Swans

Michael Gira is a mad scientist, I love him. He and Black Francis of Pixies should have a sword fight.

From AvalancheGrips 04/21/2019 23:47

Swans could have disappeared in 1996 after releasing Soundtracks and would still have an amazing discography. But no, they came back more than a decade later and release their best work yet. Michael Gira is an absolute madman and genius.

From corenfro 01/16/2019 03:42

I've revisited their trilogy and some of their older albums quite a few times earnestly wanting it to start to sound good and maybe if I spend another 4000 hours listening to them I'll change my mind and it will finally click, dude. They are interesting I suppose and there are a few parts I legitimately enjoy but oh my gosh it's so pretentious and self-congratulatory, and who has time to put in 8 hours to fully grasp these projects and develop a taste for the sparse moments that are actually enjoyable.

To me this is the warning of what happens when an artist desperately focuses on being original, experimental, and edgy and ends up sacrificing having the music be even remotely enjoyable to listen to. To me it's not transcendental music that makes me question "what is art" it's just obnoxious and not enjoyable to listen to.

From DaVGManiac 07/07/2018 12:00

Cannot express how happy I am for discovering this amazing band. These guys are the titans of experimental music. Their sound is loud and chaotic, perfect for listening at nighttime on full volume. Both the first and second eras of Swans are equally mindblowing. Not only they’ve released a bunch of original and exciting records during the late 80s and early to mid-90s, but they’ve also made an epic comeback at the start of this decade, after being inactive for more than 12 years. Even though most of their albums are quite long and complex, it was pretty easy for me to get into them, surprisingly. The discography is pretty decent as well, exceeding in both quality and quantity, though I’m not a big fan of their earlier stuff, such as “Filth”, “Cop”, “Greed” and “Holy Money”. Also, most of the albums here are rated lower than on other websites, but that’s just a small issue for me. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Gira and his legendary band come up with in the near future! It’s gonna be a fun ride indeed!

From LedZep 04/03/2018 11:38

Why the hell is Filth sixth? The whole order is strange. Too few Swans fans on BEA I guess

From JulianR 12/21/2017 08:04

Swans have always been a band I wanted to like, but I have never been able to. They feel to me like a more sophisticated marylon manson; trying to rely on shock value for really no other purpose than to be edgy. And I know it's "the point" of no wave, but their music just never goes anywhere. Again, I wished I liked them, and respect those who are able to

Michael Gira is seriously fucked up.

Good band.

From thirstyDog 08/13/2017 17:27

Yikes.

From Onater 07/01/2017 20:31

I think something is actually seriously wrong with Michael Gira

My problem with Swans is that their music is so great and original, nothing can come close to them. Good luck trying to find similar music. The Seer is the greatest feat of music I have heard and To Be Kind is the most interesting and exciting music I have listened to.