2012.10.12 Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven

Color: Black

Release Date: 2000, October 9

Label: Constellation

Let the posting of GYBE! records continue. This was actually my formal introduction to the band back around the time of it’s release. It also reminds of a friend’s apartment back in Chicago. It seemed like I making several discoveries and having many conversations about music in general in that apartment. I’m not even sure I was in that apartment when I first heard it… but I remember having several conversations about it with various people in that Uptown apartment. This release is considered by many as GY!BE’s masterpiece and for the most part it’s true, save that I hate so easily giving away that distinction because I feel that everything they have released is essential in some way or another. But I’m sure this could easily be called their most ambitious release - even though there are only four tracks, those tracks contain several movements and only one of the clocks in at less than 20-some minutes. In contrast to the release I posted about yesterday, there are definitely moments here that feel like the intent behind them are “joyful” (however still augmented by a sort of apocalyptic filter). This particular album cover is also their most iconic. Not only of their own work, but also of early 2000’s indie rock, of instrumental music and more. Beautifully screen-printed on to chipboard, holding it is like being introduced to the band’s music. You kind of get your first impression of it, but then feeling the tactile nature of the paper stock and the printing technique you begin to digest the individual textures that contribute to the whole. Open this sucker up and there is still plenty more to feast your eyes upon, illustrations, photos and hand-scrawled notes and diagrams on the wax labels galore. Although Lift Your Skinny Fists…, like the band through the years, still maintains a bit of mystery (which could very well contribute to why they are so great).