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Last Active 03-18-19 8:35 pm Joined 10-02-13
Review Comments 15,091
| Swans Ranked
After tons of listening, I have decided to do a ranking for my current favorite band. Not going to include EPs, just albums, and buy was this tough to do. | 1 | | Swans Soundtracks for the Blind
Swans are one of the most interesting bands to ever exist. They pioneered the No Wave scene with already indescribable music, they created some really beautifully dark compositions, but with Soundtracks for the Blind, they take every single thing they can do and spread it throughout the record. There is the epic music of albums such as Children of God and the Great Annihilator, the early noise of Filth and Cop, and even some things in the middle of albums such as Holy Money and Greed. But even then, there is still a bunch of new sounds. There is ambience, drone, electronics, punk, orchestral music, and the rest is indescribable. To sum it up, this is the masterpiece Swans had always pointed towards. They've taken just about everything they ever did and brought it all together, to create something similar to the White Album. Not an easy listen for casual music fans though, it is as horrifying as it is beautiful. If I could give only a few albums a 6/5, this would most definitely be one of them. 6/5 | 2 | | Swans The Seer
This may have been made nearly thirty years after their inception, but Jesus Christ do they sound amazing. It has elements of their early, noisy stuff and elements of their later, more hypnotic stuff. I don't think I've heard a record this unique in quite a while, especially from a man as old as Michael Gira. It's interesting how this is so heavy, yet there are no massive riffs, growls, or anything like that. Just two hours of madness. Disc one is very dark while disc two reaches more for the light, but it's still rather dark. Simply put, this is possibly the greatest album I've heard in the past few years. It sounds as if they picked up right where Soundtracks for the Blind left off. The only song that isn't spectacular would have to be the Wolf, that is it. This is truly how post-rock should be done, something completely extraordinary, that is so truly genre-less that it's the only suitable term. 5/5 | 3 | | Swans Children of God
After some very noisy beginnings, Swans were hitting a few bumps in the road. Holy Money in particular though, showed some interesting evolution away from the intense noise and into something more. Children of God masters every single aspect of this though, with Swans crafting their first true masterpiece. The lyrics aren't about violent murder or sex anymore, but more based on religion and questioning, hence the title. Jarboe in particular sounds much more in place here, with her voice beautifully gliding over the softer songs. Certain songs still maintain noisy aspects, but it sounds much more streamlined and patient. Overall, Children of God is Swans first masterpiece, and one of the best albums of the 80s that sadly goes unnoticed. This isn't metal, but it's certainly heavier than a lot of the other things I've heard in my life. 5/5 | 4 | | Swans To Be Kind
I take back what I said about the Seer being the culmination of every Swans release, this album truly is. The big thing the Seer seemed to leave out was the raw intensity of albums from Filth up to Holy Money. With that said, it's amazing that Mr. Gira can sing this way when he's 60 years old, doing growls and shouts just as powerful as he did 30 years ago. The instrumentation seems to be focusing more on groove and rhythm this time around, and the compositions owe a lot to Soundtracks for the Blind in particular. Overall, To Be Kind is another Swans masterpiece that shouldn't be missed this year. It may be somewhat incomprehensible in the end, but to me that's a good thing, kind of like a religious experience. 4.7/5 | 5 | | Swans White Light From the Mouth of Infinity
The Burning World was a really big shift from what Swans were known for. While Jarboe introduced a new sense of beauty to their sound right when she joined, it came out on a new level with the Burning World. While that sound was somewhat underwhelming and different for Swans, White Light is where the sound becomes perfect. There is a massive sound with almost no noisy riffing or pounding drums the way their early stuff had, but it still sounds heavy emotionally. A near masterpiece all the way through, White Light should not be missed. 4.6/5 | 6 | | Swans Filth
Swans may have put out their masterpieces later in their career, but their debut is something that still has yet to be replicated. While many would call this No Wave, I think it sounds more like it's influenced by the No Wave sound of DNA or Teenage Jesus. Using walls of feedback, pounding drumming on both traditional drums and pieces of metal, intense bass playing, and Michael Gira's disgusting vocals. It's also their most punk influenced record, with some songs from them that could be considered fast. Possibly the most hateful sound ever produced, try at your own risk. Heavier than almost any form of heavy metal. 4.5/5 | 7 | | Swans The Great Annihilator
The gothic side of Swans seemed to be coming out more and more as their albums came out. Jarboe's presence was becoming more and more massive, and the Great Annihilator is quite possibly the peak of this side. Love of Life put a more accessible twist on this gothic sound, and the Great Annihilator is quite possibly their most accessible record. Songs such as Celebrity Lifestyle and Where Does a Body End almost fall under alternative rock, but the rest of the album is very epic and experimental. They utilize lots of symphonic elements, noisy guitars, and just plain frightening sounds, which aren't unusual for the band, but this record is one of a kind as always. Despite not being as big or even as interesting as their other efforts though, this is still another near masterpiece for one of the most consistent bands ever. 4.5/5 | 8 | | Swans Love of Life
Both the Burning World and White Light were seeing Swans take a folkier, gothic, and more accessible route, which was satisfying, despite hitting a few bumps along the way. Love of Live sees them going further and further into this overall sound, with very gothic crooning, nice melodies, and an overall almost Cure-like atmosphere. They're utilizing even more percussive elements reminiscent of Joy Division's Closer, and the new use of sampling hints at the massive Soundtracks for the Blind. While some of the instrumentation and atmospheric passages aren't as powerful as they were on White Light, this album is still a near masterpiece. 4.2/5 | 9 | | Swans My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky
As the review from Cam said, thank god Swans broke up after Soundtracks for the Blind. They had created an indescribably massive, dark, beautiful, and just incredibly varied album that did just about everything. If they kept going, they either would've topped it and created the most confusing, darkest, and varied album possibly ever, or they would've hit an extremely poor slump with no ideas. So yeah, thank god Michael Gira called it quits around that time. But, he didn't run out of ideas or music, since he started the folkier Angels of Light, which while being great, kind of failed to match the subliminal element of Swans, but I doubt he wanted to make a second incarnation of his old band. Now, it's 14 years after Soundtracks, Michael Gira has aged, and now he is looking back on his career as a musician. But, instead of simply rehashing old ideas, he decided to take influence from the old music, and create something new. My Father is a massive, dark, and spacy return to what he does best. By not losing any of their past hypnotism and focusing on the sound of songs like The Beautiful Days, Helpless Child, All Lined Up, Better Than You, and A Screw (Holy Money), he has truly done it again. Welcome back Mr. Gira. Despite some sometimes underwhelming feelings on this release, and the standard he set with his past releases, this album is a breath of fresh air in a world where revivalism seems to sometimes be more important than pushing forward. 4.2/5 | 10 | | Swans Holy Money
Greed was signaling quite a change in sound for Swans, but it's ideas sounded somewhat unrefined and underdeveloped. With Holy Money though, they have come very close to perfecting the droning, brutal attack of albums such as Children of God. The biggest improvement lies in the droning part though, whereas on Greed they would drone on and on and not quite develop into anything, but it works here almost perfectly. The crushing power is still present though, with Coward being one of the most frightening, bloodcurdling, and just plain horrifying songs ever made. Despite not being one of their greatest albums though, it still serves as possibly the most important stepping stone between the unfocused Greed and the masterpiece of Children of God. 4.1/5 | 11 | | Swans Cop
Fuck Venom, this is brutality and heaviness at it's peak. Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's dive into the album itself. After the violent debut, Filth, Swans could only go further with this sound. And they certainly did, consequently crafting their most bloodcurdlingly angry record. Michael Gira's vocals have improved, the tempos are now at a crawling speed, and the wall of noise is at it's absolute peak (unless you include Public Castration). The problem though comes from the slow tempos and formula. While every song does its job, they all do practically the same thing. Plus, the crawling tempo makes some songs drag a bit. Either way, an absolutely frightening record that should offer therapy for those who don't have the willpower to murder but need some way to get out anger. 4/5 | 12 | | Swans Greed
Cop and Young God were both the point where Swans had pushed their slow, brutal heavy sound as far as it would ever go, at least in the studio. As to be expected, Michael Gira knew that if they simply kept making music that way, it would start to feel campy and repetitive. Now, with the introduction of Jarboe, Swans begin their transition into new territory, but has it happened yet? Well, yes and no. For one thing, the opener Fool, is led by a piano. Quite different than every single song on Cop. They're also trying to get this hypnotic feeling, which would work best on releases such as Children of God, White Light From the Mouth of Infinity, and The Seer. As for Greed, Swans simply didn't quite possess this power yet, which results in boring, dragging music more than often. Now, the things presented here are generally good, and none of them could outright be considered bad, but this serves more as an interesting Swans record than a good one because of it. So basically, a solid effort, but they still had lots of room to improve. 3.6/5 | 13 | | Swans The Burning World
Children of God was, simply put, a thought-provoking, emotional masterpiece. It had taken in the gothic strokes of Joy Division, the pounding brutality of past Swans, and some absolutely beautiful folk music to create a unique masterpiece. But, I highly doubt anyone saw this coming. Maybe if they knew Swans were going to be on a major label, but holy crap is this different. By stripping absolutely every element of their past heaviness, Swans simply made a folk (rock?) album. While it's easily their most accessible album, it also sounds rather overproduced, soft, and full of filler. Sure, songs such as God Damn the Sun and The River That Runs With Love Won't Run Dry are fantastic, it doesn't feel good as a whole package, rarely exceeding the "good" level. There is potential in here, but it isn't used to it's fullest, which is where the album falls short. Michael Gira himself abhors this record, and it's easy to see why, since this is probably the weakest Swans album there is. But, despite all odds, it's solid enough to earn a 3. So overall, a disappointing affair, but some gems are in here if you're willing to wade through some filler. 3.1/5 | |
BMDrummer
06.20.14 | These are all my soundoffs btw
Also, the description should say "boy", not buy | Ryus
06.20.14 | awesome | BMDrummer
06.20.14 | thx | Ryus
06.20.14 | one of my favorite bands too
IMHO seven is too low and 3 is 1 | BMDrummer
06.20.14 | Yeah, was struggling between 6 and 7, but both rule nonetheless | Chortles
06.20.14 | i agree, annihilator might be my favorite behind soundtracks | NordicMindset
06.20.14 | I didn't love Children of God | Chortles
06.20.14 | u might be dumb then | NordicMindset
06.20.14 | should I rejam then | DikkoZinner
06.20.14 | You know this is getting a feat. Nice job | BMDrummer
06.20.14 | It seems like nearly every album by this band is my favorite as I listen to it, but it's probably that way for every band | DikkoZinner
06.20.14 | "should I rejam then"
Yes, def a grower | Chortles
06.20.14 | yeah man | NordicMindset
06.20.14 | okk | deathschool
06.20.14 | Dude. Sweet list. | NordicMindset
06.20.14 | i love filth tho | PistolPete
06.20.14 | This was a good read. I'm only just getting into them now with To Be Kind. I listened to the Seer a
bit when it came out but I just don't think I was ready for them back them. This list kept my interest
high for trying out their other stuff. | BMDrummer
06.20.14 | Children of God is a definite grower, I found it boring when I first heard it, but it has to sink in a bit. Thanks for the feedback guys! | Uranium
06.20.14 | Badass list done right | ExplosiveOranges
06.20.14 | Sweet list, dude. | MadGrinder
06.20.14 | Great list, bud! Good to see some Swans love out here.
I mean, I'd probably place TBK and 1, freaking love that record, as for Soundtracks in second, Children in third, Seer in fourth, Annihilator in 5, etc, etc. But each one to his own, right? : ) | DrGonzo1937
06.20.14 | nice | NordicMindset
06.20.14 | Filth should be higher if anything | BrightestDay
06.20.14 | Is Michael Gira a god? | Ryus
06.20.14 | yes | Muisc4Life26
06.20.14 | I never checked out the Swans. Where should i start? | BMDrummer
06.20.14 | Start either from the beginning, or with the Great Annihilator. | Muisc4Life26
06.20.14 | alright thanks man | BMDrummer
06.20.14 | No prob, I love helping people get into my fav bands | emester
06.20.14 | Sweeeens
Nice list
I think im the only one who wasnt blown away by soundtracks | Funeralopolis
06.21.14 | I absolutely love to be kind but think the seer is shit, which Swans album should I listen to next? | bodiesinflight57
06.21.14 | Basically completely agree. Would maybe swap 4 and 5 but other than that... SPOT ON. | TheNexus100
06.21.14 | 1
5
3
4
rest | MyNameIsPencil
06.21.14 | The lowest Swans gets is a 3? And 11 onwards are 4/5's and above? I am very aware this is your view, and I am in the minority when it comes to Swans, but I just can't get into these guys. I hated To Be Kind, The Seer.... I couldn't get past the first song without getting bored. Though Filth was okay. Idk I guess it's because I don't get it, so please, explain Swans to me | Ryus
06.21.14 | lol you can't "explain" a band to someone, you either like it or you don't, there are no tricks or secrets to liking swans | BMDrummer
06.21.14 | It's really easy to understand why someone won't like Swans, with their repetition and what not, it's not for everybody. But, it's my thing, as your favorite band is for you. | SAPoodle
06.21.14 | 13 is always (rightfully) panned by Swans fans but God Damn the Sun in one of their best songs ever and people never check it out as a result. | Skull917
06.21.14 | I can understand the rest being a personal preference but 9 is their worst by far. Nothing redeemable about it. Also Cop radiates bleakness and sameness geared with a theme, something you praised in other albums. But, yeah, Swans can be like an expressionistic piece - everyone liking it for their own reasons. | BMDrummer
06.21.14 | @SAPoodle God Damn the Sun is absolutely amazing.
@Skull Nothing? Oh whatever, to each their own. | Graveyard
06.21.14 | 7 is too low | YakNips
06.21.14 | 1 is 1
but where is public castration? | BMDrummer
06.21.14 | I said no live albums or EPs | yep123
06.22.14 | you didn't say no live albums | someguest
06.22.14 | 9 so low makes me fucking sick. | yep123
06.22.14 | id quote you but im too laze to copy and paste that shit | yep123
06.22.14 | and Cop needs to be up there next to Filth | Polyethylene
06.22.14 | The Great Annihilator is actually my favourite but awesome list nonetheless | BeneaththeDarkOcean
06.22.14 | Why is Soundtracks for the Blind all of a sudden the Internet's new favorite Swans album? It's a great album, no doubt, but I never heard people praising it to high heaven when The Seer came out, only recently with the release of To Be Kind. Like, did people just suddenly decide to check out their back catalogue in the last 6 months or so? | Ryus
06.22.14 | people always jizzed over it whatchu takin bout | BMDrummer
06.22.14 | Yeah dude, it was always considered the best Swans album. | jtswope
06.23.14 | Holy shit dude this ranking is almost identical to mine, though I'd switch 6 and 7. m/ | Cimnele
06.23.14 | Cop's the album i return to
i prefer their image of disgust to their prettier stuff | GuanoBumbershoot
06.23.14 | "Like, did people just suddenly decide to check out their back catalogue in the last 6 months or so?"
Man, a lot of people most likely hadn't heard of swans before The Seer. The Seer was given a lot of hype after that comeback record in 2010. It would make sense why The Seer would be a lot of people's first exposure to the band, then checking out their back catalogue. God forbid. | BeneaththeDarkOcean
06.23.14 | I didn't say it was a bad thing, I was just curious as to why I was seeing it rec'd everywhere to hell and back. It probably is a great album deserving of the hype, I just haven't heard it yet, should probably jam. | diogoserafim
06.26.14 | 4 is 2 and 2 is 4 imo. excellent list btw | Flugmorph
06.09.15 | Best swans ranking for obvious reasons | BandNewbac
06.09.15 | apart from 4 being 2 for me, this is pretty much my order. | Artuma
06.09.15 | i'd have 4 and 5 a bit lower and 9 a bit higher but other than that this is pretty much perfect. best swans list |
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