Mt. Zion? If not, what is it that distinguishes the two? Don't simply post "Godspeed are just better."
As Ben said, Godspeed's instrumentation is easily superior to A Silver Mt. Zion, especially on their new stuff. The vocals add an interesting dynamic, but not enough to compensate to reach Godspeed level. Previous to 13 Blues, ASMZ was a decent/good post-rock band.

- impressions on 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons?
Best release of the year so far, and I don't see it dropping out of the top 5, and it might not drop out of #1. Ben said ASMZ finally came into their own with this one, and I agree. On their first album, they directly borrowed parts from Godspeed releases. Now they've developed their own sound that suits them well and they're not relying on old Godspeed styles/tricks/ideas. It's a fantastic album.

- seeing as many refer to Godspeed as art, does it bother you when post-rock bands are used as merely background music for studying/reading?
I can't argue that post-rock makes excellent study music, but people who do listen to it for that reason should try and listen to it outside of that scenario as well.

[Shiny_Boots]

havent heard it yet...

[funkel]

havent heard it yet...
Change that.

[IWasaCamera]

haha