Swans – The Beggar

Why can’t we rate more than 5 stars?
Great album. Great recording and pressing. Nothing that I am missing

This is seriously one of the best records I’ve ever heard. Unfortunately there’s a good amount of surface noise, I’m sure it needs a couple more cleans. It’s not often when I get an experience with vinyl that is vastly different from streaming but this is definitely one of them

Sound is really good, no cracks and pops, just sad they left The Beggar Lover (Three) off, but besides that great release

I still don't know what to think about exluding "The Beggar Lover (Three)" from the vinyl releases. The track itself is nothing special (more of a sound collage than actual "song" like "The Seer", "Bring The Sun..." or "The Glowing Man") but it is included on the CD. So, if it is on the CD, it means it's a part of the album BUT still, it sounds more like a bonus track. Exactly like "Look At Me Go" which was even longer, 46 minutes bonus track on "My Father Will Guide Me up a Rope to the Sky" special editions. Other than that, Gira named the track "...(three)" and I've read somewhere that this means it's a part three of the sound collage tracks released by him over the years - first was "The Body Lovers" (which came on it's own CD), then "Look At Me Go" and now "The Beggar Lover". If it's true, it makes no sense - first track officialy released as an album and under different "band" name, second as a bonus track on special editions of Swans record and this officially as a Swans song on a Swans record... What's even more interesting - Gira told in some interview on YouTube that "The Beggar Lover (Three)" is the best track on the album, he's most proud of it and that's the direction Swans will pursue with future albums. Now... I know that Gira is 69 years old but... no... Michael, please - don't go in that direction,,,

Such a shame The Beggar Lover isn't included on the vinyl releases. Amazing track.

On first listen, this may be my favorite modern-era Swans album. It has just a little bit of the feel of the 90s-early 2000s era that I loved so much.

You an artist like this not because it’s what you wanted, but that when fully ed, they can then produce a brilliant work; so far, I’m digging it, and I’ll re-listen to the demo CD.

"The Beggar" was probably the most powerful Swans live piece of music I've ever experienced to date, yet the album version lacks everything what made it good, not to mention Michael reciting the lyrics with blank, rushed voice like he was a helpless child (pun intended) scolded by his teacher. Also, the lyrics for "Michael is gone". Sigh! You know you lack creativity when your peak rhymes go like: "When Michael is gone, some other will come". And lastly, the 43-minute track which was sort-of expected to reach "Bring the Sun" or "The Sound" class is merely a sampled mash-up of "Finally, Peace" soundscapes mixed together with an already released song and a few twists on the way. To keep peace of my mind, I'll just pretend Swans actually concluded their activity with "The Glowing Man" album.

OCD question: is the card a real card or just a sticker on the inner sleeve?..mine didn't come with a card..just the poster and insert so im kind of confused :/..Thanks :)

This is an enormously wonderful album. Get it at the concerts for €25 and Michael Gira will sign your copy after the concerts and you won´t pay over the odds either.