Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
  • Record Label: Kranky
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2000
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 192 out of 214
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 214
  3. Negative: 20 out of 214

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  1. samwich33
    Nov 23, 2022
    10
    it’s more like an experience than music. I didn’t even like this album the first time I listened to it, but now it’s one of my favorites of all time.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 13, 2021
    8
    Refined sprawling instrumental rock for the ages. Despite it's long runtime it goes by exceptionally fast. Full of many small details that reward repeated listens. A masterpiece. Timeless.
  3. okbuddyjosh
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    One of the easiest tens I will ever give. This album is a musical odyssey worthy to be discussed for centuries. Each song and each section plays out like an entire movie with exhilarating climaxes and dark lows. If someone were to call this the greatest album of all time, I wouldn't argue because it is that good. It takes a lot of patience and certainly isn't for everyone, but if you wantOne of the easiest tens I will ever give. This album is a musical odyssey worthy to be discussed for centuries. Each song and each section plays out like an entire movie with exhilarating climaxes and dark lows. If someone were to call this the greatest album of all time, I wouldn't argue because it is that good. It takes a lot of patience and certainly isn't for everyone, but if you want to listen to powerful music, this is the album for you.… Expand
  4. aabortus
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    amazing album, their best album and one of the best ever, it's breathtakingly beautiful
  5. Gibbous
    May 11, 2020
    10
    They don't sleep anymore on the beach.

    Best Tracks: Storm, Static, Sleep
    Worst Tracks: uhh....... I guess Like Antennas to Heaven? It's still an amazing track
  6. kermie_the_frog
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    Possibly my all-time favorite record. I just can't get away from it. the two songs (movements really) that have impacted me the very most are Storm, with it's crushing and eerie closing section with audio static and an old piano, and Sleep, with it's other worldly climaxes and bleak opening.
  7. wondering
    Sep 19, 2019
    10
    This is the best album of all times, it feels so apocalyptic but at the same time full with hope, i simply, can't explain how much i love this album and how GY!BE changed my life and the way i see music. just listen to this album, F♯ A♯ ∞ and Yanqui U.X.O and you can tell by yourself how beautiful this band is. Best band ever and best album ever.
  8. Andremax
    Mar 11, 2019
    9
    Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven is orchestral, beautiful, weird and original.
  9. imnamine
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    It takes time to get into this one. First listen, you'll be lost. But you'll be lost in something beautiful, in a journey like no other. This album is a masterpiece.
  10. rarafriend
    Nov 14, 2016
    10
    This is my second opinion on Metacritic. I do not usually put these types of ratings and I promise not to do anymore but this record deserves the highest possible rating.
  11. demonatmidnite
    Apr 8, 2016
    10
    Amazing album! If I could give this album higher than a 10, I would. I finally listened to this album after hearing so much good stuff about it, and it was literally jaw-droppingly amazing!
  12. ReubenIsAGod
    Jul 29, 2015
    10
    As i sit in my room, i stare blanking at the piece of paper, it reads, "who am I", i continue to stair blankly, the walls feel as if they are closing in, its as if im drowning, i cant breath, i whimper for help...no one hears.... Im dying, oh god this is it, im dying, my mind twists and turns, i see, and feel myself slowly fading in and out. The room is on fire, ohhh god the children i seeAs i sit in my room, i stare blanking at the piece of paper, it reads, "who am I", i continue to stair blankly, the walls feel as if they are closing in, its as if im drowning, i cant breath, i whimper for help...no one hears.... Im dying, oh god this is it, im dying, my mind twists and turns, i see, and feel myself slowly fading in and out. The room is on fire, ohhh god the children i see them suffer, i hear there screams of agony, is this a delusion, is this just the harsh reality if which i live in, i feel so hollow, my body, ever so limp, i need to get out, have to escape, but, i can't, im trapped within this reality, there is no hope, no pleasure, all there is is nothing, absolutely nothing.

    - 10/10    … Expand
  13. chickenbowl
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Perfect album. Captures emotion so well. Feel everything from tension to uplift. From tragedy to excitement. This album has lasted 15 years easily and is a modern masterpiece.
  14. gamias1
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    This record makes sweet love with my ears. "Gathering Storm" is outstanding. Efrim Menuck and co. managed to make a record that sounds amazing every time you hear it.
  15. AJ_antipop
    Apr 17, 2013
    10
    If there is any word that best sums up this album, it's "Monumental". I've almost never heard a more complex and fascinating record in my life. You'll notice something every listen. Even the static and ambiance will grow on you like crazy.
  16. detailll3
    Apr 3, 2013
    10
    A truly intense, remarkable music experience, perfect in its own way and genre. /Reminds me of Syberberg's films somehow, especially Hitler: A Film from Germany/
  17. helloitsandrew
    Oct 26, 2012
    10
    This album is like an incredible film score to a movie that I wish I could be part of. It's such a roller-coaster of so many different emotions that it reminds of the apocalypse and the dawn of time at the same time. It is impossible within this genre to appeal to everybody's tastes, but I implore anyone looking for a challenging piece of music to at least give Lift Your Skinny Fists aThis album is like an incredible film score to a movie that I wish I could be part of. It's such a roller-coaster of so many different emotions that it reminds of the apocalypse and the dawn of time at the same time. It is impossible within this genre to appeal to everybody's tastes, but I implore anyone looking for a challenging piece of music to at least give Lift Your Skinny Fists a try. It's hard to fault Godspeed's ambition whether you like the album or not.… Expand
  18. Pandoras-Folly
    Oct 15, 2012
    10
    Absolutely mind blowing. GY!BE is able to craft some of the most intense, beautiful, and melancholy tracks ever recorded. A must own for anyone with an open mind and a penchant for plain good music.
  19. LukeC
    Aug 16, 2009
    10
    This album is unlike any other. It is utterly timeless, an instant masterpiece and clearly will always be a masterpiece. Having this album feels like an honour.
  20. FrankC
    Jan 31, 2008
    8
    I had this composition for at least three now and evertime I listen to it a new layer of it is discovered. I usually stop dead in my tracks when it kicks in. Great music and blows away guest when they least expect it
  21. ii
    Jan 11, 2008
    5
    I fell asleep while listening
  22. friedchicken
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    How can something be beautiful/hopeful yet be apocalyptic staffan? anyways, great album. best post rock album ever.
  23. ChrisR
    Oct 6, 2007
    7
    Holy crap! It's Sigur Ros on heroin! (Or should I say more heroin???) Way to go you crazy French Canucks!
  24. Staffan
    Sep 6, 2007
    10
    The most beautiful, apocalyptic and hopeful record ever made. The record really helps when the world just feels cold. This is gonna be my favourite album forever and ever.
  25. naveedSultan
    Jul 9, 2007
    3
    I can't figure out why everyone thinks this album is mind blowing, I honestly beleive it's waaaaaay behind Sigur Ros and Explosions in the Sky. I don't think i'll be able to grow into it.
  26. DavidC
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    Just the most astonishingly beautiful album ever released.
  27. ArmandT
    Nov 5, 2006
    10
    Perhaps the greatest album of all time. There is no other band like Godspeed and there never will be.
  28. JonL
    Nov 4, 2006
    10
    Oh man, albums like this are what make wading through hours of modern indie rock mediocrity worth the plunge. Full of eerie dissonance, deeply moving sections of pure, organic, rollicking emotion, and a bottomless melancholy both hopeful and apocalyptic, nostalgic and foreboding. Insanely, insanely beautiful and human. Possibly the album of the decade.
  29. AViewAM
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    I'd been listening to this album in awe for two straight years. Then I saw it on vinyl in a little record store in Victoria. Needless to say, I snapped it up. Best. Album. Ever.
  30. Kanada
    Sep 7, 2006
    10
    One of those albums that, if people had any taste, would be lauded for years with all sorts of musical, personal, and even spiritual accolades. "Transcendent" is not too strong a word to describe it.
  31. BB
    Aug 12, 2006
    10
    I've never felt so moved by instrumental music. It continually surprises me and makes my body churn with inspiration each time I listen.
  32. bend
    Feb 15, 2006
    9
    extreamly emotional and moving. however, its not perfect. the songs tend to spend too much time building up and the payoffs are over much too quickly. despite this fact, this is still very beautiful and needs to be listened to by everyone who enjoys music.
  33. chadn
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    i have been listening to this CD for two years and it never gets old.
  34. ZapMan
    Nov 16, 2005
    10
    The GREATEST record of all time. Sleep is the simply the best "song" in the universe. I just can't live without this truly exceptional work of art.
  35. IsraelB
    Oct 16, 2005
    10
    Breathtaking beautiful.
  36. DaniiC
    Apr 19, 2005
    10
    It's ridiculous, indescribably beautiful, and something that must be checked out by the individual. reccommended by a friend with excellent taste ^__~
  37. Joe
    Feb 18, 2005
    10
    A very awesome indeed. I have heard a lot of claims that Godspeed is rather pretentious. I don't think this can be true because they are so loyal to their beliefs and would never sell out.
  38. damon
    Jun 20, 2004
    10
    perfect! nothing else to say.
  39. BenjaminBunny
    Jun 8, 2004
    10
    The defining instrumental rock LP that no one will ever top. Listen and be blown away.
  40. wo
    May 9, 2004
    10
    10 it!!
  41. robertom
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    this is the most increadible album ever made by these guys!!!
  42. DanG.
    Sep 19, 2002
    9
    This album makes me want to cry... pure beauty and horror over 80 minutes.
  43. ChrissyF.
    Aug 17, 2002
    10
    This is post rock at its best. I cannot find a single flaw .. it is almost too good to be heavenly.
  44. nicom.
    Dec 14, 2001
    9
    i am very critic about music but this is soooooooooooo good en full of brilliant stuff: this is music in his strict form and a standard for other POST-ROCK bands after MOGWAI WE HAVE A TRUE WINNER.
  45. JamesR.
    Nov 7, 2001
    10
    listen
  46. SteveC.
    Oct 14, 2001
    10
    In a thousand years, music will sound like this. in a million years, the world will sound like this.
  47. PauvoB.
    Aug 14, 2001
    10
    One of the best albums ever made! This is what music is all about.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2000
12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2000
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Village Voice
    80
    Godspeed's records will either blow your head off or leave you shrugging, depending on where your personal quest for freedom is taking you.
    Read full review
  2. Neumu.net
    60
    Unwinds slowly, slipping between ghosted noise-and-field-recording passages and the sustained explosions of big, bombastic caterwaul that have become Godspeed's signature sound.
    Read full review
  3. Almost Cool
    90
    Not only has the group taken their sound and refined it even more, but even the ambient soundscapes and parts between the actual songs are more well constructed.
    Read full review
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