Godspeed You Black Emperor! - F♯ A♯ ∞
Genre:
Rock
Style:
Post Rock
Year:
1997
Notes:
The CD Re-issue of the Constellation LP. was remastered and changed in some areas, with some new material, and some material missing. It has a completely different booklet/cover/liner notes, but as with the lp, each track is made up of several different segments.
The first issue came with a bag of goodies, including a penny flattened by a train and several illustrations.
The cover image of the Vinyl Reissue is a print, not a photograph as on the first edition.
The first issue came with a bag of goodies, including a penny flattened by a train and several illustrations.
The cover image of the Vinyl Reissue is a print, not a photograph as on the first edition.
Versions
| Title, Format | Label | Cat# | Country | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F♯ A♯ ∞ (LP, Ltd) | Constellation | CST 003 | Canada | 1997 | |
| F♯ A♯ ∞ (CD, Album, RE, RM) | Kranky | KRANK 027 | US | 1998 | |
| F♯ A♯ ∞ (LP, Album, RE) | Constellation | CST 003 | Canada |
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Reviews & Discussion
referencing F♯ A♯ ∞, LP, Ltd, CST 003
What I find interesting about this LP version when compared to the later CD release (and indeed the rest of their material), is the almost complete lack of crescendos. It is important to note that the CD release is remixed, re-sequenced and includes two new movements that brought it closer to the familiar GYBE! sound of build-build-buld...crescendo! This LP predominantly features GYBE!'s more droney sound - something that featured less and less in future releases. My guess is that the style shift was a result of their much-lauded early live performances showing a more intense side, which they wanted to document. That's not to say this release is anything less than utterly engaging, and provides an interesting counterpoint to the whole Post Rock movement which so often relies on pure dynamics.
Otherwise, incredible record. Quite different from the CD version; I was surprised to not hear the "that's what the preacher says bit" and other cut out instrumental parts. This vinyl captures the essence of GSY!BE like few others do in my opinion, mostly due to how spontaneous and intuitive it feels.