White Light from the Mouth of Infinity is the seventh studio album by American experimental rock band Swans. It was released in 1991, through the record label Young God. In 2015, it was remastered and made available again digitally and in a 3CD (and 3LP) set along with Love of Life and an album of bonus tracks.
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
| Pitchfork | 7.9/10[4] |
White Light from the Mouth of Infinity has generally received positive reviews. AllMusic described the album as "stunning" and a "clear starting point for the second half of Swans' unique career".[3]
Track listing
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
- 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
- Cliton Steele – acoustic and electric guitar
- Norman Westberg – electric guitar
- 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
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[5] | 195 |
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Raggett, Ned. "White Light from the Mouth of Infinity - Swans | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
- ^ Sherburne, Philip (December 2, 2015). "Swans: White Light from the Mouth of Infinity / Love of Life". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Swans – White Light from the Mouth of Infinity" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
External links
- White Light from the Mouth of Infinity at Discogs (list of releases)