Name: To Be Kind
Brand: Swans

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

stumm364

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2014-05-13

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5051083079273

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Total Cap

3 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Swans

Genre GB

Experimental / Avant-Garde / Industrial / Noise

Label GB

Mute

Please note, some Mute issues also carry an EMI logo. This is not a label and EMI should not be added as a label, it instead indicates that Mute was part of the EMI Group.

Founded in 1978 by [a=Daniel Miller], Mute (also known as [l36339]) releases various forms of music, with an emphasis on electronic and experimental pop. In May 2002 the label was acquired by the [l=EMI Group]. In 2010 Miller did an agreement with EMI to handle Mute as an independent label again, licensing the trademark from EMI via his company [l=Mute Artists Ltd.], but EMI kept the rights over Mute's back catalogue. After the EMI Group was dissolved, in 2012 [l206061] acquired [l636]'s back catalogue.

Branch offices exist in Germany ([l168349]) and in North America ([l36296]). 

Mute has spawned many regional and special-interest sublabels, some of which are still active. One offshoot, [l=Parallel Series], even became independent of [l636] Mute also operates Mute Bank Mail Order, which sells the label's merchandise directly to consumers. Mute Bank published two issues of [i]Mute Statement[/i], a softcover book that details the entire discography of the label and includes band profiles and photos of release artwork.

Another label strongly associated with Mute is [l=Toast Hawaii], run by [a=Depeche Mode]'s [a=Andrew Fletcher].

Label code: [b]LC 05834[/b] / [b]LC 5834[/b]

‘[b]P[/b]’, included to the catalog numbers,
generally stand for promo copies.
‘[b]L[/b]’, included to the catalog numbers,
generally stand for limited editions.

Swans is a band from New York City, active from 1982 to 1997 and reformed in 2010. Founded and led by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira, Swans was marginally associated with the no wave scene initially. Their original sound was slow and extremely heavy, showcased on the live album "Public Castration Is a Good Idea." As time went on, their music evolved with faster tempos and increased use of drum machines and samples. The addition of vocalist Jarboe expanded their sonic range.

After breaking up in 1997, Swans made a comeback in 2010 under Michael Gira's leadership. However, one notable change was that Jarboe did not join the post-reunion lineup. This resulted in tonal differences between their newer albums and their earlier works.

Discover the unique journey of Swans as they pushed boundaries within the music industry through their distinct sound and artistic vision. Explore their discography to experience the evolution of this influential band that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Check out our latest restocks of vinyl records, CDs, books and merchandise at Rough Trade. Dive into rare finds, classic albums and add something special to your collection.

Back In Stock

Swans sign to Mute and release a new album 'To Be Kind'. 'To Be Kind' contains 10 new Swans songs that - like their Homeric last album, 2012's 'The Seer' - will punish and reward listeners for more than two hours. Some songs are quite melodic and the emotions are not so severe. The shortest song lasts eight minutes, the longest, whilst 'Bring the Sun,' is a full 35 minutes. Special Guests for this record include (among many others): Little Annie (Annie sang a duet with Gira on the song 'Some Things We Do', the strings for which were ecstatically arranged and played by Julia Kent); St. Vincent (Annie Clark sang numerous, multi-tracked vocals throughout the record); Cold Specks (Al contributed numerous multi-tracked vocals to the song 'Bring the Sun'); Bill Rieflin (honorary Swan Bill played too many instruments to list here, ranging from additional drums, to synthesizers, to piano, to electric guitar and so on. He has been a frequent contributor to Swans and Angels of Light and is currently playing with King Crimson).Double CD - ​10 Tracks.CD / DVD - 10 Track Double CD plus a DVD of Swans live 2013 Primavera.Triple Vinyl - 10 Tracks plus Download.

To Be Kind

Music GB

Buy Swans - To Be Kind (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.