Swans - The Memorious

Swans new album, The Beggar, released worldwide June 23, 2023 on Young God Records/Mute. Formats include 2X LP, 2CD, as well as download and stream.

“After numerous pandemic-induced cancellations of tours for the previous Swans album leaving meaning, and an apparent bottomless pit of waiting, waiting, waiting, and the strange disorientation that came with this sudden but interminable forced isolation I decided it was time to write songs for a new Swans album and forget about everything else. They came relatively easily, always informed by the suspicion that these could be my last. When I finally was able to travel, songs in hand, to Berlin to work with my friends recording this record, the feeling was akin to the moment in The Wizard of Oz when the film changes from Black and White to Color. Now I’m feeling quite optimistic. My favourite color is pink. I hope you enjoy the album!” – Michael Gira

[thespiritofhegel]

'O let us howl, some heavy note'


by John Webster (c. 1578 – c. 1632)


O let us howl, some heavy note,
Some deadly-dogged howl,
Sounding as from the threat'ning throat
Of beasts and fatal fowl.
As ravens, screech-owls, bulls, and bears,
We'll bill and bawl our parts,
Till irksome noise have cloyed your ears
And corrosived your hearts.
At last when as our choir wants breath,
Our bodies being bless'd,
We'll sing like Swans, to welcome death,
And die in love and rest.

[vomeinsamenmadchensophie]

Penetrating in my cells... bones.... mind....blood.... heart....soul.... MaSteRpieCe... ThankYoU foR everything, Michael...🖤💎🎩

[musicwolf]

Honestly the best closer they could have made in my eyes. This represents everything the band has tried to do and distills it into its more pure form.

It may have not been the greatest SWANS album, but it certainly is the most fitting for when it was made.

[youtubeuserdan]

This feels like a final explosion, fitting for a closer.

[mike]

Thanks for uploading all of these! My copy's on the way and I don't have Spotify installed on my work computer, so I thought I'd have to wait until evening. Can't wait to see you perform again, even if you are going to make me go to Phoenix (I'm glad that you're able to play a bigger city, but Tucson is a much cooler place)!

[andrestobar]

Un gran album, y este tema es genial. Swans es una banda increible

[juankgonzalez]

This is your reminder to go grab a copy of Jorge Luis Borges' short stories (at least Ficciones, El Aleph and The Book of Sand)

[loneandaloof]

See them last night. Nothing quite like them sonically. Go and see them if you get the chance.

[EtonDG]

Welp, can’t wait for the next swans album in 2028

[johnzee]

A great closer. To an album, and perhaps to a career. Michael is done.

[edgarathelred]

Love Of Life was literally a masterpiece of modern music.
And you Michael, you hated it.
Pathetic.
Well we enjoy it, anyways

[edgarathelred]

The other song was a Dead Can Dance Variety Show

I don't owe Michael Gira shit. I supported him and Jarboe for years. This is bullshit.

[edgarathelred]

Michael all those tapes you threw away during the White Light era, those were your best music. You fucked up in such a grandiose fashion that my heart has always stayed with you. That White Light/Love of Life was masterpiece stuff. Which capped a brilliant career. You just hate yourself is why you couldn't enjoy it.
You asked me if your version of Joy Division cover was "ok". Unbelievable. Of course it was ok.
You got nothing man.
I love you but you got nothing this is bullshit. RETIRE

[licas]

Amazing new music from Gira & consorts