I think every single track included in the poll is great actually, but their first three releases somehow feel more important and essential to me (and probably to most). Maybe they are, or maybe it's just because I heard them first. If you don't know their music yet you should do something about it. Their music is beautiful, intense and cathartic. One of a kind although I can't think of any existing band out there that has more copycats than GY!BE. But "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and some of them do a decent job at it.
 



Edited by Saperlipopette! - August 19 2022 at 00:02

Providence gets my vote.

Not possible to choose. 

Edited by Man With Hat - August 16 2022 at 18:01

Lewian wrote: I haven't heard the 2015 and 2017 releases (I should, I know) and was somewhat disappointed by the 2021 one, but I really love their earlier material. I vote for Static over Dead Flag Blues, but I agree that all (before 2015) are ultimately great.

I've been a little undecided-or on the fence with basically all of their post-comeback albums actually. They've had less impact on me than their earliest "classics" that's for sure. Pre-millenium GY!BE made music that felt like it was of great importance, both to me as a listener and to the performing musicians themselves. The rambling maniacs, the sounds from the streets and all things added to their extremely patient, slowly building ascending/descending compositions made the whole experience feel larger than life. Most if not all of the armada of bands from all over the world that took inspiration from their sound, lack these elements that made GY!BE so special. So unique.

Rick1 wrote: Can't understand why this band gets overlooked by prog fans who tend to salivate over their much less interesting compatriots, Rush.  My introduction was Yanqui U.X.O and I was amazed.

Rick1 wrote: My introduction was Yanqui U.X.O and I was amazed.

I had all their three previous releases in my collection before I got to this one. So it was actually a little dissapointing at first. Not anymore though. Over the years listening to this, I feel like this the most compostionally interesting and sophisticated release. A mature work - which is not a bad thing. I now feel that its the perfect conclusion of their first era.

Saperlipopette! wrote: Rick1 wrote: Can't understand why this band gets overlooked by prog fans It's interesting to compare. At PA we're lucky if we get this poll to a second page. This is how the music fans at RYM rate this band: Only Beatles, Radiohead, Pink Floyd and King Crimson and a couple more are "bigger"

I can't vote.

Static gets my vote

Lewian wrote: RockHound wrote: I can't vote. Their song titles mean nothing to me, yet their music means everything to me. Imagine that! I was actually in the same situation; I had to quickly check what is what before I voted.

Same here. Besides these are their actual full titles (and they're sometimes change from release to release)