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NOSTALGIA PICK #4: "Soundtracks For The Blind" by Swans

   Swans are one of the most challenging bands I've come across in my pursuit of music (since I began branching out from the radio and my parents' CD collection), and Soundtracks For The Blind is arguably the best - certainly the most ambitious - release in their vast discography. While both The Seer and To Be Kind are both also favourites of mine, Soundtracks has a weird energy about it that is totally unique, creepy and completely compelling. Put together as a sort of soundtrack to a non-existent movie (as the title suggests), Swans moved away from their furious noise rock roots into more atmospheric, loop inspired territory to dazzling effect. Soundtracks can be an exhausting listen, but when approached at the right time with the right intentions it becomes frighteningly hypnotic and dark. Listening to something like this is an incredibly rewarding and affirming task, and was invaluable to me in terms of widening my expectations and attention when listening to music. If you're looking for something to sing along to, or for some songs to put onto your new playlist, then Soundtracks will most likely sound boring, pretentious and overblown, but if you're willing to spend the time exploring the incredibly vivid sonic landscapes Swans conjure it can be transformative. The three most recent Swans records - The Seer, To Be Kind and The Glowing Man - are possibly a little more accessible, but I strongly urge anyone to give Soundtracks a chance to lodge into your mind; it won't be leaving anytime soon.
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