Date:    Wed, 8 Jul 1998 17:07:54 +0100
From:    David Thorpe <djt@ROBOTS.OX.AC.UK>
Subject: Two recent Kranky releases
 
GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR!
f#a#oo
Kranky KRANK 027
 
In their own words, the title of this record means "regret, desire,
fear and hope" and was "...made [here] in mile End [Montreal, Canada],
at the almighty HOTEL2TANGO, where lonesome trains ramble thru the
backyard while the wind plays in the trees...". If you get the feeling
this is a bleak record, you are half-way towards its
destination. Fortunately the extremely bleak outlook is
counterbalanced by a transfixing, cinematic quality, much like
something by <<Stars of the Lid>>.
 
The three soundtracks of this album use disjointed doom-laden voices
layered over guitars, violins, trumpets, accordion, xylophones to
create a constantly evolving musical style. This creates the feeling
that you're on an unsettling journey with no particular destination in
mind, but you'll pass fragments of western, blues, post/prog-rock and
Ligeti's <<Lux Anterna>> along the way. On arrival, it may leave you
feeling like a wet breeze block has hit you between the eyes, but it's
a magnificent journey.

Date:    Fri, 4 Sep 1998 01:20:34 GMT
From:    patrick barnes <pbarnes@CCAC-ART.EDU>
Subject: Re: godspeed (non-4ad)
 
All I can tell you is that I bought their new record and you should absolutely
not miss their show. The record is outstanding. I really don't know how to
describe the music, but it is definitely multi-genre, and very cinematic, even
narrative in feel. You are lucky, make sure you post a review after the show.


Date:    Fri, 4 Sep 1998 09:25:36 GMT
From:    Steve Watts <steve@CSS.BHAM.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: godspeed (non-4ad)
 
Lazzell, Bob wrote
 
> can anyone tell me anything about Godspeed You Black Emperor? They
> are coming to Philly in a few weeks and I was thinking about going
> to see them.
 
I've just picked up a copy of their LP 'f# a# infinity' and I'd
recommend seeing 'em on the strength of that. It's a fairly bleak
affair ('a soundtrack for urban decay' according to the publicity
blurb) so if that's your sort of thing then give it a try. Somewhat
reminscent of Rachel's, with lots of violins and a deep-voiced
narrator describing scenes of death and destruction. Bits of it also
reminded me of Pax brittanica-era Test Dept and the last Swans LP.
 
There's no track listing on the sleeve (altho their web site does
mention some track titles), it's more or less a continuous piece of
music.

Date:    Tue, 29 Dec 1998 15:33:20 +0000
From:    djt <djt@STATE51.CO.UK>
Subject: Top pop records of 1998

GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR! <<fa00>> (Kranky)

  This might not strictly be a 1998 record since it was released in a
  different form in Canada previously, but Godspeed's debut album was
  released by Kranky this year and is a depressive, enigmatic gem.
  Full of doom-laden voices and four long progressive pieces of music,
  they have perfected the 'quiet-to-loud' song structure in the same
  way that Mogwai have perfected the 'quiet-loud-quiet' one, but with
  far more violins. Play it late at night and scare the neighbors.

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 02:06:16 EST
From: Riouxs@aol.com
Subject: Week 6 pre-orders from rioux's records.

GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR - Slow Riot for New Zero ep 12" (Constellation)
$14.00
        DUE 2ND WEEK IN MARCH.
        "New release from Godspeed You Black Emperor. Two lengthy tracks,
        clocking in at 11 and 18 minutes respectively, of mesmerizing, drawn out
        minimalism. Comes in a foil-stamped cardstock jacket with printed sleeve."
        There will be a kranky version on CD only issued at the same time.

GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR - Slow Riot for New Zero ep CD (kranky) $9.00
        Absolutely massive ep.  Very emotionally wrought, this is a stellar
        recording that melds w/ the previous _f#a#infinity_ perfectly.  More 
        post-apocalyptic symphonic plundering.