A Guide to SWANS

[@danielalejandro3479]

I love how the whole video is nearly the length of two Swans songs

[@youtubeuserdan4017]

This video is only 30 seconds longer than Look At Me Go

[@el_mal_de_ojo]

It's 59 seconds longer than The Knot, as well.

[@peepnox7747]

:)

[@JeanMarceaux]

Or slightly longer than Filth

[@j-mersh6572]

Or three minutes longer than The Beggar Lovers (Three)

[@AAboardCo]

I met Michael Gira in Dallas after seeing him for the first time. I shook his hand and told him I loved his work more than anything in the world... And he grunted and drew a squiggly line on my copy of to be kind and moved on to the next person

[@shimmipenguin1764]

Thats sad

[@Revan0356]

@@shimmipenguin1764 sounds like him though

[@Revan0356]

I don't even remember what I said to him when I met him in Philly and he signed my Seer vinyl. Super nice I remember.

[@kellybrown7671]

Met him almost 30 years ago in Houston. One of the band members (it's a fog and I can't remember which) was trying to give me a Star Wars figurine before the show. I'm still confused.

[@cole1714]

@@kellybrown7671 that was Michael, and now he makes angry music because you wouldn't take his Star Wars figure :/

[@nichooker9581]

Hit that like button so this goes to the top Swans EP - 2:33 Filth - 3:06 Cop - 5:40 Young God EP - 7:11 Time Is Money (Bastard) - 7:59 Greed - 9:27 Holy Money - 11:27 A Screw - 13:04 Public Castration Is A Good Idea - 13:18 Children of God - 14:03 The Burning World - 17: 31 White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity - 20:31 Love of Life - 24:30 The Great Annihilator - 26:09 Soundtracks For The Blind - 29:27 My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky - 34:08 The Seer - 36:48 To Be Kind - 39:35 The Glowing Man - 42:58

[@cokedupnormies2651]

Which ones are essentials?

[@mikeray8301]

Cokedup Normies Filth, Public Castration is a Good Idea, Children of God, White Light from the Mouth of Infinity, The Great Annihilator, Soundtracks for the Blind, and The Seer. But those are just the essentials, by all means, listen to the rest. All of their albums are at least decent.

[@j.prt.979]

No one mentioning Swans Are Dead as an essential??? Smh What I would consider essentials are Filth, White Light from the Mouth of Infinity, The Great Annihilator, Soundtracks for the Blind, Swans Are Dead, and To Be Kind. Best albums of each era of the band. The Glowing Man and The Seer are also absolutely phenomenal however.

[@spoonmeanie5644]

The Burning World doesn't have a link.

[@honeycomblord9384]

@@spoonmeanie5644 Gira probably ordered em to mess up the timestamp.

[@juanpablohernandezortiz8123]

These are the most intimidating album covers I've ever seen

[@sameenshakya5188]

Juan Pablo Hernández Ortiz I know right

[@kaos5633]

but their most intimidating album is a circle with 2 red lines lol

[@kaos5633]

(joking aside soundtracks for the blind is the best album)

[@spitgorge2021]

@@kaos5633 disagreed but every swans album is a masterpiece

[@jooree7696]

@@kaos5633 Agree

[@housecat346]

You are a godsend to music discussion

[@deepcuts]

I'm flattered Jozua, you are all godsends for watching this channel!

[@Neel-ff4mn]

deep cuts 29:15 It's pronounced "Dee Tuur Isst Zoo" if that helps.

[@BlueGrenadeTom]

Hahaaa - The tourist zoo =]

[@15henklea]

This makes me think he should talk about Beat Happening ;)

[@MoonUponAStick]

Nice profile pic Jozua, Milo's the man.

[@DemonSlide]

The brilliance of "Swans are Dead" should not be understated. Possibly the best and most amazing live record by the band there is.

[@j.prt.979]

Yes! And Deliquescence.

[@Jarednhk]

Thank you so much. One of the greatest performances of sound.

[@sleepassist5745]

I can definitely say starting with their later material might be the best way to introduce yourself to Swans. My best friend was a huge fan of Gira and it wasn't until I heard The Angels of Light's second album that I paid any attention to Gira. A few years later my best friend passed away. He had never seen Swans or AoL live. I find out they were playing near me during The Seer tour and I felt like it was a pilgrimage I had to take. I did find The Seer to be a much more tolerable album that I did enjoy. I went to the show alone, not knowing what to expect. I had heard about their old tours, but what I got was this hypnotic surge, a wall of sound. Some people decided it was too much for them and they retreated towards the back of the venue though I stayed. It was primal and spiritual. I emailed Gira shortly after that show. Thanking him for the experience. I had told him about my best friend and how much he adored him and that the experience was meant more to me than what I could fully write out. He took the time to reply and thanked me for my words.

[@lapsijahti]

😿

[@ceenote969]

"White Light From The Mouth of Infinity" is one of the finest, most amazing albums ever made

[@Sparky666Pivot]

I love how primitive, primordial and intuitive Filth is. Just listen to the snares and cymbals on the first track, how spontaneous they are. This album is pure emotion, unfiltered energy. Great video as always, keep it up.

[@LorcaLoca]

Filth and Cop are Swans' masterpieces. Those albums are pure innovation. They don't sound like the original no-wave scene.

[@Sparky666Pivot]

Most of their discography is phenomenal, but these two stand out for me as far as translating honest feelings into music goes.

[@deepcuts]

Primordial is a great way to describe that early period Nikolay...damn I wish i had used it!

[@BigDaddyZakk420]

Nikolay Alexandrov I literally just used the word primordial to describe filth. It really is the best adjective one can use to describe the atonal atrocity that is Filth.

[@melvinmelvins5202]

Joyful is another word I'd use.

[@MajoraWaffle]

BE STRONG BE HARD

[@zulunation90s95]

Majora RESIST TEMPTATION

[@ottodude555]

STICK YOUR HAND IN YOUR EYE

[@Neel-ff4mn]

Majora FLEX YOUR MUSCLES!

[@CloneCommandos101]

USE YOUR BODY TO GET SATISFACTION!

[@gooeyllewy3729]

we should rape!!!

[@TheFubarProletariat]

I wear my Public Castration t-shirt with pride.

[@peechannel8435]

haha!

[@asworstos]

TheFubarProletariat absolute chad

[@IMN602]

I dropped acid and watched Fantastic Planet... Fucking blew my mind man

[@uzualvizuals]

I am in love with your profile pic! Can you please send it to me

[@TeamAwesomeDK]

I wear my public castration t-shirt with my pride flag

[@TollsterMensch]

i really like listening to Swans when falling asleep. their repetitive, hypnotic style really sounds like hypnagogia and it's quite fitting for falling asleep (and is also quite pleasent to wake up)

[@Devour_ment]

Impressive, I consider albums like soundtracks for the blind and the seer to be pure nightmare fuel

[@justlus]

you are insane 😭😭😭

[@blender3935]

@@Devour_ment imagine waking up to her mouth is filled with honey 💀

[@amberskies1227]

are you trying to fall into a coma

[@DeclanVH]

@@Devour_ment I honestly love that scary feeling the album gives you at night. It's somehow both unsettling, yet comfortable

[@lurtz8656]

I found SWANS a few years ago after watching Fantano's review of To Be Kind and shortly after listening to that album, I found this video and have watched it 3 or 4 times since my journey listening to SWANS to contextualize the deep dive. I've never had a band like this and every time I've listened to an album of theirs and not liked it, I've come back later and had that clicking "oh shit" moment. Just a cool thing that both this video and their discography exist. Love SWANS and Soundtracks is one of my favorite albums of all time, in part because of this video.

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

I'm experiencing the same thing right now. Praise The Needle Drop for making me discover that album and band

[@robjones2408]

A great, great band.I've been a fan since "Children Of God" in 1987.I saw them perform in London 1992, and they were magnificent. When Michael sang "Failure, (the most heartbreaking tracks I have heard in the last twenty seven years) many people were in tears. Thanks for the sterling overview. It has been long overdue.

[@starbvuks7171]

damn you've been a fan for 33 years that's unreal

[@cesarmadaflower]

in a nutshell: SWANS has a shit load of records and they all AWESOME

[@jalijali8448]

I've loved Swans since the late 80's, this was excellent for people yet to discover this essential music

[@zacharycoffee6203]

You should do The microphones/ Mount Eerie!

[@deepcuts]

On the list Zachary

[@zZEITGEISTERZz]

oh yes, i cant wait

[@rock_erich343]

@𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷 yeah, thought of this today, found the comment and response all happy and then remembered what state the channel is in. :(

[@spoonmeanie5644]

I would be excited if i wasnt too bussy looking for The Glow Pt. I

[@masterofdisguise9564]

Yes!

[@adriansteele5679]

I met Michael Gira and he told me off for giving him a handshake with my left hand. RIP

[@nathanwashington9784]

Adrian Steele well why the fuck would you ever give a left handed handshake, I'm left handed and even I know not to do that shit

[@adriansteele5679]

he was holding loads of shit in his right hand. i was just being accommodating

[@brandonburroughs7128]

Adrian Steele what did he say exactly? lol and when was this?

[@adriansteele5679]

it was after a gig, he was just like "wait, right hand". I wasn't really surprised because he is a fairly intense individual.

[@brandonburroughs7128]

Adrian Steele was this recently?

[@facemelter2277]

Gira has one of the most underrated voices ever, listen to Why Hide and tell me that man is human

[@tylersquanto8938]

Sounds more like a monster on tracks like Clay Man

[@ireallydontcareabouthandles]

I'm a Great Annihilator man myself. I think it does the best job of summarizing the band's journey as a whole, firmly rooted in the post-punk stylings of White Light and Love of Life but also occasionally recalling the aggression of their no-wave material as well as foreshadowing their future post-rock direction with songs like Warm and Telepathy. Actually, I might be so bold as to say that if any one song in their career could hope to summarize the band's sound as a whole, it's Alcohol The Seed. Grinds like the early stuff, builds like the recent stuff, and incorporates lush sonic detail like the mid period, all with Gira's imagery intact and condensed into 3 and a half minutes.

[@Skullkan6]

I feel like that album never shined until the remaster.

[@user-ex7yq6xq9s]

your pfp makes me disbelief your opinion about swans

[@ccxamd]

ur profile is a masterpiece

[@colinshannon3806]

Why am I just finding this channel? This is some of the most detailed and thorough music commentary I have seen on KZbin. I actually believe he has listened to all of these albums not just skimmed them to talk about the newest release. Excellent work!

[@iCecilJacksonI]

Excellent overview again! I really appreciate your channel in a really significant way and hope you keep doing it for as long as you can!

[@deepcuts]

I'll keep doing it as long as you all keep supporting it!

[@bumsmanifesto123]

Do John Zorn next, it's not like I'm asking too much. John ZornThe Classic Guide to Strategy: Volume 1 (1983)Locus Solus (1983, 1997)Ganryu Island (1984, 1998)The Classic Guide to Strategy: Volume 2 (1985)The Big Gundown (1985)Spillane (1987)Spy vs Spy: The Music of Ornette Coleman (1989)Elegy (1992)Kristallnacht (1993)First Recordings 1973 (1995)Redbird (1995)The Book of Heads (1995)The Classic Guide to Strategy (1996, Collecting the out of print Volumes 1 and 2)Duras: Duchamp (1997)New Traditions in East Asian Bar Bands (1997)Angelus Novus (1998)Aporias: Requia for Piano and Orchestra (1998)The Bribe (1998)Godard/Spillane (1999)The String Quartets (1999)The Big Gundown: 15th Anniversary Special Edition (2000, Remastered, with bonus tracks)Xu Feng (2000)Cartoon S/M (2000) 2CDMadness, Love and Mysticism (2001)Songs from the Hermetic Theatre (2001)IAO (2002)Chimeras (2003)Magick (2004)Mysterium (2005)Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass: A Tribute to Bruno Schultz- The Cracow Klezmer Band Plays John Zorn (2005)Rituals (2005)From Silence to Sorcery (2007)Alhambra Love Songs (2009)Femina (2009)In Search of the Miraculous (February 2010)Chimeras (Revised Edition) (2010)Dictée/Liber Novus (May 2010)The Goddess - Music for the Ancient of Days (June 2010)What Thou Wilt (October 2010)Interzone (November 2010)The Satyr's Play / Cerberus (April 2011)Nova Express (March 2011)Enigmata (June 2011)At the Gates of Paradise (September 2011)Mount Analogue (January 2012)Nosferatu (April 2012)The Hermetic Organ (June 2012)Rimbaud (August 2012)A Vision in Blakelight (September 2012)Music and Its Double (October 2012)The Concealed (November 2012)Lemma (February 2013)Dreamachines (July 2013)On the Torment of Saints, the Casting of Spells and the Evocation of Spirits (November 2013)Shir Hashirim (December 2013)The Hermetic Organ Vol. 2 (January 2014)Psychomagia (January 2014)The Alchemist (February 2014)Fragmentations, Prayers and Interjections (March 2014)In the Hall of Mirrors (May 2014)Myth and Mythopoeia (June 2014)On Leaves of Grass (August 2014)Valentine's Day (September 2014)The Song Project (November 2014)The Hermetic Organ 3: Pauols Hall, Huddersfield (January 2015)Hen to Pan (February 2015)Simulacrum (March 2015)The True Discoveries Of Witches And Demons (August 2015)Inferno (September 2015)The Hermetic Organ Vol. 4: St. Bart's, NYC (January 2016)Madrigals (January 2016)The Painted Bird (March, 2016)Sacred Visions (July, 2016)Commedia Dell’arte (August, 2016)49 Acts Of Unspeakable Depravity In The Abominable Life And Times Of Gilles De Rais (September, 2016)The Classic Guide to Strategy: Volume 4 (October, 2016) The Parachute Years (1997)Box Set featuring the following recordings (also released separately) Lacrosse (1977, 2000) 2CDPool (1980, 2000)Hockey (1980, 2002)Archery (1981, 2001) 3CD Cobra performancesCobra (1987)John Zorn's Cobra: Live at the Knitting Factory (1992)John Zorn's Cobra: Tokyo Operations '94 (1994)Cobra: John Zorn's Game Pieces Volume 2 (2002) Music Romance seriesMusic for Children (Volume One, 1998)Taboo & Exile (Volume Two, 1999)The Gift (Volume Three, 2001) The DreamersThe Dreamers (2008)O'o (2009)Ipos: Book of Angels Volume 14 (2010)A Dreamers Christmas (2011)Pellucidar: A Dreamers Fantabula (2015) Filmworks seriesFilmworks 1986-1990 (1991)Filmworks II: Music for an Untitled Film by Walter Hill (1995)Filmworks III: 1990-1995 (1995)Filmworks IV: S/M + More (1996)Filmworks V: Tears of Ecstasy (1996)Filmworks VI: 1996 (1997)Filmworks VII: Cynical Hysterie Hour (1997, originally in 1989 as "Cynical Hysterie Tour", Japan only)Filmworks VIII: 1997 (1998)Filmworks IX: Trembling Before G-d (2000)Filmworks X: In the Mirror of Maya Deren (2001)Filmworks XI: Secret Lives (2002)Filmworks XII: Three Documentaries (2002)Filmworks XIII: Invitation to a Suicide (2002)Filmworks XIV: Hiding and Seeking (2003)Filmworks XV: Protocols of Zion (2005)Filmworks XVI: Workingman's Death (2005)Filmworks Anthology (2005) - compilation of tracks from first 15 Filmworks albums plus one unissued recordingFilmworks XVII: Notes on Marie Menken/Ray Bandar: A Life with Skulls (2006)Filmworks XVIII: The Treatment (2006)Filmworks XIX: The Rain Horse (2008)Filmworks XX: Sholem Aleichem (2008)Filmworks XXI: Belle de Nature/The New Rijksmuseum (2008)Filmworks XXII: The Last Supper (2008)Filmworks XXIII: El General (2009)Filmworks XXIV: The Nobel Prizewinner (2010)Filmworks XXV: City of Slaughter/Schmatta/Beyond the Infinite (2013) with Naked CityNaked City (1990)Torture Garden (1990)Grand Guignol (1992)Leng Tch'e (1992)Heretic (1992)Radio (1993)Absinthe (1993)Black Box (1996, collects Torture Garden & Leng Tch'e albums) 2xCDNaked City Live, Vol. 1: The Knitting Factory 1989 (2002)Naked City: The Complete Studio Recordings (2005)Black Box-20th Anniversary Edition: Torture Garden/Leng Tch'e (2010) with PainkillerGuts of a Virgin (1991) EPBuried Secrets (1992) EPRituals: Live in Japan (1993)Execution Ground (1994)Collected Works (1997, Includes Guts of a Virgin, Buried Secrets, Execution Ground, Live in Osaka and bonus material) 4CDGuts of a Virgin/Buried Secrets (1998, Collection of first two EP's)Talisman: Live in Nagoya (2002)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 12 (2005, guest vocals by Mike Patton)The Prophecy: Live in Europe (2013) with HemophiliacHemophiliac (2002)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 6 (2004) with MasadaAlef (1994)Beit (1994)Gimel (1994)Dalet (1995) EPHei (1995)Vav (1995)Zayin (1996)Het (1997)Tet (1998)Yod (1998)Live in Taipei 1995 (1998)Live in Jerusalem 1994 (1999) 2CDLive in Middelheim 1999 (1999)Live in Sevilla 2000 (2000)Live at Tonic 2001 (2001)First Live 1993 (2002)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 7 (2004)Sanhedrin 1994-1997 (2005) 2CD with Electric Masada50th Birthday Celebration Volume 4 (2004)At the Mountains of Madness (2005) 2CD Masada String TrioThe Circle Maker (1998, Disc 1 by Masada String Trio, Disc 2 by Bar Kokhba Sextet) 2CD50th Birthday Celebration Volume 1 (2004)Azazel: Book of Angels Volume 2 (2005)Haborym: Book of Angels Volume 16 (2010) Bar Kokhba SextetBar Kokhba (1996) 2CDThe Circle Maker (1998, Disc 1 by Masada String Trio, Disc 2 by Bar Kokhba Sextet) 2CD50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11 (2005)Lucifer: Book of Angels Volume 10 (2008) Masada Anniversary seriesMasada Anniversary Edition Vol. 1: Masada Guitars (2003)Masada Anniversary Edition Vol. 2: Voices in the Wilderness (2003)Masada Anniversary Edition Vol. 3: The Unknown Masada (2003)Masada Anniversary Edition Vol. 4: Masada Recital (2004)Masada Anniversary Edition Vol. 5: Masada Rock (2005) 50th Birthday Celebration series50th Birthday Celebration Volume 1 (by Masada String Trio, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 2 (by Milford Graves/John Zorn, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 3 (by Locus Solus, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 4 (by Electric Masada, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 5 (by Fred Frith/John Zorn, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 6 (by Hemophiliac, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 7 (by Masada, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 8 (by Wadada Leo Smith/Susie Ibarra/John Zorn, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 9: The Classic Guide to Strategy Volume Three (by John Zorn, 2004)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 10 (by Yamataka Eye/John Zorn, 2005)50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11 (by Bar Kokhba Sextet, 2005) 3CD50th Birthday Celebration Volume 12 (by Painkiller, 2005) Masada Book Two - The Book of AngelsAstaroth: Book of Angels Volume 1 (by Jamie Saft Trio, 2005)Azazel: Book of Angels Volume 2 (by Masada String Trio, 2005)Malphas: Book of Angels Volume 3 (by Mark Feldman & Sylvie Courvoisier, 2006)Orobas: Book of Angels Volume 4 (by Koby Israelite, 2006)Balan: Book of Angels Volume 5 (by The Cracow Klezmer Band, 2006)Moloch: Book of Angels Volume 6 (by Uri Caine, 2006)Asmodeus: Book of Angels Volume 7 (by Marc Ribot, 2007)Volac: Book of Angels Volume 8 (by Erik Friedlander, 2007)Xaphan: Book of Angels Volume 9 (by Secret Chiefs 3, 2008)Lucifer: Book of Angels Volume 10 (by Bar Kokhba Sextet, 2008)Zaebos: Book of Angels Volume 11 (by Medeski, Martin and Wood, 2008)Stolas: Book of Angels Volume 12 (by Masada Quintet featuring Joe Lovano, 2009)Mycale: Book of Angels Volume 13 (by Mycale, 2010)Ipos: Book of Angels Volume 14 (by The Dreamers, 2010)Baal: Book of Angels Volume 15 (by Ben Goldberg Quartet, 2010)Haborym: Book of Angels Volume 16 (by Masada String Trio, 2010)Caym: Book of Angels Volume 17 (by Cyro Baptista, 2011)Pruflas: Book of Angels Volume 18 (by David Krakauer, 2012)Abraxas: Book of Angels Volume 19 (by Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz, 2012)Tap: Book of Angels Volume 20 (by Pat Metheny, 2013)Alastor: Book of Angels Volume 21 (by Eyvind Kang, 2014)Adramelech: Book of Angels Volume 22 (by Zion80, 2014)Aguares: Book of Angels Volume 23 (by Roberto Juan Rodríguez, 2014)Amon: Book of Angels Volume 24 (by Klezmerson, 2015)Gomory: Book of Angels Volume 25 (by Mycale, 2015)Cerberus: Book of Angels Volume 26 (by The Spike Orchestra, 2015)Flaga: Book of Angels Volume 27 (by Flaga, 2016)Andras: Book of Angels Volume 28 (by Nova Express Quintet, 2016)Flauros: Book of Angels Volume 29 (by AutorYno, 2016)Leonard: Book of Angels Volume 30 (by Garth Knox and The Saltarello Trio, 2017) MoonchildMoonchild: Songs Without Words (2006) - The Moonchild Trio: Mike Patton, Trevor Dunn & Joey BaronAstronome (2006) - The Moonchild TrioSix Litanies for Heliogabalus (2007) - Moonchild with John Zorn, Jamie Saft, Ikue Mori and chorusThe Crucible (2008) - Moonchild with John Zorn & Marc RibotIpsissimus (2010) - Moonchild with John Zorn & Marc RibotTemplars: In Sacred Blood (2012) - Moonchild with John MedeskiThe Last Judgment (2014) - Moonchild with John Medeski The Gnostic TrioThe Gnostic Preludes (March 2012)The Mysteries (April 2013)In Lambeth (December 2013)The Testament of Solomon (August 2014)Transmigration of the Magus (October 2014)The Mockingbird (May 2016)

[@trindrf4901]

Might as well do bull of heaven

[@Eli-ns5uw]

Nice pfp pic

[@handsomeb.wonderful2437]

Guide to The Residents?

[@storaxsedan2076]

jesus fuck

[@whodoobucrew2960]

Naked city is amazing

[@zacharycoffee6203]

OH MY GOD YES. THIS IS INCREDIBLE. YOU HAVE A FAN IN ME FOREVER

[@offthahook8]

I love Swans. Their early music makes me think of walking in some darkly lit corridor with stone walls, deep deep underground and I’m walking past cells of tormented doomed men who I can’t fully see because of the poor light but some of them are screaming at me in anger some of them are pleading for freedom, some of them are insane and others are just curled up on the floor crying. I can’t see what’s at the end of the corridor because it’s dark and I can hear a hammering noise but can’t tell if it’s ahead of me or behind me and something really horrible is happening, has happened or is about to happen.

[@lessthanpinochet]

Live Through Me might just be the most amazing thing I've ever heard. Swans is genuinely the last band I thought who'd make such life affirming music. Just stunning.

[@CliffordthebigredCat]

Well done mate. When the day finally comes that the destroyer of worlds (Michael Gira) has his revenge, you will be one of the first ones spared.

[@chairsmissing]

I've been on such a deep Swans mood lately that I keep coming back to that video and rewatch what you had to say for each individual album I'm hung unto at that given point. Swans' music is really an experience that keeps on giving, one should never take their work for granted or think they cracked it open after just one listen.

[@JasonPizzolato]

I saw the 'Great Annihilator', 'Soundtracks For the Blind, & 'To Be Kind' tours. All three were killer. 'To Be Kind' was the best. One of the best concerts I've ever been to in my life. 'Great Annihilator' was also a real kick to the balls. Favorite release? 'Cop'. Good luck toppin' that one in terms of sheer heaviness, kids... Note: a couple times in the video, the narrator says that Christoph Hahn had been in the band since its beginnings in '82. He actually came around in '88.

[@crunchysugar]

I had no idea how expensive their discography was! I knew it was huge but you've introduced me to like, five new records I've never heard anyone talk about!

[@nienthree]

Awesome summary, such a consistent channel. I would love to hear a Scott Walker guide from you, his discography is so fascinating.

[@deepcuts]

Thanks Arie! Scott Walker is on the list, A guide I'll get around to in the coming months hopefully

[@josiahluck4385]

Boards of Canada would be cool, as would death grips, radiohead, or godspeed

[@Neel-ff4mn]

Josiah Luck BoC and Godspeed aren't that prolific as compared to the other guides he has done (but godspeed has a tone of side projects). and Oliver is already working on a Radiohead guide.

[@GenghisKon]

Neel 2000 Godspeed is pretty goddamn prolific, at least outside the mainstream. You can’t say Swans are prolific in the mainstream, either.

[@pandarosamusic5751]

Swans are prolific af, multiple masterpieces per decade for 3 decades

[@brendanrussell-holcomb3299]

@@pandarosamusic5751 yes but so does godspeed?

[@uwnbaw]

In Rainbows only. Throw away the rest of their discography.

[@hiybbprqag]

13:23 I can attest to public reaction from wearing the Public Castration shirt around town...unfortunately it's mostly nonexistent with the occasional "oh geez haha"

[@MichaelJimenez416]

Jason Mickevich yep, I've tried it too. Not as fun as I thought.

[@feverray8307]

Started listening to Swans about a year ago, really great music! Bring the Sun is probably my favorite.

[@ravanaRTT]

Danny Brown what's the best album to get into swans?

[@flashfire505]

Milo Hempel To Be Kind, The Seer or Children of God Getting into Swans is not a one LP thing

[@LorcaLoca]

Just listen to children of God. If you don't like it don't bother. If you did like it, listen to everything up to Soundtracks for the Blind and avoid their post-rock stuff like the plague.

[@ravanaRTT]

False Dawn thanks, I guess I'll download to be kind and children of god and go from there

[@koollegged5739]

Fever Ray is fantastic. Michael Gira is also a fan of her.

[@hldr4345]

Cloud of Unknowing is definitely one of swans best tracks, the noise, the drums, those (what I think are) horns, the dooming chants of I Am, I Am Not. It's perfect

[@carouselambra4427]

This video is absolutely amazing, you describe Swans with such detail and passion; there is not a wasted moment in this entire 46 1/2 minute video. It's rare to find this much quality and effort put into videos in general, forget videos on indie music. Besides the quality of your work, this also helped me get into a band that I was going at the wrong way -- I've been listening to their most recent two or three albums, trying to get into Swans, but I never realized what I needed to hear was their early stuff. I've had to pause this video several times and come back to it, I was just so captivated by their music.

[@willy1957]

“To Be Kind “is one of my all time faves by any band/ artist

[@CINEMARTYR]

I prefer your videos to the Needle Drop. Thank you for taking the time to do this, you genuine enthusiasm for the nuances and scope of music are a pleasure to listen to. First caught your videos through the Math-rock one. Great stuff.

[@shaneharrington3655]

Indeed.

[@deepcuts]

I really appreciate that mate, thanks!

[@Neel-ff4mn]

OST Anthony is more detailed and prolific in his descriptions in his reviews, but I'm seeing Oliver with a lot more potential than Anthony, as Anthony is becoming more jokey since 2015 and loss his seriousness. But I won't deny, both r in great taste.

[@bryangrimes824]

4:20 So, you're saying it was White Light on The Face of Oliver? Sorry, I'll see myself out.

[@deepcuts]

groan...but I still appreciated it

[@featherycoffee1401]

Best comment on the website

[@80thiconoclast]

This is incredible. I glanced at the video length and assumed this was a documentary, but no, just a guy talking about Swans for 46 minutes -- and what a thorough, passionate, in-depth presentation. : )

[@mxrultra]

Do the residents or Boris next

[@wids]

mxrultra Boris

[@elliotthomas501]

Boris, maybe Melvins too.

[@greystar321]

OMG! The Residents would be great, I've listened to their work off n on, but strongly feel like I need a guide to it all ha, they have so many obscure and interesting projects. Such as the idea behind the commerical album! or the radio show with Penn Jilette! The whole idea behind anonymity, social commentary and their style of parodying rock music, ooh and the temporary theory that they could be the Beatles! So many funny and great stories, all their albums are super unique usually with some greater idea behind em.

[@deepcuts]

+mxrultra great suggestions - everytime I do a video all you guys increase the list of potential videos tenfold haha

[@skratzman]

The Residents are the best. Especially their '70s stuff.

[@aniketsanyal5586]

this is a definitive appreciation of Swans, and especially incredible to watch as a Swans fan and all. Inspired to comment, primarily, because of your appreciative nod to the My Father... record. I love that one so much! My Birth and No Words/No Thoughts are incredible apocalyptic jams and deserve so much love, though hearing Lunacy right around when To Be Kind came out (and seeing them live the first time) was what sold me on Swans and the art of M Gira and company. Great video mate, thanks for taking the time effort and love to do this.

[@SpiderStratagemVI]

The first song i heard by Swans was 'Mother, my body disgusts me'. I had not been pummeled so slowly before. This was late 80s for me but Soundtracks for the blind got me ,'into' Swans. The latter work is stellar but how they change the songs for live shows is amazing! Songs like No words, No thoughts(videos on KZbin) are mesmerizing!

[@henryseitz3681]

Awesome guide. With this amount of good music, I'll probably die before getting through their entire discography.

[@blackbonsai]

Already knew you, but your guide just got posted by my local Swans gig venue. Thx for all the inspirations.

[@SilverlandgmodTV]

I'd only heard soundtracks of the blind but really liked it. I had no idea their discography was this varied or extensive. Thanks for helping me get into a really good band I probably wouldn't have otherwise!

[@TheAksel10]

These guides are so good, thank you!!!

[@deepcuts]

Thanks for watching Aksel!

[@emily-maebashford3644]

Great guide. You certainly know your onions. I have been into Swans since 1987 (completely blown away by Children of God at the time) and agree with your interpretations very much. I would just like to say the Children version of Blackmail is surely worth a mention as one of the most sublime Swans moments and a shame (probably a time constraint) you didn't mention the visceral beauty of Blind Love. My only real divergence of opinion is with the Burning World, which I know Gira was never happy with, but I still consider it a stormer and extremely under-rated. The beauty of Mona Lisa, Univeral Emptiness and Jane Mary just send chills through me. Love the instrumentalism (use of Balika for example) and the deep resonance of Gira's voice. Anyway, your analysis is impressive.

[@neighborhoodthreat9672]

Would you ever do Tom Waits?

[@Lucols4]

Man that would be fucking awesome.

[@thatguy6919]

Tom Waits would make a great episode.

[@thirdeyelandslide_]

I'm straight but I'd do Tom Waits.

[@memondayz]

All in good time. True Tom waits

[@GeorgeKaranadze]

Michael Gija shared this video on his Facebook ^^

[@SirRunk666]

You should do one of these on Scott Walker.

[@isaacmirabelle6733]

Uh-oh!

[@jashoo8597]

Thanks so much for introducing this band. Since you have done the similar intro to my fav. like Radiohead and Bjork, I believed this vid about Swans will be close to the music I'm attracted to, and I'm not wrong. More of this series of vid. Keep up the good work.

[@daviamorim]

I know this has nothing to do with the subject at hand, but: holy crap, you hair is amazing. Great video, btw. Subscribed.

[@rafastradomski8600]

Really thorough, comprehensive guide. Appreciate it. Looks like I found a perfect place to start my journey with Swans.

[@billypilgrim1]

Talking Heads next?

[@ZeeDDD65]

Literally what I was about to say

[@zoinkster1442]

Wow such a beautiful and articualte description of why you love their music. I was intrduced to swans with "to be kind" and i was instantly mesmerized by the groups ability to put emotions and feelings in their music. On songs like "she loves us", "kirsten supine" and "to be kind" , i was completely overwhelmed by emotion and at the end of the album I felt absolutely exhausted. I loved it. After watching this video and hearing your expert deconstruction of all the albums, i cant wait to work my way down swans discography. Thanks alot for sending me down the swan hole :)

[@lando2051]

This is your first video I've watched and man your channel rocks!

[@deepcuts]

Thanks mate, be sure to check out the rest!

[@Stargrazer]

Oliver, a fantastic guide. My favorite thing about your channel is, you sound like you're sitting in my living room passionately describing music that you enjoy. I appreciate your attention to noisier, grimier bands that sometimes my friends are unwilling to dip into.

[@TheCarltonator]

Bro you def did your research and have an inspiring respect for music. Thank you for this. It is the best review/conversation about Swans that I have seen. Great job mate

[@melissaclancy2183]

Love your guides, dude. Artists with giant discographies are so intimidating to get into sometimes, especially stuff like Swans where chronological listening isn't always the best way to expose yourself to them.

[@zaphreaberlin8214]

Nobody: Deep cuts comments: Do literally every artist ever considered to be /mu/core

[@kennethcarter7160]

is that a bad thing?

[@wm6789]

Yeah I wanna see some American Milk Hotel and Neutral Football

[@richardroberson2564]

@@kennethcarter7160 yes

[@kennethcarter7160]

@@richardroberson2564 why?

[@richardroberson2564]

@@kennethcarter7160 because a lot of /Mu/ music sucks and people force themselves to like it. Also it seems that once a album is attached to Mu it never gets unattached.

[@poltergeistfm]

i just stumbled into this video coming from an uninspired evening by myself that had dragged my restless self what felt already much too far into a sleepless night, and i gotta say, you made me cool down and listen and appreciate. - so, i gotta say: thank you very much, mate - you've really got a thing going here! - and i see cave & eno already sitting there in the check:this:or:that:out:next:list ready to the right. good stuff.

[@j.dwillesen7063]

I know that this is an irrelevant comment, but I experienced an inexplicable excitement after seeing that you'd kept the bottle of a Japanese brewed beer called "Hitachino Nest" on the shelf behind you. I like collecting things like that and I have one on my shelf too. Evidence that humans do not differ so greatly as to be exempt from similar habits and tastes.

[@thanatoastiii6341]

Thank you for shedding light on the work of one of the most incredible bands of our time

[@spacefertilizer]

White Light from the Mouth of Infinity is one of the best albums that has ever been made.

[@nspatchcock]

Well done, sir. Possibly the first comprehensive guide to, arguably, the most important band on earth. I believe a documentary is being crowdfunded. That will be monumental. Depeche Mode might be an interesting one to do. They have a fascinating biography also.

[@ghoulish6125]

When are you gunna get a meme channel?

[@alfredobalderas6210]

Deep Memes

[@Neel-ff4mn]

Nice Radiohead pic!

[@deepcuts]

@Ghoulish this is a meme free zone...mostly

[@ghoulish6125]

Wouldn't have it any other way mate, thanks for the quality input you provide with these videos.

[@ggthewhale]

thatisthecut

[@ladyoftheratking7801]

Michael Gira gave me an exhausted smile when he signed my copy of the seer and one of my copies of face/off

[@PGBurgess]

Great series! if requests are of any value: COIL! (should keep you busy for a while ;-)

[@Problembeing]

P.G. Burgess I did a paper on them at Uni

[@wp6007]

@@Problembeing Could you find a way to show it to us?

[@Problembeing]

W;P oh gawd, it's long been lost I'm afraid. It was 15 years ago and probably doomed on some old drive long since lost to time. I did do a track for the tribute album 'Full Cold Moon' which was released only twice for download on a full moon to celebrate the life of Jhonn Balance. My track was called 'Fool Circle'. I still have that somewhere.

[@Problembeing]

W;P the paper was a first year essay. It wasn't published. It was about their influence on industrial music, techno and the musique concrète et al, and the occultism and I did a lecture with a PowerPoint presentation in front of the other students.

[@regularnimnule9715]

This is really excellent, thank you. I've listened to Swans since they started and often have struggled to explain them to people who've asked me what they're like. From now on I'm sending them this link.

[@Combiner81]

Awesome intro to Swans, only complaint is that you didn't talk about The Glowing Man's title track! As for a suggestion, how about A Guide to Animal Collective?

[@deepcuts]

I wish I could talk about every track! Animal Collective is a good recommendation, I'll add it to the list!

[@cedricsankara9809]

Thank you for this! Just finished listening to “To Be Kind”. I’m completely mesmerized. Looked through their enormous catalogue and went straight to KZbin looking for something like that which you just provided. Thanks brother! Can’t wait to dive in to their music.

[@AegisEpoch]

"killing for company" was one of the first songs from them i've ever heard

[@mydreamquest]

Discovered the Swans because I was a joy division fan and they covered Love Will Tear Us Apart. While I never found that single at record stores back then in 1987, I stumbled into the “Burning World” album and became hooked. “Saved” is probably my all time favorite Swans song (Love Will Tear Us Apart wasn’t on the Burning World album I bought back then). White Mouth From the Light of Infinity and Love of Life came a few years later and both were my favorite albums around that time. After that, none of their subsequent albums did much. The first two albums were boring. Hard to believe they were the same band.

[@Problembeing]

Would be great to hear your thoughts on the band Low.

[@adriel68]

wow I wasn't even looking for this but thank God I found it. I love you

[@BoboBen35]

Damn! I wish I wasn't at work, or else I would watch this instantly

[@theballadofamixtape]

Great guide! Seen Swans live a few times- incredible and the loudest thing I've ever seen!

[@OfficialAlluvion]

I love your channel! The bowie videos were great! You totally got me hooked on Scary Monsters! lol! Thanks for that! Ever thought about doing a discography on the Melvins? Thanks for the videos!

[@JoeCaputo400]

Only five minutes in, and you have another subscriber. Well done.

[@T_E_music_playlists]

Nice Swans video. You should do a video about the group called Controlled Bleeding. They were very prolific too. They've mutated &/or evolved into many different genres & styles of music throughout the years. They started in the late 70's as prog rock then went into harsh experimental noise like Merzbow then went into medieval / sacred music then went into ambient then went onto Wax Trax records style rhythmic electro industrial with heavy metal guitars then did an early Swans influenced sludge/death metal side project as Skin Chamber then did ambient dub then experimental free jazz. I probably don't have the exact chronological order right but you can get the idea that they were into a lot of different music. The only original member left is Paul Lemos. The other early members Chris Moriarty & Joe Papa have passed away.

[@lapsijahti]

Yeah... Controlled Bleeding are great, one of my favorites. I also love Telepherique, Small Cruel Party, SBOTHI and Illusion Of Safety, they all are from the same time period as CB.

[@inigomontoya6806]

I have only recently stumbled onto your channel and I am already finding it rewarding. Thank you for tackling Swans, which I find their work fascinating. The only suggestion that comes to mind is Throbbing Gristle and its offshoots, especially Coil and Chris & Cosey.

[@bryangrimes824]

Hey Oliver, The marquee shot that opens your videos, is that your vinyl collection? If so, I have a request: Can you do a few videos showing off your collection? I'd like to see what's in there. Conversely, if that's not your collection, I'd make the same request ('cause you're clearly not busy enough with these thesis-level videos.) Cheers.

[@deepcuts]

I wish it were Bryan. My collection is kind of dotted around the country right now, but when I get it all back together I'll definitely be making a video on it

[@willo7734]

This channel is like Swans. It’s the best thing in the world and not enough people have heard of it.

[@trindrf4901]

Man, youre definitely one of the more underrated music channels here, and congrats on your 10K subs, also i would love to hear your opinion of harsh noise as a genre, since youre interested in abrasive music, and your analysis are always awesome.

[@cskueny]

Man, this is an incredible treatment. Soon to be shared with others who need to know. Very nice!

[@mlamberg]

Are you into death/black metal? You should do a guide for them. I don't get them really at all but am intrigued to get into them.

[@paypay7477]

Well what intrigues you about them?

[@MaDKrEvEdKo]

Wow, I have just started listening to Swans a few days ago, and see thisvideoon my sub feed. Your videos always make me fall in love with some new music and like the music I already know even more. Thanks!

[@neighborhoodthreat9672]

This channel is better than the needledrop.

[@deepcuts]

I like to think we're offering completely different things. Anthony's channel is an endless useful resource for new album releases, I can't think of a better way to keep up with fresh records.

[@neighborhoodthreat9672]

I like Needledrop a lot. But I just prefer hearing you talk. there is something endlessly entertaining and likable about the way you talk about music.

[@frickenchickencookie]

it's just so peaceful and meme-free

[@Neel-ff4mn]

Keaton Quinlan Oliver is yet to grow his prolificness as Anthony had since 2013.

[@electrizer]

I'd use the word "different".

[@robertmclaren5711]

Swans had come up on my radar a hand full of times, but I really didn't know much about them. I followed along on spotify...what an intense sonic journey! Thanks for doing these!

[@benswenson289]

4:22 New Swans record: “White Light From The Mouth of My Stupid Fucking Window”

[@SitarHER0]

I don't usually comment on KZbin but I had to say that this was fantastic, after watching I can't wait to go back and listen to Swans all the way through again with your insights in mind. Looking forward to your next video!

[@Lucols4]

What do you think of Björk?

[@HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA]

Yes! I would love for him to do a guide on björk.

[@deepcuts]

LOVE. Will be doing a guide very soon

[@martinmedrano6304]

YES

[@Lucols4]

deep cuts You are now officially my favorite channel on youtube

[@AshleyRoberts16]

Have heard the last three albums, but watching this has made me want to go back and listen to their older stuff. Thank you so much for this video, really appreciate the detail, descriptions and passion you put into your stuff!

[@jack_rabbit]

Would love to see a Skinny Puppy guide

[@RichardCranium.]

I love your reviews. You are a real wordsmith and really describe how the music sounds well.

[@sirnigelofnarnia]

Do a guide on Red House Painters/Sun Kil Moon/ Mark Kozelek! :D

[@MichaelJimenez416]

Grant Huffman I don't think he likes Mark very much

[@drengskap]

@@MrDegsy69 Yeah, seriously - are Red House Painters anywhere near as important as Swans? Not in the universe I inhabit, and I own a couple of RHP albums.

[@iloveyoubebe]

Well definitely ain’t happening now, that’s for sure

[@jasonford7823]

Great intro. to the band's discography and Gira's work--thanks!

[@hugopalazzo7148]

Well, that was amazing. I own every Swans' record since The Great Annihilator but I'm not familiar at all with their older work. Now, I'll go listen to Children of God and White Light... more closely ! Thanks a lot It has nothing to do with them but what do you think of Britpop as a genre ? Bands like Pulp, Blur or even The Divine Comedy really helped me define my tastes, so I was wondering if you considered it for a "5 albums to get you into..." video. Otherwise, this channel is something goddamn special...

[@TomWGuitar]

I only have one thing on my bedroom wall, and it's the poster that came with the 'White Light from the Mouth of Infinity' vinyl reissue. When you said that you want it on your wall I instantly looked up at mine, good to know someone else agrees with my poster choices!