Godspeed You! Black Emperor- Storm (REACTION & REVIEW)

Song Link: • Storm
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[@kenl2091]

This is modern music with a classical sensibility. The repetition, the use of (for rock) unusual instrumentation, the use of ambient noise/spoken word, the quiet/loud pathway that the music takes with glorious releasing climaxes - all are magnificent. The band are fabulous live - at present, three guitarists, two bassists (one using a stand-up bass at times, a violinist, two drummers/percussionists - usually joining in one by one in a largely improvised drone piece accompanied by visuals with the word 'Hope' scratched onto the film, next to no audience interaction as they play four or five pieces before finishing with repeated noise set up by the use of loopers, feedback and effect pedals then they leave the stage with a simple wave, the noise continuing for several minutes until a roadie turns each element down then off. No encore. I'll say it again - magnificent.

[@jackal59]

You've left off one of the most important parts of their live performance-projected 16mm film loops that are live "played" over the top of the band by their longtime projectionist and their assistant. Mesmerizing.

[@chrisnott1970]

The second half is what Brian Eno would have created if he wanted Music For Airports to make people more anxious as opposed to less.

[@gsasfdf]

One of the greatest and most enduring albums of the last 25 years.

[@vangledosh]

For me this goes down as an easy all time top 5 regardless of genre.

[@br.martindallyosb1147]

I remember the euphoria I felt when I first heard this album when it first came out (was it really 22 years ago?). I still get that euphoric feeling when I listen to it now. It is the music of ecstasy and compassion. When the piano comes in after the "Welcome..." recording, what I hear is sadness that we've reached a point we as a society see the homeless (perhaps?) as mere inconsequential problems to be ignored. The distorted speech that comes after reminds me of various parts of My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts. There are two bands that I keep up with in my later years, and that is Godspeed You Black Emperor (is that a great name or what!), and another "post rock" band called Mogwai (from Scotland). Both make music that for me is musically satisfying and very well done. (Mogwai inhabits a different sound world than Godspeed You Black Emperor does, more guitar oriented and shorter pieces usually). Excellent reaction!

[@mattscott632]

This is great. God Speed is definitely an aquire taste, but one that pays off for the listener. Thanks for getting to it.

[@pinkraven4402]

Yup, took me quite a long time to get to appreciate them, even despite being already familiar with prog or experimental genres

[@punker-gamer-trucker-guy]

There is no other word than experience. A journey, a trip? I used to study for high school exams listening to this record.

[@maruad7577]

I have heard of this band and I know they have appeared locally but I never stopped to listen to them. This is more classical with modern instruments than rock... I guess that is why some folks are saying post rock. Hmm... I am enjoying it. This is music I could be creative to. edited to add the end reminds me of Ryuichi Sakamoto. 2nd edit... I think of the speaking part as social commentary that is suggesting the storm is a metaphor for a break down of society and a pending societal upheaval.

[@lukashislop5890]

It is an utterly wonderful and unique experience. Very close to watching a film... but as a song. The closest bridge of visual media to non visual media I've ever heard. Hope you continue the album listen.

[@JustJP]

Glad you enjoyed Lukas, ty for the suggestion

[@gyro3454]

Yess, I’ve been wanting you to react to this band for forever, so glad you are deciding to react to them and I hope you continue through their music

[@JustJP]

so I herd u liek mudkipz

[@WTFungus]

Yet another band on this channel that I never expected! Definitely my favorite "post rock" band. I like how this track slowly builds, and builds, and BUILDS to a powerful sonic climax.

[@grendelum]

_gy!be_ discs, _f# a#, shake your skinny fists,_ and _yanqui uxo_ especially, are remarkable as whole albums that take you on some serious journies… their use of field recordings and found sounds gets pretty wild and meshes with the music beautifully. they’re also ridiculously fun to see live, some of the best shows i’ve seen.

[@nottherealeric1347]

I love this band! There’s so much emotion in the music especially without any kind of traditional lyrics. I’d also like to recommend finishing this album & then checking out their first record F♯ A♯ ∞. The GY!BE “spin-off” group A Silver Mt. Zion is also excellent & their album Horses In The Sky is probably my favourite.

[@SimonALa]

Hey that's me! Thanks for giving it a shot Justin. I don't remember what I said when I recommended GY!BE, but maybe something akin to this: I find their mood of desperation with a hidden taste of hope somewhere... really fits my generation. The people who became adults around 2001, got out of school and tried to be adults in the midst of this insanity, then tried to start working in an economic crisis. I don't know. I think we can related to GY!BE. Also, I was a college student in Montreal when these post-rock bands like GY!BE (who are from here) were at their height, yet playing in small concert halls here and all. It's very much for me and my times, I realize. But at the same time, there is something universal about despair and hope, I hope.

[@AriadneJC]

For anyone who doesn't like this track (and, by extension, this artist), yet another commenter fangirling over the band will look just like "blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah" and be an extra annoyance, adding yet more question marks to their underlying "How could anyone like this?" question, but..... THIS IS ME FANGIRLING OVER THE BAND! Yeah, I love GYBE and everything they've put out, this track definitely included. It's often less about the tune or rhythm getting me moving but rather the atmosphere and feelings. Sometimes, as with parts of this when listening just now, it also plays on my familiarity, where a slow section is enjoyable and interesting simply because I know that it is going to build up, or sometimes explode, into a climactic moment, and I revel in the teasing. That isn't unique to this band, not by any means, but I feel it happens to me more listening to GYBE than with other artists. Fine fine stuff. And plenty more to discover, if further explorations are planned (this track is the first 'side' in a double album, with three more tracks/sides to go).

[@Hollowsmith]

By the way, the most amazing thing about Godspeed is they can pull this sound off even better, live, over and over again, in one take. Absolute masters.

[@reksteren10]

Amazing song from an amazing album. My favourite song on the album is the closing track Like Antennas To Heaven.

[@davidcopson5800]

You have proved yourself to be the best reviewer out there Justin. You are now ready for the song '13 Angels Standing Guard 'Round The Side Of Your Bed' By Silver Mount Zion, from their album 'He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts Of Light Sometimes Grace The Corner Of Our Rooms'. Also recommended for the most adventurous reviewer in the world is the beautiful post-rock song 'A Gallant Gentleman' by We Lost The Sea. If you react to these two 'songs' you will be the greatest in the universe!

[@christianguerin9460]

I saw them couple of time in show in Montreal. This music is even better live. So good.

[@d4cafenola224]

I describe GY!BE as the soundtrack to the slow decay of civilization or a creeping apocalypse with a bit of hope at the end.

[@GareksApprentice]

To me, this album & band represents prog more than 95% of music classified as prog. An artistic expression and movement. Not weird time signatures, musical showmanship, fantasy-based lyrics or any other cliches set by bands 50 years ago. You said it best JP, this album is an experience. I like to classify it as "cinematic". If you're gonna continue on, the next track ("Static") is my personal favorite track from this album.

[@pinkraven4402]

Yeah, prog rock and post rock are like two sides of the same coin to me

[@jackal59]

They are even better live. Scratch that-as good as they are on record, they are BEST live.

[@stephencolligan]

This brings to mind the band “Mogwai” . Seem to be doing something similar

[@tomwilliams8591]

Love that immediate Gaspar Noé comparison, lol.

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

There's a name for this. We all know this is progressive music.

[@punker-gamer-trucker-guy]

It's not though. It's way more subdued and chill than progressive rock.

[@GareksApprentice]

More progressive than most music that's considered progressive

[@eximusic]

Great pick! Classic post-rock album ushering in the great decade of music, the 00s. This is progressive in every sense of the original meaning of the word, and more fitting of that title than bands like Dream Theatre which are just repeating the past.

[@MrKrayer]

I have not listened to this album in probably 10 years and right at the first few notes I knew exactly where this was going and anticipated all the dynamic shifts like I just heard it yesterday. You really connect with this music and it imprints on you in a subconscious level. If you want to continue down the hey day of the early 2000's for the chamber influenced post rock I'd recommend delving into Rachel's. The Sea and the Bells particularly is a good companion to GY!BE's the Storm. Also, "Water from the same source" off of System/Layers is one of the most beautiful examples of this type of music and highly recommended.

[@tateisgone]

Great video as always! Glad you read my brother Lukas’s comment about this song. I’m a huge fan of Godspeed as well and my personal favorite track is Providence off their first album F#A# Infinity. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that song/ album🙌

[@lukashislop5890]

It’ll take commenting on many videos to get that to happen lol

[@tateisgone]

@@lukashislop5890 we can only hope

[@andyshan]

"they don't sleep anymore on the beach" - this is an amazing album - yes, its an experience and this isnt even the best track on the album.

[@2407paul]

wow, never was aware of this one, love it, who are they? It reminds me of the Steven Wilson side project Storm Corrosion. Great pick!

[@airwindows]

Just so you know, this is incredibly dynamically compressed. If you were listening to the CD directly all the beginning stuff would be very peaceful and quiet, at the relevant volume.

[@jaybird4093]

I have a Spotify playlist for tracks that catch my attention after a first listen. When I want to explore, I go to that playlist and tap “radio”. Tracks from this album have appeared on that “radio station” so the music is something that resonates with me. No tracks from the album have been added to that playlist but I do like what I hear! 👍

[@mericet39]

The shouting man at the end, so terrified, desperate and angry. I wish I know what he was saying. The awesome juxtaposition of his panic-stricken voice with the calm, peaceful piano. Perfect way to end an amazing piece.

[@velvetabstractstart]

Beautiful track ! , can u pls react to the whole album , the next songs are static, sleep, and like antennas to heaven.

[@mrwomby5007]

The beginning has Sigur Ros vibes.

[@jerkedevries]

Softmachine is yin. This is yang. Very nice

[@damonramirez]

Justin!!! GSYBE!!!!! And this album in particular, give Pink Floyd vibes like "Echos" and 'Adam Heart Mother" in one album with a modern ( Canadian ) twist!!! 🤘🔥🤘

[@JustJP]

I can definitely hear that :D Good point Damon

[@eternalgrey2559]

14:02

[@JustJP]

Such a good moment :)

[@ritagryphon222]

Saw them ten years ago i Sweden - amazing!

[@linuxgameplayxp6246]

This band cured my insomnia.

[@ioiniipiailiaitinii559]

Sleep well! Black Emperor.

[@sicko_the_ew]

I've listened to this a few times before. It doesn't have a tune you can hum later, so takes a while to stick, but I come out at the end all smoothed out and in laminar flow - so happy. Dog happy. Like when you notice the almost inaudible little "laugh" of your friend, there in the background, lightly "panting" - but it's a really quiet little laugh - just more than a smile. So I'll have some more I think. Something that does get stuck in the spot tunes get stuck in is *Savour* kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-kqZaQZ7F9q6c ( the cover by *William D Drake* - and friends on *Leader of the Starry Skies - Songbook 1* ).

[@andkat]

Great choice!

[@markmaxwell1013]

I had never heard of them before so from the name of the band I thought it would be death metal. Thankfully, I was wrong. Just my opinion on death metal😁🎷🎹🎸🎻✌️

[@JustJP]

Lol!

[@PaulMcPollo]

Is the first time i heard someone relate Godspeed to Mike Oldfield, and you are right, but modern, distopic, and above all... apocalyptic

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

You'll understand better why they put those store commercial advisory here when you listen to the next. Yes, the feeling of loss, you said it. That sad and empty piano tells it already, but you'll have a more clear confirmation in the following, and moving moment, when the old man speaks. I think the art of GYBE is a political message through music, that is, through non-pointing-finger music. They don't need words and their genius is on how you can do it with sounds and melodies. I was "there" when this album came out and I still think this.

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

I listened to a GYBE cd for the first time about 3 months ago and posted my enthusiasm to this channel. I also have one Mogwai cd and a beautiful Ed Harcourt instrumental LP. All three are ambient excellence. This? A trifle too Rockist and not enough Van the Man i.e. Light n Shade. Bring it down boys. I'm waiting for some narration or radio weather station sampling...to give it some breath. Still good though. But the first LP - i believe it's called Fsharp A sharp was awe-inspiring when I heard it! Diolch

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

Ha ! I post send and a few seconds later cue the traffic and shopping propaganda. ! Ignore all the above

[@maxwagner6342]

10/10 album, the crazy part is that this isn’t even the best song

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

Though they come from Canada, this is the kind of music I expect you to react: non-English speaking (sung) music. Diversity. In sounds and feelings, the possibilities of enter other languages and cultures. Keep on, JP!

[@Larjschoen1]

Hey man, just wondered if you had heard this, since you are a player! Shpongle - Nothing is Something Worth Doing! Check it out!

[@frugalseverin2282]

I made it 16 min. in before I'd had enough. At that point it was just an endless cacophony of noise. I thought the beginning of the 2nd movement sounded like the guitarist was trying to pick out 'Amazing Grace'. I find this music headache-inducing and won't be listening to any more of their stuff, just too dense with too much percussion.

[@a.k.1740]

The beginning could seem interesting and could lead to something, but alas it did not keep its promises in terms of length, especially since it drags on for 21 minutes !!! I held on until the end out of curiosity but in the end I didn't remember anything. There is no captivating atmosphere or particular hook. It's probably meant to be mysterious and grandiose but in the end it's just boring. It doesn't make me want to listen to more.

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

I suppose you won't like Antonioni movies. They give you a unsatisfactory feeling cause the problem is that when you see a movie you should expect something to happen. This "non-happening" is only a part the the whole: it brings you to a feeling place that will make sense with those that follow.

[@a.k.1740]

@@Eduardo-Ferreira1982 Indeed I do not like the cinema of Michelangelo Antonioni. I tried watching The Night and Blowup many years ago but that's not my thing at all. That said, he's far from the only director whose films I don't like (Ingmar Bergman, Jean-Luc Godard, Wim Wenders are also on my unwanted list...).

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

@@a.k.1740 I think the aestetical language of both, Antonioni and GYBE, lies on a same ethical basis. Now, you may ask what that ethical basis is. And I can't tell you. As Antonioni himself wouldn't. I think as with Socrates method, we all have that intelligence or knowledge, but we need something to pull it out to conscience. The way I can answer is that we have been removed from feelings, we have been turned so cold to function, we stopped to translate the meaning of feelings. And, to end this thought, feelings have, by their own way, a lot of intelligence. Don't no more what to say, sorry. Thank you for your answer.

[@a.k.1740]

@@Eduardo-Ferreira1982 I see what you mean but I'm not talking about a question of aesthetics or what the artist wanted to convey, but only of pure musical feeling. As a general rule, I don't intellectualize my musical feeling, I live it, and as far as this piece is concerned, it didn't make me feel any emotion, except that it bored me. I can have emotions listening to ambient music in which there is not much going on, so not necessarily expecting something but there must still be something that appeals to me in it, but here nothing challenged me. When you like or dislike something, it is intangible. Either it speaks to you intuitively or it leaves you cold. I guess there's something for everyone and that's good.

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

@@a.k.1740 Yes, indeed.

[@INTJerk]

A magnificent and awe-inspiring cataclysmic tune. Like witnessing the creation of the universe.