SWANS on Records In My Life (interview)

RIML met with Michael Gira, a founding member of the band Swans when they performed in Vancouver last month. He discussed with us some of his earliest and most influential records, including a rare album by Charlemagne Palestine!

Swans on RIML references the following albums:
1. Songs of the South
2. South Pacific
3. Chubby Checker - The Twist
4. The Doors - The Doors
5. The Doors - Strange Days
6. The Mothers of Invention - Freak Out
7. .The Mothers of Invention - Absolutely Free
8. The Mothers of Invention - We're Only In It For the Money
9. Charlemagne Palestine - Strumming Music

Records In My Life is hosted and produced by Charles Brownstein
Videography by Benn McGuire, Mark Henning
Director, editor: Mark Henning
Animations and logo: Susana Ramirez

Music Credits:
Swans on RIML features the song "People Like Us" by Swans

RIML theme music is "Best Tonight" by Combine the Victorious

*** FOLLOW US BELOW ***

[benanderson]

It's cool because you can hear the Disney influence in his own albums.

[RatSitnov]

When you see Gira talk, and you're well acquaintaned with Swans' discography, it's hard to shake off the feeling that beneath that calm exterior lurks an American Gothic occult mystic with a cult to his name that routinely sacrifices virgins in a field somewhere

[markdavidofficial]

I know he probably didn't intend for it, but it makes sense that the first record he would mention was the only movie Disney has banned.

[daniellecowan-banker]

I could listen to him talk about music for an eternity.

[yurupivo]

My heart melted a little bit when he said he was touched by something as innocent as a Disney record. Michael Gira is one of the few artists that really GETS IT, I think.

[jwardbass]

He's just like the cowboy from Mulholland Drive

[pandarosamusic]

1:03 Did I just see Michael Gira SMILE??

[georgesimpson]

The Crystal Ship is one of the finest and most meaningful songs for me. I would not have expected Gira to have such a deep abiding respect for those first two The Doors records. Such a pleasant surprise.

[scherryvalentine]

I met him in Austin with Jarboe at a tiny dark club by the railroad tracks. I think they were touring her record Sacrificial Cake. Only a handful of people showed up which is probably why me and my friends hung out with them afterwards. I remember that there was a girl touring with them who didn’t play in the band. She was dressed exactly like Jarboe, even her hair was braided the same. Almost like twins. She and I played hide and seek in the club while the band played. So weird. I think I told Michael something dumb about their sound. I won’t repeat it here.

[dontdothngs]

he pronounced his last name wrong. you cant convince me otherwise.

[reneerolandgraceinyourface]

My son 16 today on new year's eve. on nye just got your autographed double vinyl I found for him. You have helped him find his voice. He was considered gifted in iq but possible as Eggers regarding his social abilities but he is brilliantly unique and you guys Embracing your identities, being outside the mainstream, gives him connection and I'm forever grateful for thst. We survived the loss of his dad and thr loss of our home and pets to fire in 2021 and he remains strong and brilliantly introspective bc of the strength he finds in your expression. We r coming to see you in DC or Ruchmond ba in April 24. Can't wait. Gid bless you ❤

[Onemanjim]

I think your title music should be a little louder.

[HoodeloodumGAME]

Oh of course it's Michael GIIIRAAAW!

[Tordah]

This is incredible, thank you for sharing!

[theskoolmustard]

Damn, even I got a The Doors vibe from Swans when I first got into them

[robjones]

Saw Swans live in London in 1992.
They were utterly fantastic. Michael Gira remains a class act.

A great, great band who been consistently brilliant for the last three decades.

[sassulusmagnus]

I had not recognized that there was a cinematic influence in his music until he said so, but it makes so much sense.

[JackFromBeatStrings]

Huh. I thought it was pronounced GEAR-uh.

[mcbillygoat]

If you haven’t heard the band suicide on their 1977 self titled album, you need to take the time. Perhaps the best album of the 70’s.

[paulspanbauer]

Palestine’s records are extraordinary - I second Mr Gira’s recommendation.