{"title":"Swans","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout Swans\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSwans formed in New York City in 1982 around Michael Gira (born February 19, 1954, Los Angeles, California). They emerged from the early-1980s New York no wave scene alongside contemporaries like Sonic Youth, Glenn Branca, and Lydia Lunch. The classic early 1980s lineup featured extreme volume, slow tempos, and confrontational aesthetics widely cited as foundational to no wave, noise rock, and post-industrial. Their 1987 album Children of God marked their transition toward more melodic and gothic\/folk-influenced material. Gira's collaborator and musical partner Jarboe (Jarboe Devereaux) joined in 1985 and contributed across the band's classic period through the 1990s. The band dissolved in 1997 following the Soundtracks for the Blind sessions, with Gira launching the Angels of Light project (1998-2010). Swans reformed in 2010 with a new lineup, producing what is widely cited as the most and acclaimed period of the band's history - the monumentally-long, often-improvised, ritual-influenced trilogy of My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (2010), The Seer (2012, 2-hour double LP), and To Be Kind (2014, 2-hour double LP). Their foundational influence on no wave, post-rock, experimental rock, and broader contemporary independent music is widely cited.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSound and style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSwans's sound combines experimental rock, no wave, noise rock, post-industrial, drone, post-rock, gothic rock, and avant-garde with Gira's distinctive baritone vocal delivery, extreme volume aesthetic, slow-tempo and dense compositional approaches, and lyrical content addressing spiritual, sexual, violent, and broader extreme themes drawing on American transgressive literary traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiscography highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFilth (1983, Neutral)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCop (1984, K.422)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren of God (1987, Caroline)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite Light from the Mouth of Infinity (1991, Young God)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoundtracks for the Blind (1996, Young God) - pre-dissolution double LP\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMy Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (2010, Young God) - reformation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Seer (2012, Young God) - 2-hour double LP\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo Be Kind (2014, Young God) - 2-hour double LP\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Glowing Man (2016, Young God)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaving Meaning (2019, Young God\/Mute)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Beggar (2023, Young God\/Mute)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor collectors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginal Neutral Records, Young God Records, and Mute Records pressings of the Swans catalog are foundational items in experimental rock and noise rock collecting, with collector premiums on rare early pressings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListeners new to Swans typically start with The Seer (2012) or To Be Kind (2014). \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/experimental-vinyl-records\"\u003eExperimental \u0026amp; Oddball\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/industrial-noise-vinyl-records\"\u003eIndustrial\/Noise\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"swans-filth-vinyl","title":"Filth LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwans' Filth remastered, and now on vinyl again for the first time in decades!Includes poster\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540773941431,"sku":"210000045618","price":21.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/aygd-11-100198-09172014023744-628.jpg?v=1781154218"},{"product_id":"swans-my-father-will-lead-me-up-a-rope-to-the-sky-vinyl","title":"My Father Will Lead me up a Rope to the Sky LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis marks Michael Gira's return to Swans after 14 years of hiatus. An underrated gem that will make you feel uncomfortable and scared. Great for cooking!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540774039735,"sku":"210000046670","price":21.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/658457004319.jpg?v=1781154222"},{"product_id":"swans-the-glowing-man-vinyl","title":"The Glowing Man 3LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Glowing Man is a monstrous, mysterious work of art that cannot be described as easily.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540918775991,"sku":"210000049590","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/swans-glow.jpg?v=1781154718"},{"product_id":"swans-leaving-meaning-vinyl","title":"Leaving Meaning. 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eLeaving Meaning is Swans fifteenth studio album and features contributions from recent and former Swans, members of Angels of Light as well as guest artists Anna and Maria von Hausswolff, Ben Frost, The Necks, Baby Dee, and...\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540962390199,"sku":"210000045617","price":32.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/chipboard-yg63-grande.jpg?v=1781154876"},{"product_id":"swans-feel-good-now-vinyl","title":"Feel Good Now 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis album compiles recordings from the 1987 European tour, made by the bands sound engineer on a Sony Walkman. Limited Edition\/one time pressing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540983787703,"sku":"210000084483","price":34.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/swans.jpg?v=1781154964"},{"product_id":"swans-the-beggar-vinyl","title":"The Beggar 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Beggar was written and produced by Michael Gira and features contributions from recent and former Swans, members of Angels of Light, as well as Guest Swan Ben Frost.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540998402231,"sku":"210000081483","price":36.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/beggar.jpg?v=1781155021"},{"product_id":"swans-to-be-kind-vinyl","title":"To be Kind 3LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eA good portion of the material for this album was developed live during the Swans tours of 2012\/13. Much of the music was otherwise conjured in the studio environment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541039526071,"sku":"210000055151","price":41.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/418455919125.webp?v=1781155181"},{"product_id":"swans-birthing-dvd","title":"Birthing 3LP\/1DVD","description":"\u003cp\u003eMichael Gira has been making truly incredible albums for decades now. Somehow, Swans managed to release one of their most beautiful albums this year, as a send off to this era of Swans and Gira.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541061611703,"sku":"210000098018","price":46.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/irthing.jpg?v=1781155256"},{"product_id":"swans-soundtracks-for-the-blind-vinyl-gatefold","title":"Soundtracks for the Blind 4LP","description":"\u003cp\u003e4xLP Remastered in 2018 and Reformatted from the Ltd. Edition Box Set.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541072031927,"sku":"210000065314","price":54.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/658457006139.jpg?v=1781155296"},{"product_id":"swans-live-rope-cd","title":"Live Rope 2CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience the raw intensity of Swans with \"Live Rope 2CD,\" a monumental collection capturing their unique soundscapes recorded live in Williamsburg and Den Haag. This double-disc set showcases their relentless creativity and commitment, featuring standout performances like \"Rope\" and \"The Beggar,\" and offers listeners a visceral connection to the music's evolving narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48771580461239,"sku":"210000106799","price":25.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4511888-3576542.jpg?v=1782828017"},{"product_id":"swans-the-great-annihilator-vinyl-poster","title":"The Great Annihilator 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience the powerful resurgence of Swans with \"The Great Annihilator 2LP,\" showcasing haunting melodies and transformative moods. This double vinyl edition features the iconic 1995 album, beautifully pressed for the first time in decades, along with a download code for Drainland, Michael Gira's complementary solo work. A must-have for collectors of industrial and noise rock alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48772758274231,"sku":"210000105936","price":33.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3583567.jpg?v=1782828018"},{"product_id":"swans-to-be-kind-cd","title":"To Be Kind 2CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwans' To Be Kind hits like a thunderstorm you didn't see coming; intense, unpredictable, and a little messy. This two-disc set resonates with ferocity, blending raw live performances with studio creations as if they're stirring up chaos in a garage. Special guests like St. Vincent and Cold Specks add their flair, and with each track gripping and twisting, you're reminded that beauty often walks hand in hand with chaos. Let the music rattle your senses and question what you know.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785695047863,"sku":"210000105349","price":16.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/2546406.jpg?v=1783045678"},{"product_id":"swans-the-beggar-cd","title":"The Beggar 2CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwans' \"The Beggar\" is a 2CD release produced by Michael Gira, featuring contributions from both current and past members. Key tracks include \"The Parasite\" and \"Los Angeles: City of Death,\" which highlight the band's industrial noise style. Released on June 23, 2023, this album delivers a powerful blend of sound that reflects the band's distinctive intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785696555191,"sku":"210000081487","price":17.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4199238-2962668.jpg?v=1783045682"},{"product_id":"swans-the-glowing-man-cd","title":"The Glowing Man 2CD+DVD","description":"","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785698586807,"sku":"210000095568","price":19.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3359179.jpg?v=1783045689"},{"product_id":"swans-the-seer-vinyl","title":"The Seer 3LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwans' \"The Seer 3LP\" is a 2012 triple vinyl release on Young God Records. With a runtime nearing two hours, it features collaborations with notable artists like Karen O and Alan Sparhawk. This album stands as a profound exploration of industrial noise.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785844895927,"sku":"210000052923","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/2028000.jpg?v=1783046079"},{"product_id":"swans-children-of-god-cd","title":"Children of God 2CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwans' \"Children of God\" turns the band's history on its head, shaking off the relentless fury of earlier works in favor of a more introspective sound. The tension between vulnerability and aggression is stark, especially in tracks like \"Sex, God, Sex,\" where unsettling desires and haunting melodies rub against one another, provoking discomfort and reflection. This is not merely a pivot but a declaration; an assertion that Swans is not to be confined by any one style or expectation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48860511830199,"sku":"210000095564","price":16.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3863946-2608224.jpg?v=1783653971"},{"product_id":"swans-love-of-life-vinyl","title":"Love of Life LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eSwans confront listeners with a visceral blend of intricacy and atmosphere in \"Love of Life,\" their formidable eighth studio LP. This vinyl pulses with sharp nuances and stark declarations, each track marching forth with a compelling confidence that demands your focus. For those drawn to the unsettling allure of industrial noise, this record leaves a profound imprint, carving its place in the Swans' formidable discography with undeniable force.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48860511895735,"sku":"210000048086","price":21.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3028920.jpg?v=1783653971"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.waxtraxrecords.com\/collections\/swans.oembed","provider":"Wax Trax Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}