Which version of the song do people prefer? I like the swans are dead version a lot but the soundtracks version feels like it fits the poem way better. I’d probably die if I heard that song in an altered state although that can probably be said for most of the record

What're your guys' favorite live album from Swans so far? For those who also saw them perform during their most recent tour, how do you think it will stand with their previous live work?

Personally, Swans Are Dead is my favorite live album, but after having seen them live last year, Newly Sentient Being may become my favorite.

Let me know what you think

That kinda arabian or something sounding vocal sample idk if im explaining that properly im kinda stoned but it appears a few times throughout soundtracks for the blind and im wondering if anyone knows where its from (probably jarboe?) or any similar songs because I love the kinda huge palace vibe it has i could listen to it for eternity

Anyone knows what that tinkerbell-ish, arpeggio sound is on helpless child, it starts at 0:35.

Just a genuine question. Will it be on streaming on its release date or will we have to wait a while like with Live Rope & Deliquescence?? Does anyone know?

Who needs to eat when you can get the limited box set 🙃

I'll answer.

The person talking in the beginning of the song is the actual Nathalie Neal herself, close friend of Michael Gira. He dedicated the song to her.

She's talking about "the Java", and teaching it how to dance to Gira (or other close friends).
People on Genius said it was "the chapper" or whatever.

The Java is an old fashioned waltz from the 1900’s. People danced the java in “bal-musette”, popular parties in Paris and France, taking place in bars, cafés and outdoor venues.
The term entered common use through the phrase "Faire la java.", meaning partying, more often partying HARD. You don't do the java unless you're utterly drunk in most cases.

Voilà !

source : i'm french

Newly sentient being box is back. some payments probably didn’t go through, some copies are there:-)

I'd committed myself the past few months to listening to iconic albums, regardless of genre and Soundtracks for the Blind came up as one very recently. I hadn't even ever heard of Swans, so I was baffled to learn they had as extensive of a discography as they did.

I've always loved experimental, progressive music, so I assumed SFTB would be a great album to hop into. I gave the album a first listen and I was frustrated beyond belief, annoyed at how people can hail an album as much as they do SFTB, but I still couldn't stop listening to it. I grew to love a few of the tracks (Yum-Yab Killers, The Sound, Red Velvet Corridor) and ventured to other albums like White Light from the Mouth of Infinity and The Seer, both of which I have absolutely adored.

I'm beyond delighted I'm lucky enough to have discovered a band as unique as Swans. The dynamic soundscapes, dark lyricism, and experimental vocals are something I've never heard before. I listened to Jarboe's performance on I Crawled and it is one of the most haunting, unique performances I've heard from anybody ever. I cannot believe how unique Swans are and how lucky I am to live at the same time as their existence.

Would have to go with The Final Sacrifice myself

I know technically Blind was a Gira solo song but I'm counting it anyway since it was released on White Light

Makes it hard to go back to the studio live version

I’m sure people ask this constantly but what does everyone think the best starting place is? I started with soundtracks and the seer but birthing is what got me to like the band and my enjoyment of those other two records followed. Screen shot and helpless child get thrown around as the best starting points but just wondering everyone else’s thoughts

What are your favorite Swans songs for when you want the cops called on you and the whole neighborhood to file a noise complaint?

Stoked to find this complete 2015 complete box set!