Senior Reacts to Godspeed You! Black Emperor "Sleep" (Episode 37)

Celebrating 100 subscribers! First-time reaction to important post-rock band GSY!BE.
/ wallbangerreactions

[@yammerrryeet511]

I still remember the first time I heard this song when I was 15 and it has remained a favorite of mine ever since. The dynamics that they can create with ease is nothing short of masterful.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Agreed. Great composers and players. Welcome YY.

[@SiliconMolybdenumNitrogen]

I'm 55. I have this cover tattooed on my arm. Seen them three times. No theramin . That's the screwdrivers on the guitars ! Bought this album the week it was released. Played it a million times.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks and welcome Simon.

[@soulevans7334]

I've heard this song hundreds of times and it still blows me away every time. It's truly amazing.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks for the comment. Very cool.

[@0000i1]

Great review! I interpreted the monologue at the beginning as a critique of capitalism, particularly its role in diminishing public spaces. Over time, such spaces have been subjected to commercialization, privatization, and barriers that prevent ordinary individuals from accessing them. The simple act of sleeping on the beach, once a commonplace occurrence, has become a relic of the past. Absolutely beautiful song and one I hold close to my heart.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Well stated. Thanks.

[@syntheticsilkwood2206]

I'm 16 and have sleeping issues this is the most helpful song to sleep for me there is something psychological to it

[@wallbangerreactions]

Great story. Makes sense. I have a Brian Eno sleep playlist.

[@wojciech5177]

agree, best song for a afternoon power nap, Static also works fine also but Sleep is better, it feels like it gives melatonin to your brain and blood when listening to it

[@Gdlolfind7]

YES! I love this song its one of my favorites of all time! Its the second time a song has almost made me cry. Its life changing music and im so happy to see your reaction to it!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you lolfind7 for the kind workds and the nice testimony.

[@xbenci]

damn one of your all time favorites doesn't make you cry? I weep like a baby when I listen to this track

[@user-nz6ji9kq9g]

What a bliss, listening to "Sleep" for the very first time. :)

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@haydencourtney7419]

Right

[@Hollowsmith]

I've seen them live repeatedly, and as a 7 to 9 piece, they pull this sound off (on all their songs) in one take, masterfully. What Godspeed has always done so well is the PATIENCE to let beauty unfurl slowly. Their capacity to build tension and let the color of each composition bleed and crawl out of the movements is the product of each musicians being humble enough to not dominate, and to play like an organism together. A really stunningly artistic band. I'm sorry your first exposure to them was underwhelming. The vast majority of their tracks ooze with talent and sophisticated artistry.

[@wallbangerreactions]

I loved Sleep. I agree with your comments. These guys are masters of composition. No noodling. Thoughtful.

[@jaimearreola8978]

Im from mexico and this is one of my favorites compositions of Gybe. I've known the band for 20 years and it still gives me chills.... By the way, GyBE will play in Mexico in March.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Cudiad de Mexico? Donde?

[@jaimearreola8978]

@@wallbangerreactions yeah, in Ciudad de México.

[@kadinfehr785]

Thank you for these videos, I really appreciate them. Godspeed is a very hard band to do reactions to but you did a fantastic job. That coke looks interesting!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you for the kind words Kadin. And, yes, the Coke is awesome.

[@raseru79]

Consistently one of the best live experiences out there. One of the best moments i've ever seen was in Glasgow 2002 when the entire crowd sang the guitar parts back to the band and they slowly worked it into the performance and built with the crowds voices. Absolutely spine tingling

[@wallbangerreactions]

Glasgow, eh? Love that a Canadian band would connect so strongly in Scotland.

[@raseru79]

Glasgow is home to bands like Mogwai so theres an open minded audience for this kind of music

[@xanderbuil0073]

masterpiece album, i recall i was studying the first time i heard this album and pretty much just froze on my seat for 90 mins. Appreciate some of the insights you share in this video as well, thinking about those things really improves the listening experience for me

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks so much for your comments and kind words.

[@abstractedaway]

I _love_ it when elder folks are making sure to experience and savor new things so well - and you picked an amazing, beautiful band and song. If you ever get a chance to watch Godspeed You Black Emperor together with the visuals they play in concert, it will go to a whole another level. I strongly recommend experiencing their song "Storm" that way - at least the second or third time. It will blow your mind!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Emigrating to Mexico has been great in almost all ways...except concertgoing. I probably won't be able to catch them. Thanks for your kind words.

[@lukecevans]

In regards to not finding a full live version, it’s because the song is separated into two main movements: monheim and broken windows, locks of love pt III. They still play monheim (saw it live earlier this month in Cleveland), but locks of love they haven’t played live in nearly 22 years. Back in 1999 and 2000 some set lists featured both movements, but they either weren’t played back to back or not in the order we hear in the studio version. Would love to also see you react to their song Mladic, it’s my favorite song of all time!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you Luke. Cool you got to see them live.

[@KyrKyr1]

Heima forever!

[@bloop6013]

brilliant song and reaction! also recommend checking out Slint, I'd start with Breadcrumb Trail or Good Morning, Captain. truly one of a kind band, basically the originators of post rock!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks Blloop. The Slint is 90's, so I won't be able to hit it. Plus I own the CD. But yes, they are pioneers. Welcome.

[@Frdnnd]

You are genuinely good at this, it's humbling.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Wow! Thanks for the kind words.

[@haydencourtney7419]

Seeing godspeed live is a transcendent experience

[@wallbangerreactions]

That's what I hear. I wanted to go to Mexico City to see them, but 20 million people live there.

[@physiqueDrummond]

yes, going to their show in a month here in Montréal (their hometown!). Eh! And thanks for your effort to pronounce Québec the right way! C'était parfait!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Cool. And yeah, I probably say Qwuh-beck when it should be KAY-beck. Que is pronounced Kay here in Mexico - pretty much the same.

[@koliostro13]

i.ve heard them 3 times live. i'm from Greece. GY!BE are the pioneers of post rock. how many feelings can you pack in one song.... Sleep is a masterpiece... how many times do i have to watch them live to hear this song?

[@wallbangerreactions]

Greece! Cool! Seeing them live must be fantastic.

[@PaulEcosse]

Thanks for reacting to probably my favourite GY!BE track. New sub. 👍 PS. There's an awesome video to go with it that someone made, it's entirely old black n' white clips of Coney Island at the time Murray Ostril was describing in his monologue. It's on YT.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Yes, great track. Welcome to the channel Paul. We do polls on the Community tab.

[@growskull]

one of the best songs ever written

[@wallbangerreactions]

I certainly like it. Thanks for the comment Gs.

[@tcharelees]

when i first heard this song, i was like "wow, this is fucking genius." but sometimes its fun to hear WHY its genius

[@wallbangerreactions]

Yes, wonderful track. Thanks for watching.

[@jackal59]

They have two drummers, although one who played on this album is no longer with them. You really should react to a live video of them so that you can see the full experience, which includes very sophisticated use of 16mm film loops. They are mesmerizing live. Oh, and good on you for hearing Stockhausen in this. I think you're right.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks. It will be a bit of time, but stay tuned as I plan to hit them up again. Not sure when.

[@joshlyman66]

Love GSY!BE! If you've never heard of the Icelandic post rock band Sigur Ros, I would recommend the song "Hoppipolla". Jonsi has a beautiful falsetto voice, and the track has probably been used for a lot of weddings just how beautiful it is. If you have already heard that song, then "Gong" is personally my favorite underrated song from them. Would love if you check the band out if you haven't already. Loving these reactions.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Yes, I know Sigur Ros which is why I haven't reacted to them. Hell, I even have Jonsi's solo album. Great stuff for sure. I haven't heard it ALL though...

[@jenkri]

For sure the DNA is very close with Sigur Ros, a band I follow, listen and see live since 2k. Among their discography I am rather in their early records, but the whole production is a masterpiece 👍

[@afrokid69]

i love this band, and i love your commentary of the song. What you said about space was very insightful. New subscriber!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you for the kind words Jude and welcome. I plan to react to another song by this great band.

[@Sam-wc2mc]

Nice commentary - you know your stuff and have a good ear for music! This is my all time favourite band and this song in particular means a lot to me, so much so that I rarely listen to it to preserve its importance. It's great to see someone else enjoy it too, and in the same way I do - eyes closed to absorb the music. Also, I loved hearing you name-drop some other great artists like Robert Fripp. Really cool. -Sam

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks Sam. I'm hitting them up again very soon. Stay tuned.

[@gumboh]

love this reaction! the depth you speak about helps me appreciate the music as well. I just bought my first guitar a few days ago, and this album (along with f sharp a sharp infinity) were huge inspirations!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks for the comment and welcome. Good luck with the guitar practice.

[@jenkri]

This track makes me think about the painting Le Cri (skirk) from Edvard Munch

[@wallbangerreactions]

Interesting. Music conjuring up art images. I like it.

[@newo9978]

awesome video! love your reactions/input I subscribed I will definitely watch more!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you for the kind words newo and for subscribing. Welcome.

[@KyrKyr1]

Im 45, and I from Russia! And since I heard this band in 2007 its my favorit band ever! 10/10! And there were a lot of bands before this, like the Pink Floyd and Radiohead, but this song has been giving me goosebumps since 2007, unlike its colleagues :))

[@wallbangerreactions]

Cool

[@spencershaw4419]

Your video kicked ass. Thank you for listening to these guys. I’d recommend Moya, or Antennas To Heaven. Both shorter and so impactful

[@wallbangerreactions]

I've recorded 200+ episodes since doing this reaction and I am still getting views and comments. Just goes to show the power and popularity of this great band. Thanks so much for your comments Spencer.

[@NorB993]

Really nice reaction video! Keep up and best luck with your channel!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you for the kind words. Welcome to the channel.

[@firstofthelastglaciers]

its impressive how much texture they can give such simple and minimalist sound.. these guys are geniuses. been a great fan of them for ~8 years, theyre crazy good. maybe you should check out jobs lament/first of the last glaciers (both tracks, in their newest album g_d's pee AT STATES END!) by them

[@wallbangerreactions]

I've been thinking about doing another reaction to GSYBE. Thanks for watching.

[@firstofthelastglaciers]

​@@wallbangerreactions definitely should!

[@Hyplexity]

Are you a musician? You have a keen ear for musical analysis. Great reaction.

[@wallbangerreactions]

No, not a musician (though I own some harmonicas). I do seem to have a decent ear though. Thanks for the kind words.

[@phew9418]

20:27, 21:30. The comments/review I was waiting for.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks for watching Phew. Glad you enjoyed the reaction.

[@ismaelgarcia6574]

Gracias por reaccionar a esta joya

[@wallbangerreactions]

De nada Ismael. Bienvenidos.

[@KyrKyr1]

And this is not Post-Rock! This is a very unique group from Canada. To understand what Post-Rock is, listen to Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, etc.. This is a real avant-garde in art!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Wiki disagrees.

[@jenkri]

… and Russian circles, even Sigur Ros

[@necromantic2955]

Thanks to you for sharing your opinion about one of my favorite bands, I just wanted to ask you a question, what emotion does the last two minutes of the second movement of sleep convey to you, it really makes me feel as if a life someone you love is dying and when they disappear the other instruments, you feel that death is coming and meets, Paz, the last two minutes feel so bitter and at the same time musical beauty, thanks for the video, I liked it. Much your reaction.. Greetings

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks for your kind words nM. Always difficult to interpret an instrumental, but your comments seem valid to me. Since the song is about nostalgia (pining for the better days), the disquiet at the end sounds sad to me. Beautiful, yes, but maybe not so hopeful. Thanks for watching.

[@jemusu8271]

Great video

[@wallbangerreactions]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TokeBoat]

try EAST HASTINGS my fav godspeed track

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thank you for the recommendation TB.

[@powel5451]

awesome video

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks powel. Welcome.

[@sanfordkrones82]

Try Swans "songs for the blind"

[@wallbangerreactions]

I've been into The Swans since the 90's. That's why I don't do ractions...well, I did one - check it out. I like them very much.

[@Ofthehunt]

this is the last song I would like to listen to before I die

[@wallbangerreactions]

Well, that's saying a lot.

[@tylercowart8331]

you pointed out an instrument in the mix that sounded like a theremin or a guitar played with a screwdriver. actually, this instrument is a Singing Saw, or a carpenter’s wood saw bent and played with a bow.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Ah, yes, I've seen that done many times. I couldn't pick out what I was hearing. Thanks Tyler.

[@terriblecanyonsofstatic]

it actually is a guitar being played with a screwdriver being performed here

[@jackal59]

Live, they're certainly using a screwdriver on a guitar and not a musical saw. Same trick that Daevid Allen used for "glissando guitar."

[@wallbangerreactions]

@@jackal59 I saw Daevid Allen in concert. One of the worst shows I've ever seen. I remain a fan nonetheless.

[@firstofthelastglaciers]

screwdriver guitar

[@filthymouse6134]

Can you please make reaction video for Cloud of Unknowing by Swans? I think you'll enjoy it in the same way you enjoyed Sleep

[@wallbangerreactions]

I have too much familiarity with The Swans to do an honest reaction. I did a reaction anyhow on May 18 (Episode 30). You might enjoy that. I like them a lot and have some of their CDs.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Porque esta en México usted? Por jubilación?

[@wallbangerreactions]

Si. Bienvenidos.

[@cesarpachucafranco1879]

Gentrification is a subject they dive

[@wallbangerreactions]

OK

[@hotuish]

You should be quiet and listen.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Shhh

[@bigphatass9685]

this is a reaction video. if u want him to be quiet just listen to the song on ur own

[@pcoas]

I will pass fishmans, GY!Be, swans and other bands I love to future generations, believe me

[@wallbangerreactions]

Time will tell, of course. Hope you're right.

[@pcoas]

for curiosity im 14, from brasil, my favorite song of all time.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Oh shoot, you shouldn't have told me that. My videos are 18+. Anyway, thanks for watching.

[@schweppescomcianeto7582]

ai sabe muito