Bleak Psychedelia: Michael Gira Of Swans' Favourite Albums | Page 10 of 14 | The Quietus

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

9.

Henryk Górecki – Symphonie No.2

I just found about that recently. As opposed to the "pop hit", Symphonie No.3, which is very beautiful as well. Symphonie No.2 is an apocalypse, with a series of percussive stabs in real odd time signatures that really, in a way, sound like Swans, in retrospect because I didn’t hear this in the early days. It sounds like the end of the world, but at the same time it’s very compelling and uplifting, with a very beautiful lament at the end of the symphony. Like Penderecki and Ligeti, it just speaks to me in a very natural way.

Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Lord Spikeheart, Tom Ravenscroft
PreviousNext Selection

Previously Read

Don’t Miss The Quietus Digest

Start each weekend with our free email newsletter.

Help tQ Survive & Thrive

Without our subscribers, all this would simply fall into the cultural abyss. Please take a moment to explore our membership tiers and rewards + don’t miss our free 30-day trial offer for new subs.

Try For Free