J. said:
I'm mainly asking Nate, our Swans expert. I'm totally getting into a ton of this type of stuff like lots of Neurot bands, re-discovering Godflesh, and now listening to my one CDr, Swans - Great Annihilator. It's weird, but pleases this duder, and I thank Swans for that.
What other Swans CDs are in this era? I hate Cop/Young God. Too abrasive for me.
Is Angels of Light stuff like the good Swans? How about World of Skin, Gira's other band?
If you like the solo Neurosis-guys stuff, you should definitely check out Angels of Light (particularly 'How I Loved You' - a tribute to his parents). AoL is more "beautiful" than Neurosis solo stuff, but VERY good.
As far as Swans???
If you like The Great Annihilator, your next move should be one of these 3.
1) Children of God - You'll probably only find the Children of God/World of Skin reissue (becuase the original CD of Children of God is like at least $50 on ebay), but that's a good thing because you can here World of Skin.
2) White Light from the Mouth of Infinity - AMAZING album. The next logical move beyond Children of God. Probably more similar to The Great Annihilator.
3) Love of Life - Another step beyond White Light, and also more similar to The Great Annihilator. This album and White Light are sort of companion albums . . . similar cover art and music. I'm pretty sure he had a big idea going between the two.
Those 3 albums, along with The Great Annihilator, are basically the ESSENTIAL mid period Swans.
Soundtracks for the Blind is a very spacious album, and I'd wait until you've heard all the others first. It was their last full album. Great album, though.
I don't know why White Light and Love of Life have never been reissued, so they are pretty expensive on ebay. I think I got them each for about $24 a few years ago. I can make you CDR's if you want. Just PM me your address.