White Light from the Mouth of Infinity
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White Light from the Mouth of Infinity is the seventh album by the American experimental rock band Swans.[3][4] It was released in 1991, through the record label Young God. The band supported the album with a North American tour.[5]
| White Light from the Mouth of Infinity | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1991 | |||
| Recorded | September 1990 – February 1991 | |||
| Studio | B. Monster Studios, New York City, United States | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 69:19 | |||
| Label | Young God | |||
| Producer | Michael Gira | |||
| Swans chronology | ||||
| ||||
In 2015, it was remastered and made available digitally and in a 3CD (and 3LP) set along with Love of Life and an album of bonus tracks.
Critical reception edit
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [6] |
| Los Angeles Times |  [7] |
| Mojo | [8] |
| Pitchfork | 7.9/10[9] |
| Spin Alternative Record Guide | 5/10[10] |
The Los Angeles Times wrote that Michael Gira's "search for heaven and hell—in both mind and body—continues on its fascinating, sometimes harrowing way."[7]
AllMusic described the album as "stunning" and a "clear starting point for the second half of Swans' unique career."[6]
Track listing edit
All tracks are written by Michael Gira
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Better Than You" | 5:51 |
| 2. | "Power and Sacrifice" | 5:37 |
| 3. | "You Know Nothing" | 5:46 |
| 4. | "Song for Dead Time" | 5:24 |
| 5. | "Will We Survive" | 6:51 |
| 6. | "Love Will Save You" | 6:06 |
| 7. | "Failure" | 6:20 |
| 8. | "Song for the Sun" | 5:03 |
| 9. | "Miracle of Love" | 6:43 |
| 10. | "When She Breathes" | 5:03 |
| 11. | "Why Are We Alive?" | 5:29 |
| 12. | "The Most Unfortunate Lie" | 5:02 |
| Total length: | 69:19 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Better Than You" | 5:51 |
| 2. | "Power and Sacrifice" | 5:36 |
| 3. | "You Know Nothing" | 5:46 |
| 4. | "Song for Dead Time" (alternate version) | 4:58 |
| 5. | "Will We Survive" (edited version) | 5:59 |
| 6. | "Love Will Save You" | 6:06 |
| 7. | "Failure" | 6:20 |
| 8. | "Song for the Sun" | 5:03 |
| 9. | "Miracle of Love" | 6:43 |
| 10. | "Blind" (bonus track on reissue) | 4:31 |
| 11. | "When She Breathes" (alternate version) | 4:31 |
| 12. | "Why Are We Alive?" (extended version) | 6:00 |
| 13. | "The Most Unfortunate Lie" | 5:02 |
| Total length: | 72:26 | |
Personnel edit
- Michael Gira – vocals, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, effects, samples, production
- Jarboe – vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, choral and orchestral arrangements
- Christoph Hahn – acoustic and electric guitar
- Clinton Steele – acoustic and electric guitar
- Norman Westberg – electric guitar on "Better than You"
- Jenny Wade – bass guitar
- Anton Fier – drums, drum programming
- Nicky Skopelitis – acoustic and electric guitar, baglama, bazouki, banjo
- Vincent Signorelli – percussion
- Hahn Rowe – violin
- Steve Burgh – mandolin, 12-string guitar
- J. G. Thirlwell – engineering, re-mix assistance, programming and co-production on "Power and Sacrifice"
- Bryce Goggin – engineering
- Steve McAllister – engineering, programming (additional)
- Deryk Thomas – front cover illustration
- John Sarfell – inner sleeve foldout painting
- Patricia Mooney – sleeve layout
- Brian Martin – re-mixing
- Alex Armitage – re-mix assistance
Charts edit
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[11] | 195 |
References edit
- ^ Terich, Jeff; Bossenger, A.T. (November 13, 2014). "10 Essential American post-punk albums". Treble. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
- ^ Lariviere, Aaron (November 9, 2012). "Swans Albums From Worst To Best - White Light from the Mouth of Infinity". Stereogum. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
- ^ "Swans". Trouser Press. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Unsworth, Cathi (April 27, 1991). "White Light from the Mouth of Infinity by Swans". Melody Maker. 68 (17): 36.
- ^ Buttars, Lori (April 24, 1992). "Swans dive into town". The Salt Lake Tribune. p. D6.
- ^ a b Raggett, Ned. "White Light from the Mouth of Infinity - Swans | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
- ^ a b Hochman, Steve (January 5, 1992). "In Brief". Calendar. Los Angeles Times. p. 57.
- ^ Perry, Andrew (February 2016). "Swans: White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity/ Love of Life". Mojo. No. 267. p. 104.
- ^ Sherburne, Philip (December 2, 2015). "Swans: White Light from the Mouth of Infinity / Love of Life". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
- ^ Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. 1995. pp. 390, 391.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Swans – White Light from the Mouth of Infinity" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
External links edit
- White Light from the Mouth of Infinity at Discogs (list of releases)