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micky
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Topic: 3rd Rd. Moderns: Lift Ya Skinny Fists v. Delousede Posted: August 15 2015 at 08:28 |
oh a potentially good one here so let's have half of the classic AR team duke it out.. while David and I drink Sarsaparillas in the near corner.. RICO!!!!
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Post Rock/Math rock
4.11 | 423 ratings
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From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website
Ricochet
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator
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The "Godspeed You Black Emperor" ensemble are gods of Sounds,of Vision,of Context and
of Passion that goes everlasting.With just a short current discographic
achievement,they have managed to make wonders and to disturb the general
dynamics.With just three albums,they have the control.Believe me when I say that the
personal fact of awarding every studio album of their work a solid or a close to
solid five stars is totally justifiable.For even though my viewpoint progressive rock
horizon expands to thirty-forty bands at five-six character of it,"Godspeed You Black
Emperor!" impose as something truly unique,remarcable,fantastic and innovating.They
may not be in a visible top (by not being music on everybody's language and
convenience on anybody's option)-and,regarding them,it wouldn't even be of such
importance to be in a visible top-but they are among the top of creation and concepts
regarding high class,keen sharp focus,great perception and understanding,as well as
masterfull strokes of music.In such style,in such times,in such a world,in such
boundaries of reality and imagination,Godspeed You Black Emperor! Breaks the laws of
routing,of compromise and of conformism,of sound spectrum limits and of composition
boundaries.They define that with aplomb and they work their way as giants and as
prolific.What the ensemble does is in the name and in the valuable prestige of
music,of art;as for the fans,the experience of this manifest (of these
manifests,cause I am still speaking at general scales) is a bliss,a shock,a
soul-thrill and a constant "mind-game",a priceless gift.The relation is within divine
chords and fantastic orchestration.The surrealist hard-abstrakt pulse is
exhilarating."Experimental" comes as just a metaforic state of the Godspeed music.In
fact,almost all definitions tend to be simple guidelines.Even this review of mine can
be just a succint expression.For the real definition is the one given by the
listeners' impression.Everything else,in the end,could just be allusions. Every of the three studio albums carries a different message and a different
pulse.Though great similarities and indigo markings can be considered,it is a very
deceiving idea.After the apocalyptic,nebulous F#a# (and the relatively related EP
that followed after),the scenario changes.Now to be honest I did actually set a
reference on the ∞ and expected a continuation of that.But I was not dissapointed at
all by this other side of the Godspeed dimensions."F#a# ∞" remains my favourite
masterliness album,but "Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven" is of the
same magnitude and of the same breathless effect as well.Most elcomed and most
prolific is the opened reference,in which the mystery of the sound and the trembling
of the spirit prevails.Godspeed offers a double sized treat in which the enormous
valences stay intact,the arrangement flows in the same gesture,just the themes and
the approach being changed in order to support a new message,a new horizon,a new
universe.The sensation and the emotion also goes directed into specific meadows.
"Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven" adpots an opened expression,one not
in the sense of light or easy music,but in the perspective of a spirit
definition.Here is the true contrast with F#a#.While that one stirs in the venom of
its dark reflection and is clustered within the blackening poem (nota bene I am not
describing limitations,but a concentrated essence) this one expands.It's
plurimotivated and diverse in the general scale.The accent is on force and on the
perpetuation of full power.With "routing" forms of compositions (the climaxes,for
example;the everpresent climaxes),of perspective (higher,higher and higher) and of
manifest (living up to their names),they make a presentation not of the doomsday,but
of a world and thought beyond the natural graphics.As a first,the melody is more
pronounced,this besides (or better said alont) with the experimentation of sound
celss and distorted themes.Also the orchestration of movements and the collision of
influences come tad proeminent related to the unitary form (again,these are not
limits,but simple mass substances).The effuzion:the lights;the control!New is:the
mixture of low silent points-which are sublime in construction and claustrophobic-and
the vibrant energic climaxes-which are stretched as definition beyond your wildest
imagination-as well as the fact that these two general movements are opposite polls
to the limit;the motions,the dynamics,the key points of blistering rapid
explosions;the "order" of the Brownian movement;the splendid scale of finding the
unknown;the ascension focus viewpoint;the meadows of a delightful infinity;the spirit
disquised in primordial material;the challenging phases of a sublime
rapture.Unchanged stays:the essence and the ideals of Godspeed You Black Emperor!;the
constant desire to make everything perfect:the splendid sensation of making out of
the world a metaforical state of effect:the untouchable quality;the fruits of furt
and the freeze of the moment:the unimaginable being reached,the unseen being
faced:the flawless motivation;the close combination of Life,Death and Life;the
neverending chimeras windows and the decreptive passion."Lift Your Skinny Fists Like
Antennas To Heaven" is the call towards hopes and disillusions,towards the end of
everything futile,the agony,the thrill,the point.. As much as I would like to elaborate the aspect,the sensation and the meaning of all
four pieces,I will leave that to your subjectivism and your personal moment of
reflection.My explosions of euphoria come on two moments: "Storm" (which is the best
Godspeed You Black Emperor! Ever) and "Sleep" (for a climax of such intensity that
burns your ears:a caution advice by this of course-to explore the Godspeed world with
care,for the extreme climaxes ARE extreme climaxes). Masterpiece.
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and in the far corner.. the prog goddess herself...
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Heavy Prog
4.21 | 1033 ratings
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From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website
Raff
Special Collaborator RIO/Avant/Zeuhl Team
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This album was not my first experience with TMV - on the strength of some very
positive reviews, some months before I'd bought "Frances the Mute", which I liked a
lot on first listening, though later on I came to see its shortcomings somewhat more
clearly. However, "Deloused in the Comatorium", the Hispano-American band's debut
full-length album, is quite a different story. This is truly a groundbreaking record
that sets new standards for contemporary prog.
Hate them or love them, it is hard to deny that The Mars Volta (brilliant name for a
prog band, anyway) are progressive in the true sense of the word. Born from the ashes
of emo band At The Drive-in, they are not afraid to take elements from such disparate
genres as prog, punk, metal, jazz and Latin music and blend them together, stamping
their individual seal over the end result in the process. Their display of dazzling
musicianship, left-field lyrical concepts, stunning cover art and no-holds-barred
songwriting are the hallmarks of a first-rate outfit that's ready to take prog - that
stereotypically earnest, stuck-in-a-time-warp musical genre - right into the 21st
century.
Most of the tracks on this album are over the 5-minute mark, with "Cicatriz Esp"
clocking in at over 12 minutes - another statement of intent on the part of the band,
who are unashamed fans of such historic Seventies prog acts as Rush and King Crimson.
However, even if their original punk roots rear their heads every now and then, it
is never in a really obtrusive way. If anything, these punk roots add a measure of
spice to the exotic mixture that is TMV's sound. The musicianship is first-rate
throughout, with a special mention for inventive, powerful drummer Jon Theodore,
whose rythmic sparring partner is on this occasion a very special guest, RHCP's Flea
(one of the best four-stringers on the market, even if you don't like his mother
band). The crisp, clear production values further enhance Theodore's intricate,
occasionally explosive drumming, as it is quite evident right from the very
beginning, in killer opener "Inertiatic ESP" (preceded by the deceptive quiet of "Son
and Lumière).
In my personal opinion, though, the real strength of TMV lies in the supercharged
vocals of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, whose banshee wail interspersed with more reflective,
almost lyrical moments exemplifies what a really expressive singing style is all
about. A richer, fuller version of Geddy Lee, he stamps his mark all over the album,
perfectly complemented by his partner in crime (and former At the Drive In fellow
member) Oscar Rodriguez Lopez's wildly atmospheric guitar playing. Unlike they did in
follow-up "Frances the Mute", here the band keep the use of weird, electronic noises
to a minimum, with epic "Cicatriz ESP" 's middle section being a prime example of how
such noises can be used sparingly to their maximum effect.
With such a strong album, it would be difficult for me to pick any standout tracks,
apart from those I have already mentioned. Haunting ballad "Televators" is a much
better effort in this sense than "The Widow" on FtM; while "Eriatarka", "This
Apparatus Must Be Unearthed" and album closer "Take the Veil, Cerpin Taxt" brim with
energy and freshness, Cedric's brilliant vocals soaring above the band's unleashed
instrumental fury.
I pondered for a long time, and listened to the album twice before writing this
review - but, in the end, I could not help but decide to give this album the highest
rating, as others have done before me. Weird it may be, but nothing short of
wonderful as well - this is prog for the 21st century, a must-listen for all serious
proggers. A wild ride perhaps, but one to enjoy to the fullest.
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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zravkapt
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: October 12 2010
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 6446
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 08:46 |
Hmmmm, tough one. GYBE just edge it.
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Magma America Great Make Again
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micky
Special Collaborator
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Joined: October 02 2005
Location: .
Status: Offline
Points: 46828
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 09:30 |
sitting on this one... refreshers wanted for both
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Nogbad_The_Bad
Forum & Site Admin Group
RIO/Avant/Zeuhl & Eclectic Team
Joined: March 16 2007
Location: Boston
Status: Offline
Points: 20204
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 09:31 |
GYBE just
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Ian
Host of the Post-Avant Jazzcore Happy Hour on Progrock.com
https://podcasts.progrock.com/post-avant-jazzcore-happy-hour/
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Imperial Zeppelin
Forum Senior Member
Joined: November 14 2013
Location: Kuwait
Status: Offline
Points: 6116
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 09:40 |
Stinky fists
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"Hey there, Dog Man, now I drink from your bowl."
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Svetonio
Forum Senior Member
Joined: September 20 2010
Location: Serbia
Status: Offline
Points: 10213
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 09:42 |
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antenna's to Heaven
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Dayvenkirq
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 25 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 10970
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 10:38 |
... Fists ... .
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Xonty
Forum Senior Member
Joined: June 23 2013
Location: Cornwall
Status: Offline
Points: 1759
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 10:43 |
Love both, but seeing as I own Skinny Fists, I'll go for it. Might listen to it today, it's been a long time
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Guldbamsen
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin
Joined: January 22 2009
Location: Magic Theatre
Status: Offline
Points: 23098
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 14:57 |
The Lars Polka, but I could just as easily have gone with Jimmy's Mits. Great albums both of em.
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“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”
- Douglas Adams
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Wanorak
Forum Senior Member
Joined: December 09 2006
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 4574
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Posted: August 15 2015 at 15:10 |
TMV, I can't get into post rock at all.
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A GREAT YEAR FOR PROG!!!
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Kazza3
Forum Senior Member
Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 557
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 01:30 |
Lift Your Skinny Fists is an amazing album, and deserves to go far in the competition... but not at the cost of one of the greatest albums of all time by one of the greatest bands of all time. Cerpin Taxt.
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micky
Special Collaborator
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Joined: October 02 2005
Location: .
Status: Offline
Points: 46828
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 11:55 |
moving to this one next... and starting with Skinny Fists!
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Olape
Forum Senior Member
Joined: July 28 2013
Location: Chile
Status: Online
Points: 2034
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 12:13 |
The first Mars Volta album is their best for my tastes, so my vote goes there.
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The Bearded Bard
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: January 24 2012
Location: Behind the Sun
Status: Offline
Points: 12859
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 13:16 |
Lift Your Skinny Fist's a great album, but I'm not as familiar with it as I am De-Loused, which is one of my absolute favourite modern albums. Perhaps it'll grow on me to reach my appreciation of De-Loused one day? It's possible, but I highly doubt it. Anyway, till that day comes, if it ever does, I'm going to vote for TMV's masterpiece every time these two are up against each other.
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micky
Special Collaborator
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Joined: October 02 2005
Location: .
Status: Offline
Points: 46828
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 20:22 |
managed to get listens in to both of these before I had to go into work this evening.
Really like the Skinny Fist album... good background for reading a book.. which is exactly what I was doing.
perhaps.. finally.. I can see what my better half (and others of course) see with TMV and this album.. I hear the album with some regularity and have had a couple of listens over the last month or so but on this listen.. I caught myself really getting into this album. Finally...
sort of a toss up for a vote.. hmmm... giving it to the album I'll likely grow to enjoy more as it is more the type and style music I love.
De-Loused for Micky!
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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t d wombat
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 14 2007
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 504
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 20:41 |
Wow, now this really is a hard one. GY!BE in general and Skinny in particular have been one of the finds for me, while my young pratt of a nephew bludgeoned me into giving MV a shot some time back. The kid can sure pick a goodun. Going to give both of these another thorough listen before deciding.
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Andrew B
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” ― Julius Henry Marx
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memowakeman
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Joined: May 19 2005
Location: Mexico City
Status: Offline
Points: 13032
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Posted: August 16 2015 at 23:42 |
Love Godspeed Hate Volta Go figure
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Follow me on twitter @memowakeman
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digdug
Forum Senior Member
Joined: July 13 2005
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 4707
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Posted: August 17 2015 at 12:04 |
Godspeed!
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Prog On!
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ole-the-first
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 03 2012
Location: Russia
Status: Offline
Points: 1534
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Posted: August 17 2015 at 12:34 |
The Mars Volta
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This night wounds time.
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rushfan4
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Joined: May 22 2007
Location: Michigan, U.S.
Status: Offline
Points: 65938
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Posted: August 17 2015 at 12:47 |
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